Understanding Your Hormones
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Your Body's Chemical Messengers
Hormones are your body's communication system – think of them as messages sent between different parts of your body to keep everything working in harmony. When hormones are balanced, you feel energised, sleep well, and your mood stays stable. When they're not, you might notice changes in your energy, sleep, mood, or physical wellbeing.
Understanding how your hormones work empowers you to recognise changes and take action when needed.
Your Main Hormones
Oestrogen
What it does:
Often called the "female hormone," oestrogen affects far more than just your reproductive system.
How it helps you:
- Keeps your skin healthy and elastic
- Maintains bone strength
- Supports heart health
- Helps regulate your mood
- Keeps your brain sharp
- Maintains healthy cholesterol levels
When it changes:
Oestrogen levels fluctuate during your menstrual cycle and decline significantly during perimenopause and menopause.
Progesterone
What it does:
Known as the "calming hormone," progesterone balances oestrogen and has a naturally soothing effect.
How it helps you:
- Promotes restful sleep
- Reduces anxiety and irritability
- Supports healthy periods
- Protects your womb lining
- Helps maintain pregnancy
- Can improve mood stability
When it changes:
Progesterone drops first during perimenopause, often causing sleep problems and anxiety before periods stop.
Testosterone
What it does:
While often thought of as a "male hormone," testosterone is essential for women too
How it helps you:
- Maintains healthy libido
- Supports muscle strength
- Boosts energy levels
- Helps with motivation and drive
- Maintains bone density
- Supports mental clarity
When it changes:
Testosterone gradually declines from your late twenties and drops more significantly during menopause.
Pregnenolone
What it does:
The "mother hormone" that serves as a precursor to other hormones.
How it helps you:
- Supports memory and cognitive function
- Helps with stress resilience
- Maintains hormone balance
- Supports overall brain health
When it changes:
Like DHEA, pregnenolone decreases with age and stress.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
What it does:
A building block hormone that your body converts into other hormones as needed.
How it helps you:
- Supports energy production
- Helps with stress management
- Maintains healthy immune function
- Supports muscle mass
- Contributes to overall vitality
When it changes:
DHEA peaks in your twenties and steadily declines with age.
Your Hormone Journey Through Life
Recognising Hormone Imbalance
Hormones rarely work in isolation – when one is out of balance, others are often affected too. Your body gives you signals when hormones need attention.
Common Signs Your Hormones Need Support
Sleep and Energy:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Waking up tired despite adequate sleep
- Energy crashes during the day
- Feeling wired but tired
Mood and Mind:
- Increased irritability or anxiety
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Feeling overwhelmed by normal stressors
Physical Changes:
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Hot flushes or night sweats
- Weight gain, especially around the middle
- Joint aches and pains
- Headaches
- Skin changes
Sexual Health:
- Reduced libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Discomfort during intimacy
What Affects Your Hormone Balance
Natural factors:
- Age and life stage
- Menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Genetics
Lifestyle factors:
- Chronic stress
- Poor sleep
- Lack of exercise or over-exercising
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Excessive alcohol or caffeine
Medical factors:
- Certain medications
- Medical conditions
- Surgical menopause
When Hormones Fall Out of Balance
Oestrogen Dominance:
When oestrogen is high relative to progesterone, you might experience:
- Heavy periods
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Headaches
Low Oestrogen:
When oestrogen drops too low, common symptoms include:
- Hot flushes
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep problems
- Joint pain
- Memory issues
Progesterone Deficiency:
Low progesterone often causes:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety and irritability
- Irregular periods
- PMS symptoms
- Mood instability
Supporting Your Hormone Health
Lifestyle Foundations
Sleep:
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly. Your body produces and regulates hormones during sleep.
Nutrition:
Focus on whole foods, adequate protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables. Limit processed foods and excess sugar.
Movement:
Regular exercise supports hormone production and helps your body use hormones effectively.
Stress Management:
Chronic stress disrupts hormone balance. Find stress-reduction techniques that work for you.
Connection:
Strong relationships and social support positively influence hormone health.
When to Seek Expert Help
Consider professional support if you're experiencing:
- Persistent symptoms affecting your quality of life
- Irregular periods or significant cycle changes
- Symptoms that interfere with work, relationships, or daily activities
- Multiple hormone-related symptoms
- Concerns about your hormone health
Your Next Steps
Understanding is the First Step
Now that you know how hormones affect your daily life, you can better recognise when they need support and make informed decisions about your health.
