We’ve all heard it: “You must have a hormonal imbalance.”
It’s everywhere - on your feed, in your group chats, and probably whispered by that one friend who's "in the know".
But what does “hormonal imbalance” actually mean? Are we talking sex hormones? Thyroid? Stress hormones? Blood sugar? All of the above?
Let’s clear up any confusion and get to know your hormones a little better - without the hype or fear.
Hormones 101: Your Body’s Messengers
Hormones are tiny chemical messengers that help regulate just about everything - your metabolism, sleep, mood, energy, menstrual cycle, sex drive, and more. Think of them like traffic signals for your body: when they’re timed just right, everything flows smoothly. But when the signals are out of sync? You get backups, confusion, and the occasional emotional pile-up.
There are three major hormone systems where imbalances are most likely to show up:
Sex Hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone)
These are your reproductive hormones and key players from puberty to post-menopause. When they’re out of balance, you might experience:
- Acne, hair thinning, or unwanted hair growth
- Irregular or missing periods
- PMS (think: mood swings, cravings, bloating, sleep issues)
- Low libido or fatigue
- Infertility struggles
One common issue? High androgens (like testosterone), often seen in PCOS or chronic stress, which can cause acne, hair issues, and cycle disruption.
Another common culprit: low progesterone relative to estrogen, especially in your late 30s and 40s, when perimenopause often begins. This hormonal dip often leads to classic PMS symptoms in the 7–10 days before your period. The fix? Support ovulation, manage stress, and get enough sleep and movement.
Metabolic Hormones (Insulin, Thyroid)
These hormones handle your energy production and metabolism. When they’re out of balance, your body may feel sluggish, foggy, and resistant to weight loss, no matter how "clean" you eat.
- Insulin responds to blood sugar. Too much up-and-down glucose = insulin resistance, fatigue, cravings, and weight gain.
- Thyroid hormones (T3, T4) regulate how fast you burn energy. Low thyroid = slow metabolism, brain fog, constipation, and cold hands 24/7.
If you're tired all the time, gaining weight without reason, or your mood's off, get these hormones evaluated.
Adrenal Hormones (Cortisol, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine)
These stress hormones are made by your adrenal glands (those little guys on top of your kidneys). They're like your body’s emergency responders, but if they’re always on duty, it’s a problem.
Too much cortisol = anxiety, insomnia, irritability, low appetite
Too little cortisol = burnout, fatigue, brain fog, feeling like a walking shell
The worst part? Chronic stress messes with all your other hormones. So yes, stress can make PMS worse, wreck your thyroid, and tank your libido. Fun.
"But My Provider Said My Hormones Are Fine…”
Maybe. But standard blood tests often miss functional imbalances, aka, what’s not working optimally even if it isn’t clinically broken. Hormones also fluctuate constantly, so a single test might not tell the full story.
That’s where functional testing (like saliva, urine, or cycle-mapped bloodwork) can help, if used appropriately and interpreted by someone trained in functional testing.
(Spoiler alert: that’s where I come in. 👋)
7 Natural Ways to Start Supporting Hormones
Before you go chasing supplements, start here:
- Prioritize protein
Aim for 25–30g per meal to balance blood sugar and support metabolism. - Eat more veggies & fermented foods
Your gut helps regulate hormones - treat it well. - Ditch the sugar
Especially the sneaky kind hiding in sauces, snacks, and “healthy” drinks. - Add fiber
Helps insulin sensitivity, keeps you full, helps you detox, and feeds your gut. - Move your body, but listen to it
Low energy? Try walking, yoga, or strength training. Overtraining = adrenal overload. - Manage stress (seriously)
Meditation, breathwork, therapy, journaling, boundaries. Pick your tool, but use it consistently. - Sleep like it’s your job
7–8 hours a night = hormonal gold. No badge of honor for burning out.
Final Thoughts
If you suspect your hormones are playing a role in your symptoms, trust that instinct. But don’t stop there.
Partnering with a functional medicine provider means we look at the whole picture: hormones, gut health, nutrition, lifestyle, and YOU.
You’re not “just hormonal.” You’re whole, dynamic, and worthy of real answers and support.
Curious where to start? Let’s talk.
At Functional Reset NP, I help women untangle their hormone chaos and feel like themselves again, without guessing games or band-aid solutions.
Book a free Discovery call and let’s get your hormones back in check.
