.png)
I have decided to dedicate the next few months to specific areas that are focused on in my practice. February was dedicated to adrenal health and signs of burnout. You will see a theme with the month’s blog post and my social media posts. Feel free to follow along at @youniquebalancehc on Instagram or Younique Balance Health Coaching on Facebook. March is all about hormone health!
Why Women’s Hormones Matter
Have you been feeling “off” lately—tired, moody, or struggling with stubborn weight gain despite eating healthy and exercising? Maybe your periods are irregular, your sleep is disrupted, or you find yourself dealing with unexplained anxiety.
Many women assume these symptoms are just part of aging, stress, or a “normal” part of life. But in reality, they could be signs of underlying hormone imbalances. The good news? You don’t have to settle for feeling this way!
As a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), I take a root-cause approach to hormone health. Instead of masking symptoms, I use functional lab testing, personalized nutrition, and lifestyle strategies to help women rebalance their hormones naturally. Let’s dive into the most common hormonal imbalances and how to restore balance for good.
Common Hormonal Imbalances in Women
Your hormones work together like an intricate symphony. When one is out of balance, others follow. Here are some of the most common hormonal imbalances I see in women:
Estrogen Dominance
Symptoms:
PMS, bloating, mood swings
Heavy, painful periods
Weight gain (especially in hips & thighs)
Breast tenderness, fibroids, or cysts
Estrogen dominance happens when estrogen levels are too high relative to progesterone, often due to poor liver detox, chronic stress, or exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals (xenoestrogens) in plastics, personal care products, and processed foods.
How to Balance Estrogen:
✅ Eat cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) to support liver detox.
✅ Reduce xenoestrogen exposure (switch to clean beauty and BPA-free products). Learn more about this in the YBHC Toxin Free Living Course here: https://l.bttr.to/WCz05
✅ Support gut health—imbalanced gut bacteria can recycle “used” estrogen, leading to excess.
Low Progesterone
Symptoms:
Anxiety, poor sleep, irritability
Short luteal phase (second half of cycle)
Spotting before periods
Infertility or miscarriage history
Progesterone is known as the “calming hormone” because it supports sleep, mood, and a healthy menstrual cycle. Chronic stress depletes progesterone because the body steals its building blocks to make stress hormones like cortisol.
How to Boost Progesterone Naturally:
✅ Manage stress—practice mindfulness, deep breathing, and yoga.
✅ Eat magnesium-rich foods (dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds) to support progesterone production.
✅ Avoid over-exercising—excess cardio can lower progesterone and worsen stress.
Testosterone Imbalances
Signs of High Testosterone:
Acne & oily skin
Irregular or missing periods
Unwanted hair growth (face, chest, back)
Thinning scalp hair
PCOS-related symptoms
Signs of Low Testosterone:
Fatigue & low energy
Low libido & mood swings
Loss of muscle tone & strength
Brain fog & lack of motivation
Testosterone isn’t just a "male hormone"—women need it too! When levels are too high or too low, it can lead to hormonal chaos affecting mood, metabolism, energy, and more.
Testosterone plays a key role in metabolism, bone density, mood stability, and reproductive health. Imbalances can contribute to insulin resistance, PCOS, and long-term health issues like osteoporosis.
Balancing Testosterone Naturally:
✅Manage stress & support adrenal health
✅ Eat a nutrient-dense diet (protein, healthy fats, zinc, magnesium)
✅ Strength train to promote hormone balance
✅ Limit processed foods, sugar & excess alcohol
Cortisol Dysregulation (HPA Axis Dysfunction)
Symptoms:
Feeling “wired but tired”
Afternoon energy crashes
Trouble falling/staying asleep
Stubborn belly fat
Cortisol is your stress hormone, controlled by the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. Chronic stress, overwork, under-eating, and poor sleep can disrupt this system, leading to adrenal burnout or “adrenal fatigue”. See the February blog post for more information here.
How to Balance Cortisol & Support the HPA Axis:
✅ Start mornings with sunlight exposure to regulate your circadian rhythm.
✅ Prioritize protein and healthy fats at breakfast to stabilize blood sugar.
✅ Try adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola to help your body handle stress.
Thyroid Imbalances (Hypothyroidism & Hashimoto’s)
Symptoms:
Fatigue & sluggish metabolism
Cold hands & feet
Hair thinning or loss
Brain fog & difficulty concentrating
Your thyroid is your body’s energy regulator, and when it’s underactive (hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s), everything slows down—metabolism, digestion, and even mental clarity. Nutrient deficiencies, gut imbalances, and chronic stress can all impact thyroid function.
How to Support Your Thyroid Naturally:
✅ Test for thyroid antibodies (most cases of hypothyroidism are autoimmune).
✅ Eat selenium & zinc-rich foods (Brazil nuts, oysters, pumpkin seeds) for thyroid health.
✅ Reduce gluten & dairy—these can trigger inflammation in some women with thyroid issues.
Blood Sugar Dysregulation (PCOS & Insulin Resistance)
Symptoms:
Sugar cravings & energy crashes
Weight gain (especially in the midsection)
Irregular periods & acne
Difficulty losing weight
Blood sugar imbalances are one of the biggest drivers of hormone dysfunction because insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar) impacts estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. This is especially common in women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
How to Balance Blood Sugar & Reverse Insulin Resistance:
✅ Prioritize protein, fiber, and healthy fats with every meal—avoid high-carb spikes.
✅ Strength training & walking after meals help improve insulin sensitivity.
✅ Consider increasing magnesium & inositol—both support blood sugar balance.
How Functional Nutrition & Lab Testing Can Help
If you’re dealing with hormonal symptoms, fatigue, or unexplained weight gain, the first step is getting the right lab testing to uncover hidden imbalances.
As a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), I use tests like:
DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) – Measures cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, hormone metabolites and more.
Comprehensive Blood Work & Thyroid Panels – Includes markers often missed in standard lab tests and also interpreted from a functional perspective.
GI & Gut Testing (GI Map) – Because gut health plays a crucial role in hormone balance.
Once we have data, we create a personalized nutrition & lifestyle plan to:
✅ Balance hormones naturally with food, movement, and stress management.
✅ Support detox pathways for optimal estrogen metabolism.
✅ Optimize digestion, gut health, and nutrient absorption.
You Don’t Have to “Just Deal With It”
If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, mood swings, stubborn weight gain, or cycle irregularities, it’s time to dig deeper. Your symptoms are not just in your head, and you deserve answers.
By addressing the root cause and supporting your body with the right tools, you can regain energy, balance, and vitality. Follow along on the YBHC Instagram page for a deeper look into all these areas in the coming weeks! Interested in chatting 1:1, shoot me at email at jen@youniquebalancehc or sign up for a 30 minute call here: https://l.bttr.to/Y9HOt
Comments