Your 40s is a decade that comes with a mix of wisdom, confidence, and a few unexpected surprises from your body.
While ageing is completely natural, some of the physical changes that start happening around this time can feel a little strange, particularly for women. Hormones fluctuate, metabolism slows, and your body starts responding to things in ways it never did before. Some of these changes are subtle, while others might make you do a double take in the mirror.
1. Your skin starts getting drier and thinner.
Even if you’ve always had oily skin, you may start noticing more dryness in your 40s. This happens because oestrogen levels drop, leading to a reduction in collagen and natural oil production. The skin also becomes thinner, which can make veins more noticeable and bruises appear more easily. Investing in a richer moisturiser and hydrating serums can help keep skin feeling soft and healthy.
2. Your hair texture changes.
Many women in their 40s notice that their hair isn’t the same as it used to be. It might become finer, drier, or even curlier than it was before. It happens due to hormonal shifts affecting hair growth and structure. Some women also experience more hair shedding, while others find that their hair grows back in unexpected places, like along the jawline or chin. It’s all part of the natural ageing process, but it can definitely take some getting used to.
3. You may develop new food sensitivities.
That cheese you used to enjoy without a problem might suddenly leave you bloated and uncomfortable. Many women find that their digestive system becomes more sensitive in their 40s, sometimes developing mild intolerances to dairy, gluten, or certain high-fat foods. It happens because digestive enzymes and gut bacteria change with age, making it harder to break down certain foods. Paying attention to what your body tolerates can help prevent unnecessary discomfort.
4. Your metabolism slows way down.
It’s not just in your head — your metabolism really does slow down in your 40s. Your body starts to burn fewer calories at rest, which can make weight management trickier than before. Even if your eating habits haven’t changed, you might notice that extra weight sticks around longer, especially in areas like the stomach. Staying active and adjusting portion sizes can help counteract this change.
5. Your feet may get bigger.
Believe it or not, your feet don’t stay the same size forever. Over time, the tendons and ligaments in your feet lose elasticity, which can cause them to spread and flatten out. Some women go up half a shoe size or more in their 40s. If your favourite heels suddenly feel tighter, it’s not your imagination — it’s just another unexpected body change.
6. You might start getting random aches and pains.
Waking up with a sore back or feeling stiff after sitting too long? Joint and muscle aches become more common in your 40s due to a gradual loss of cartilage and flexibility. Even if you’ve always been active, you may need to start stretching more or modifying workouts to prevent injuries. It’s not about slowing down; it’s about listening to your body and giving it what it needs.
7. Your periods get unpredictable.
One month your cycle might be shorter, the next it might be longer. Your 40s are when perimenopause kicks in, bringing with it irregular periods, heavier or lighter flows, and sometimes skipping a cycle altogether. These changes happen because oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate as your body prepares for menopause. While it’s completely normal, it can also be frustrating if you’re used to a regular cycle.
8. Your nails become weaker or ridged.
If your nails used to be strong and smooth but are now peeling or developing vertical ridges, you’re not alone. This change is common in your 40s due to reduced keratin production. Staying hydrated and using cuticle oils can help, but sometimes, these changes are just part of the natural ageing process.
9. You might notice more cellulite, even if your weight hasn’t changed.
Cellulite isn’t just about weight; it’s also about skin elasticity. As collagen production decreases, skin becomes thinner and less firm, making cellulite more noticeable. Even women who have stayed the same weight their whole lives may see changes in how their skin looks. Strength training and staying hydrated can help keep skin looking firmer.
10. Your eyesight starts playing tricks on you.
If you suddenly find yourself holding your phone at arm’s length to read a message, welcome to presbyopia — the age-related decline in close-up vision. It happens because the lenses in your eyes lose flexibility, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. Even if you’ve had perfect vision your whole life, reading glasses might become a necessity. It’s one of the most universal changes people experience in their 40s.
11. You start waking up at weird hours.
Falling asleep might not be a problem, but staying asleep? That’s another story. Many women in their 40s experience changes in their sleep patterns, waking up at odd hours for no apparent reason. Hormonal fluctuations can disrupt deep sleep, and stress can make it harder to switch off at night. A consistent bedtime routine and limiting caffeine later in the day can help improve sleep quality.
12. You feel hotter than usual.
Even if you’re not experiencing full-blown hot flashes yet, you may notice that you’re more sensitive to heat or that you sweat more easily. Hormonal changes can cause your internal thermostat to act up, making you feel warmer than usual. It can make exercise, sleeping, and even dressing for the day a little trickier. Layering your clothing and keeping a fan nearby can make things more comfortable.
13. Bruises seem to appear out of nowhere.
If you keep discovering bruises and have no memory of bumping into anything, it’s because skin becomes thinner and more fragile in your 40s. Blood vessels are closer to the surface, making bruising easier and more noticeable. It’s not necessarily a sign of poor health, just another part of how skin changes with age. Wearing protective clothing for activities and staying on top of vitamin C intake can help support skin strength.
14. Your body hair starts migrating to unexpected places.
One of the biggest surprises for many women in their 40s is the sudden appearance of rogue hairs in places they’ve never had them before — chin, upper lip, or even random stray hairs on the cheeks. At the same time, hair may start thinning in areas like the scalp or eyebrows. This happens due to changing hormone levels, and while it’s completely normal, it can be a bit of a shock at first.
