Hormones & Your Health
What Every Woman Should Know
Did you know that menstruating women were rarely included in scientific studies until the 2000s? And that the first-ever study using actual menstrual blood instead of that mysterious blue liquid didn’t happen until 2023? Women’s health has been misunderstood and under-researched for far too long.
In this post, we’re breaking down the complex world of hormones—how they shape your energy, mood, skin, digestion, and overall well-being. From PMS and acne to PCOS and endometriosis, I’ll explain why these imbalances happen and how your diet, stress levels, and daily habits can influence them.
Your Hormones Aren’t the Same Every Day
Many of us never learned about our hormonal rhythms growing up. We were taught about periods, but not the intricate dance of oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA that fluctuates throughout the month. These hormones impact your mood, metabolism, skin, and even your motivation.
Understanding these fluctuations means you can work with your body, not against it.
Key Topics Covered in This Episode:
✔ The Missing Education – Why so many of us never learned how our hormones actually work
✔ The Hormone Symphony – How oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone interact
✔ DHEA: The Master Hormone – Its role in energy, libido, and metabolism
✔ Hormonal Birth Control – The truth about its impact on mood, skin, and ovulation
✔ PMS vs. PMDD – Why PMS isn’t just part of being a woman
✔ PCOS, Acne & Androgens – How testosterone and blood sugar affect cycles
✔ Endometriosis & Oestrogen Imbalance – The myths, research, and management strategies
✔ Blood Sugar & Hormones – Why sugar crashes can throw your cycle out of balance
✔ Stress & Hormones – How mental, emotional & physical stress disrupts cycles
PMS Isn’t Something You Have to Just Accept
If you’ve been told PMS is just part of life, think again. Symptoms like severe mood swings, exhaustion, bloating, and cravings often indicate underlying imbalances. The good news? PMS can be managed through nutrition, lifestyle shifts, and targeted support.
For example, blood sugar imbalances can worsen PMS symptoms, making cravings and mood swings worse. Stress is another major factor—when cortisol is high, it can interfere with progesterone production, worsening anxiety and irritability in the second half of your cycle.
Why You Should Care About DHEA & Testosterone
DHEA and testosterone are often overlooked in women’s health, yet they are crucial for motivation, muscle strength, and libido. Low levels can contribute to fatigue, low mood, and difficulty maintaining muscle mass. If you’ve ever felt sluggish or unmotivated, these hormones might be worth investigating.
How Nutrition & Lifestyle Can Support Your Hormones
Here are some foundational steps to balance your hormones naturally:
✔ Eat enough protein and healthy fats to support hormone production
✔ Avoid blood sugar crashes by balancing carbs with protein and fibre
✔ Prioritise stress management—cortisol has a direct impact on hormone function
✔ Consider functional hormone testing if you experience persistent symptoms
✔ Learn how diet, movement, and self-care can create long-term balance
Want to Learn More?
This podcast episode is packed with insights that will help you take control of your health. Tune in now to learn how to work with your hormones, not against them.
🔗 Listen on apple here: Good Honest Talk
Would love to hear your thoughts—have you experienced hormonal changes? What’s helped you the most? Let me know.