Why we need to stop blaming our hormones

Your hormones aren’t the issue...

I hear it too many times: “My hormones are out of whack” “It’s my hormones” “My hormones have always been out of balance”

And while this may seem like a true statement, it doesn’t actually address the bigger picture.

As a naturopath, I’m always asking WHY. Why are your hormones out of whack?

Your hormones will only go out of balance if there’s something else going on. Your body is built to thrive and be in homeostasis (a state of balance among all the body systems needed for the body to survive and function correctly). 

So, if your hormones seem out of balance, what’s driving the hormone imbalance?

1. Chronic stress 

Stress is a major factor in hormonal health and when we are stressed, our cortisol is high. To make cortisol, we need pregnenolone. But we also need pregnenolone to make progesterone. So, this means if our cortisol is always high our body is using up our pregnenolone to form cortisol not progesterone.

Common symptoms of low progesterone:

• Spotting

• PMS symptoms (irritability, anxiety, amplified emotions)

• Excess estrogen symptoms, as they balance each other out (see below)

• Irregular ovulation or no ovulation

• Light menstruation

• Changes in bowel motions around menstruation

Download your FREE PMS Cheat Sheet

2. Gut dysbiosis 

An imbalance of bacteria in the gut leads to an increase of beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme which converts oestrogen back into an active form. When there is an imbalance of “good”: and “bad” bacteria in the gut, this enzyme increases, resulting in excess estrogen being recirculated.

Common symptoms of excess estrogen:

• Heavy periods

• Painful periods

• Mood swings and irritability

• Weight gain

• Headaches

• Sleep disturbances

• Endometriosis

• Fibroids

• Breast cysts

3. Impaired detoxification pathways 

When our liver is not detoxing properly, estrogen recirculates in the body and builds up, leading to estrogen dominance. This is why as a Naturopath I’m always aiming to get your bowels moving alongside supporting your liver.

Common symptoms of impaired detoxification:

• Constipation

• Skin conditions (eg. acne)

• Bloating

• Brain fog

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Food intolerances 

• Symptoms of low progesterone and high estrogen (as above)

A Naturopathic approach

A naturopathic approach to hormonal imbalances always takes into account every system of the body. We don’t just “treat your hormones”. We support your body to function optimally so your hormones do too! If you're ready to uncover the root causes of your hormonal imbalances with a personalised plan tailored to your needs. Book a 1:1 consultation today or book a FREE 15 minute discovery call to ask any questions, chat about your health concerns and if we're the right fit to work together.