Why your gut, thyroid, metabolism, mineral balance and nervous system all play an important role in women's hormonal health.

Have you ever been told...

"Your blood test results are 'normal' " or "It's just your hormones."

For many women, that explanation doesn't quite feel complete.

Hormonal changes can certainly influence how we feel, but our hormones don't work in isolation. They are constantly communicating with other systems throughout the body, including our gut, thyroid, nervous system, metabolism and even our microbiome.

Over the past 12 years as a naturopath, one of the biggest changes in my practice has been shifting away from simply treating hormonal symptoms and instead asking a different question:

"What is the body trying to tell us?"

Rather than focusing on one symptom at a time, I now look at the bigger picture. Often, the missing pieces aren't just our hormones—they're the systems supporting them.

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle

Our menstrual cycle is much more than having a monthly period.

Throughout the month, hormones naturally rise and fall to prepare the body for ovulation and, if pregnancy doesn't occur, menstruation.

The four phases include:

🌸 Menstrual Phase – the uterine lining sheds.

🌱 Follicular Phase – oestrogen begins to rise and follicles develop.

🥚 Ovulation – an egg is released.

🌿 Luteal Phase – progesterone increases to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.

Each phase plays an important role, and it's normal to notice subtle changes in energy, mood and appetite throughout the month.

However, severe pain, extremely heavy bleeding, debilitating mood changes or significant disruption to daily life shouldn't simply be dismissed as "normal."

Looking Beyond the Diagnosis

PMDD – More Than "Just PMS"

Many women experience some changes before their period, such as mild mood changes, food cravings or bloating. These symptoms are commonly referred to as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and are usually manageable without significantly affecting daily life.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), however, is very different.

PMDD is now recognised as a serious neuroendocrine condition that can have a profound impact on a woman's emotional wellbeing, relationships, work and quality of life.

Women with PMDD may experience symptoms such as:

• Severe mood changes
• Anxiety or panic
• Depression or feelings of hopelessness
• Irritability or anger
• Emotional overwhelm
• Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Changes in appetite
• Feeling unlike themselves during the second half of their menstrual cycle

These symptoms typically occur after ovulation, during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and often improve within the first few days of menstruation.

What Has Research Taught Us?

One of the biggest advances in our understanding of PMDD is that most women with PMDD have normal hormone levels.

Rather than being caused by having too much or too little oestrogen or progesterone, current research suggests that the brain and nervous system respond differently to the normal hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the menstrual cycle.

In other words, it's not the amount of hormones that's different, it's the body's sensitivity to those hormonal changes.

This helps explain why hormone blood tests often appear "normal", even though a woman may be experiencing significant symptoms each month.

PMDD and ADHD – An Important Connection

Another exciting area of research is the growing understanding of the relationship between PMDD and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Many women with ADHD report that their symptoms become significantly worse during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle.

They may notice:

• Increased brain fog
• Greater emotional sensitivity
• More difficulty concentrating
• Increased impulsivity
• Feeling overwhelmed more easily
• Reduced effectiveness of ADHD medication for some women before their period

Researchers are continuing to explore this connection, but it highlights just how closely our hormones, brain and nervous system communicate with one another.

Looking Beyond the Symptoms

As a naturopath, I believe PMDD deserves a whole-person approach.

While PMDD isn't caused by abnormal hormone levels, many factors may influence how resilient our body and nervous system are to those normal hormonal fluctuations.

This is why I also consider areas such as:

🌿 Blood sugar regulation

🦠 Gut health and the microbiome

🦋 Thyroid function

🧪 Mineral balance and nutritional status

💙 Stress and nervous system health

😴 Sleep quality

🥗 Nutrition and lifestyle

These factors don't necessarily cause PMDD, but they can influence overall wellbeing and form an important part of a personalised treatment plan alongside appropriate medical care.

Every woman's experience is unique, and understanding the bigger picture helps us move beyond simply managing symptoms and towards supporting the whole person.

From PCOS to PMOS: Understanding the Name Change

For many years, this condition has been known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

However, in 2026, an international panel of experts, researchers and patient advocates officially renamed the condition Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). This change reflects decades of research showing that the condition involves much more than the ovaries and is recognised as a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting multiple body systems.

One of the reasons for the name change is that the term Polycystic Ovary Syndrome has been misleading.

Many women diagnosed with the condition don't actually have ovarian cysts, while others who do have ovarian cysts don't meet the criteria for the syndrome. The previous name also placed too much emphasis on the ovaries and didn't adequately reflect the hormonal, metabolic and long-term health implications.

Today, PMOS is recognised as one of the most common endocrine conditions affecting women, impacting approximately 1 in 8 women worldwide. It influences hormone production, ovulation, metabolism, insulin sensitivity and overall health throughout different stages of life.

Women living with PMOS may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• Difficulty ovulating or fertility challenges
• Acne
• Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Weight gain or difficulty managing weight
• Insulin resistance
• Blood sugar dysregulation
• Increased inflammation
• Changes to the gut microbiome
• Increased long-term cardiovascular and metabolic risk

Because PMOS is now recognised as a whole-body condition, treatment should also look beyond reproductive health alone.

As a naturopath, this aligns closely with how I support women in clinic. Rather than focusing solely on hormonal symptoms, I also consider factors such as blood sugar regulation, nutrition, gut health, thyroid health, stress, sleep, mineral balance and lifestyle to create a personalised treatment plan that supports the whole person.

Fibroids – More Than Heavy Periods

Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas or myomas) are non-cancerous growths that develop within or around the muscular wall of the uterus.

They are incredibly common, affecting up to 70–80% of women by menopause, although many women never develop symptoms or may not even realise they have them.

Fibroids can vary greatly in size, number and location. Some are as small as a pea, while others can grow much larger and place pressure on surrounding organs.

Because every woman's experience is different, symptoms can also vary considerably.

Some women experience no symptoms at all, while others may experience:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Passing large blood clots
• Painful periods
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Lower back pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Fertility or pregnancy challenges

One of the most common concerns I see in clinic is heavy menstrual bleeding.

While many women assume this is simply "normal" for them, persistent heavy bleeding can significantly affect quality of life and may increase the risk of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, contributing to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, poor concentration and reduced exercise tolerance. Recent research continues to highlight the substantial burden that fibroid-related heavy bleeding places on women's health and wellbeing.

What Causes Fibroids?

The exact cause isn't fully understood.

Current research suggests that fibroids develop through a combination of factors, including:

• Hormonal influences (particularly oestrogen and progesterone)
• Genetics and family history
• Growth factors within the uterine muscle
• Chronic inflammation
• Metabolic health

Researchers are also exploring how nutrition and lifestyle may influence inflammation and hormonal pathways that contribute to fibroid growth, although more research is still needed.

The Emerging Role of the Microbiome

One of the most exciting areas of women's health research is the growing interest in the reproductive tract microbiome.

While we've learnt a great deal about the gut microbiome over recent years, researchers are now investigating whether the vaginal and uterine microbiomes may also influence menstrual health, inflammation and conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding and fibroids.

Although this research is still in its early stages, it reinforces an important message:

Women's reproductive health doesn't exist in isolation.

The health of the gut, immune system, microbiome and reproductive tract are all interconnected, and understanding these relationships may help shape future approaches to women's health.

Looking Beyond the Fibroids

As a naturopath, my focus isn't simply on the fibroids themselves.

It's about understanding how they're affecting the woman sitting in front of me.

That may include supporting:

🌿 Iron status and nutrient intake

🥗 Anti-inflammatory nutrition

🦠 Gut health and the microbiome

💙 Stress and nervous system wellbeing

😴 Sleep and recovery

🧪 Overall metabolic and hormonal health

It's also about recognising when medical investigations or treatments are appropriate and working collaboratively with your GP or specialist to support your health journey.

Because ultimately, treating a scan result isn't the goal.

Supporting the whole person is.

The Bigger Picture: Why Hormones Don't Work Alone

When we think about hormonal health, it's easy to focus only on the ovaries or reproductive hormones. However, hormones don't work in isolation.

Every hormone in the body is part of an intricate communication network involving the brain, thyroid, adrenal glands, digestive system, immune system and metabolism.

This means that symptoms such as fatigue, irregular periods, brain fog, mood changes or weight gain may have multiple contributing factors.

Rather than asking, "Which hormone is causing this?", I often ask:

"What other systems could be influencing hormonal health?"

This whole-body approach is one of the biggest shifts in the way I now practise naturopathy.

Thyroid Health – The Body's Metabolic Engine

The thyroid gland plays an essential role in regulating metabolism, energy production, body temperature and reproductive health.

When thyroid function changes, women may experience symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Weight changes
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Fertility challenges
• Mood changes

It's not uncommon for thyroid conditions to overlap with other hormonal concerns, which is why I always consider thyroid health as part of the bigger picture.

 Gut Health & The Microbiome

Over the past decade, we've learnt that the gut does far more than digest food.

The gut microbiome influences:

• Oestrogen metabolism
• Immune function
• Inflammation
• Nutrient absorption
• The gut-brain axis
• Mood and mental wellbeing

Research continues to uncover fascinating links between the microbiome and women's health, reinforcing the importance of supporting digestive health alongside hormonal wellbeing.

This is why gut health is such an important part of my consultations—not only for digestive symptoms, but for hormonal health as well.

 Mineral Balance

Minerals are involved in hundreds of biochemical processes throughout the body.

They help support:

• Energy production
• Thyroid function
• Blood sugar regulation
• Nervous system health
• Stress resilience
• Hormone production

When appropriate, Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) provides another piece of the puzzle, helping identify long-term mineral patterns that may be influencing overall health.

While testing isn't necessary for everyone, it can provide valuable insight when symptoms are ongoing or complex.

 Metabolic Health

One of the biggest shifts in women's health research has been recognising the important role metabolism plays in hormonal health.

Blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity don't just affect diabetes.

They also influence:

• Ovulation
• Hormone production
• Energy
• Mood
• Weight regulation
• Inflammation

This is one of the reasons conditions such as PMOS are now recognised as metabolic conditions as well as reproductive conditions.

Supporting metabolic health through nutrition, movement, sleep and lifestyle can be an important part of improving overall hormonal wellbeing.

Stress & The Nervous System

Stress isn't simply an emotional experience. It's a physiological response that influences almost every system within the body.

When we're living with chronic stress, poor sleep or nervous system dysregulation, it can affect:

• Mood
• Digestion
• Blood sugar regulation
• Thyroid function
• Energy
• Menstrual cycles

One of the greatest lessons I've learnt over the years is that supporting the nervous system can often have a positive ripple effect throughout the entire body.

This is one of the reasons I developed my Body Balance Treatments—to complement naturopathic care by gently supporting relaxation, nervous system regulation and overall wellbeing.

Perimenopause and Menopause

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:

"I'm not having hot flushes, so it can't be perimenopause."

In reality, hormonal changes begin years before menopause.

Women often describe:

• Brain fog
• Forgetfulness
• Anxiety
• Poor sleep
• Fatigue
• Dry skin 
• Low libido
• Weight gain
• Changing digestion
• Joint aches
• Reduced resilience to stress

For many women, these symptoms can begin in their late 30s or 40s, often years before their final menstrual period.

Because the changes happen gradually, it's common to wonder whether it's stress, ageing, a busy lifestyle or simply "getting older."

The reality is that fluctuating hormones can influence many body systems, including the brain, nervous system, metabolism, thyroid and digestive system.

This is one reason why no two women experience perimenopause in exactly the same way.

Medical Interventions Are Part of the Picture Too

One area that's often overlooked when discussing hormonal health is the role of medical treatments and surgical procedures.

Many women have used, or are currently using, hormonal contraception or have undergone gynaecological surgery at some point in their lives. These interventions can be incredibly valuable and, for many women, life-changing.

Examples include:

• The combined oral contraceptive pill
• The progesterone-only pill
• Hormonal implants
• Hormonal injections
• The Mirena® intrauterine device (IUD)
• Hysterectomy
• Endometrial ablation

Each works differently and may be recommended for a variety of reasons, including contraception, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, endometriosis, adenomyosis or other gynaecological conditions.

As a naturopath, my role isn't to tell women whether they should or shouldn't choose these options.

Instead, I believe it's important to understand how they work, why they've been recommended and how we can continue supporting overall health alongside these treatments.

For some women, that may mean paying closer attention to nutrition, gut health, mineral balance, stress, sleep or thyroid health. For others, it may simply involve understanding the changes occurring within their body and knowing what to expect.

Our bodies are incredibly adaptable and supporting them through each stage of life is just as important as treating symptoms themselves.

Looking Beyond the Symptoms

If there's one thing I've learnt throughout my years as a naturopath, it's this:

Hormones rarely work alone.

They're influenced by:

🌿 Gut health

🦋 Thyroid function

🧪 Mineral balance

💙 Stress and nervous system health

🥗 Nutrition

😴 Sleep

⚖️ Blood sugar regulation

🌱 Lifestyle

That's why I no longer ask:

"What supplement should we take for this symptom?"

Instead, I ask:

"What is your body trying to tell us?"

Understanding the whole picture allows us to move beyond simply managing symptoms.

It allows us to create a personalised treatment plan that supports you - your body, your health goals and your stage of life.

Whether you're navigating PMDD, PMOS, fibroids, thyroid concerns, perimenopause or menopause, my goal is to help you better understand your body and feel supported every step of the way.

Sometimes that involves nutrition, herbal medicine and lifestyle changes.

Sometimes functional testing, such as HTMA or Microbiome Testing, provides additional insight.

And sometimes, it simply begins with taking the time to listen to your story.

Because every woman deserves to feel heard.

Every woman deserves answers.

And every woman deserves to know that her symptoms matter.

🌿 Looking beyond the symptoms, together.

If this Health Topic resonated with you and you'd like personalised support, you can book a consultation using the link below.

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Yours in health and wellness,

 

 

Katrina