Our bodies communicate constantly, and when we learn to listen, it becomes possible to spot signals that we were told were normal or that we simply choose to ignore. Hormones, these chemical messengers, orchestrate our energy, sleep, mood, fertility, digestion, libido, and weight. If one of these messengers goes awry, the effects ripple throughout, like an orchestra with one instrument playing out of tune. The goal here isn't to make a diagnosis, but to understand the clues our body is sending us and identify when it's helpful to consult a health professional.
**Understanding Hormones**
Hormones act like an invisible conductor: each gland sends messages that coordinate all of the body's systems. The main hormone families include:
* **Oestrogens and progesterone**: They regulate the menstrual cycle, fertility, mood, and libido.
* **Thyroid hormones (T3, T4)**: Influence metabolism, energy, weight, and indirectly, fertility.
* **Cortisol**: Secreted by the adrenal glands, manages stress, sleep, and immunity.
* **Insulin**: Regulates blood sugar, digestion, and energy, with an effect on fertility.
* **Androgens (testosterone, DHEA)**: Impact fertility, libido, muscle mass, and vitality.
* **Prolactin**: Stimulates lactation and, in excess, can block ovulation.
Hormones are constantly interacting, and an imbalance in one gland can cause a domino effect throughout the body.
**Physical and Emotional Signs to Watch For**
Certain symptoms, often trivialized, may indicate a hormonal imbalance:
* Persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep.
* Mood swings, irritability, or restlessness.
* Irregular menstrual cycles or intense premenstrual symptoms.
* Hot flashes, weight fluctuations, persistent acne, hair loss.
* Sleep and digestive problems, sugar cravings, decreased libido.
These signs are not imaginary: they reflect an internal imbalance that can be identified and monitored.
**Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism**
* *Hypothyroidism**: a sluggish thyroid gland can cause fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, and irregular cycles. Recommended test: TSH, free T4, and T3. Treatment may include hormone replacement therapy and adapted nutrition (diet rich in iodine, selenium, zinc).
* *Hyperthyroidism**: Overactive thyroid gland → weight loss, nervousness, palpitations, excessive sweating, hot flashes, short menstrual cycles. Test similar to hypothyroidism. Management: Medication and healthy lifestyle to calm hormonal excess.
**Low Progesterone **
Progesterone, essential for the post-ovulatory phase, may be insufficient, leading to:
* Spotting or short cycles.
* Marked premenstrual syndrome: irritability, anxiety, tender breasts, insomnia.
* Heavy and clotty periods
* Difficulties conceiving and risk of early pregnancy loss.
Recommended blood test seven days after ovulation, with the possibility of bioidentical supplementation or natural support through diet and certain herbs.
**Oestrogen Dominance**
An excess of oestrogen relative to progesterone can cause:
* Heavy and painful periods, tender breasts.
* Water retention, weight gain, cyclical migraines.
* Risk of fibroids and polyps.
Natural strategies, such as oestrogen detoxification and reducing xenoestrogens (alcohol, sugar, endocrine disruptors), can help restore balance.
**Excess Prolactin**
Hyperprolactinemia leads to:
* Absence or missed cycles, difficulty conceiving.
* Milk flow outside of breastfeeding.
* Decreased libido and sometimes headaches.
The causes can be varied, including chronic stress or pituitary adenoma. Management may include blood tests, MRI, and possibly medical treatment or natural support.
**Cortisol and Chronic Stress**
Cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is directly linked to progesterone. An excess of it linked to chronic stress exhausts the body, leading to:
* Insomnia and nighttime awakenings.
* Palpitations, anxiety, and abdominal weight gain.
* Intense fatigue and hypoglycemia when the adrenal glands are exhausted.
Management includes lifestyle, sleep, anti-stress techniques, and natural support using appropriate herbs and nutrition.
**Why Observe Your Body Before a Hormonal Assessment**
Observe before measuring
Hormones are allies: listening to your body's signals can help identify an imbalance even before performing tests. Understanding this internal symphony helps guide medical consultations.
**5 tips to optimise your hormonal health**
**Track your cycle: This allows you to assess the different phases of your cycle: your follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase. You can notice the patterns and identify problems that appear regularly. It also allows you to see improvements as you make lifestyle changes and/or receive medical treatment. See the blog ‘why do I tell all my patients to track their cycles”
**Rule out underlying issues with blood tests: Test oestrogen, progesterone (7 days after ovulation), thyroid, prolactin, ferritin & Iron. All can be done through your GP or online with companies like Medichecks.
**Support your hormones with a balanced diet: focus on whole foods rich in zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6—such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, eggs, and lean meats to naturally support hormonal balance. For a personalised support talk to a nutritionist.
**Manage stress effectively: chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can
suppress progesterone. Look at ways to manage stress, Learning to slow down—through breathing, sleep, and nature—allows you to regain calm and balance. I’ve heard acupuncture is very good for this!
**Regularly exercise, but don’t overdo it: Being psychically active is very beneficial physically and mentally. We know that moderate physical exercise can help reduce the risk of certain health conditions that can cause reproductive health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart conditions. It may also help you reduce stress and improve your sleep.
However, excessive physical activity, can disrupt your menstrual cycle or make it stop completely, particularly if it is accompanied by inadequate fuelling.
So, it’s important to assess your exercise routine to adapt it to your own needs and abilities.
If you would like to know more, get in touch at sophies@silverwoodacupuncture.co.uk
I run acupuncture consultations at Make Me Feel Pharmacy in Clapham (SW4 London) and at 2Me Clinic in Chancery Lane (EC1 London 2meclinic.com) - 2Me Clinic is a modern medical hub dedicated to female health with Female Health Doctors and founders. Nutritionist. Acupuncturist (me!). Psychotherapist.
(Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash)