Top Signs of Hormone Imbalance in Women (and How to Naturally Restore Balance)

Hormones Are More Important Than You Realize

Did you know that hormones affect far more than your menstrual cycle or fertility? These powerful chemical messengers regulate your energy, metabolism, mood, digestion, and immune function—virtually every system in your body.

If you’d like a refresher on hormone basics, check out my post:
 Hormones 101: What Exactly Are Hormones and Why They Matter

When Communication Breaks Down: Hormonal Chaos

Hormones send signals through the body via the HPA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal) and HPO (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian) axes, which are feedback loops designed to keep your hormones balanced.

However, when chronic stress is present —whether physical, mental, emotional, or metabolic—this delicate communication system can malfunction. The result? Hormonal chaos.

Learn more about how these feedback loops work here:
 Hormone Imbalances Explained: Causes & Natural Fixes

Common… But Not Normal

In today’s fast-paced world, stress is constant, and so are hormone imbalances. Yet, while these symptoms are common, they are not normal and signal that your body needs support.

You may notice:

• Painful or irregular periods

• Trouble sleeping

• Anxiety or mood swings

• Food cravings and fatigue

Chronic stress increases cortisol and insulin, disrupting other hormones in a domino effect. When one hormone is off, others follow. The key is to identify and address the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Let’s explore the most common hormone imbalances in women, their symptoms, and natural ways to restore balance.

1. Cortisol: The Stress Hormone

Cortisol is essential for survival—it regulates inflammation, immunity, and energy. But when the stress response stays “on” too long, it leads to fatigue, anxiety, and blood sugar issues.

Root Causes:

• Physical: Injuries, chronic illness, malnutrition, caloric deficit

• Psychological: Trauma, fear, anger, grief

• Internal: Autoimmune disease, gut dysbiosis, food sensitivities

• External: Financial stress, demanding work or family life, environmental toxins

Symptoms of High Cortisol:

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Feeling “tired but wired”

• Midday crashes

• Belly fat

• Sugar and carbohydrate cravings

• Difficulty focusing or coping with stress

• Irregular menstrual cycles

After a period of persistently high cortisol, the stress response becomes down-regulated, resulting in low cortisol.

Symptoms of Low Cortisol:

• Fatigue

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

• Dizziness or low blood pressure

• Muscle weakness or body aches

• Poor stress tolerance

2. Insulin Resistance: The Energy Blocker

Insulin helps move glucose (sugar) from your blood into your cells for energy. When your cells stop responding properly, you develop insulin resistance, which is a major driver of fatigue, cravings, and inflammation.

Root Causes:


Chronic stress and a diet high in refined carbs and processed foods.

Symptoms of Insulin Resistance:

• Brain fog and fatigue

• Sugar or carb cravings

• Anxiety or irritability

• Increased belly fat

• Skin tags or dark patches

• High blood pressure or blood sugar

• Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides

3. Estrogen and Progesterone: The Dynamic Duo

These two hormones orchestrate your menstrual cycle.

Estrogen - (dominant in the follicular phase) builds up tissue and supports growth.

Progesterone - (dominant in the luteal phase) counterbalances estrogens by changing structure of endometrium. Also, has a calming effect on the nervous system.

When their ratio is off, estrogen dominance or low progesterone can develop—even if both hormones are technically low.

Root Causes of Estrogen Dominance:

• Poor estrogen detoxification in the liver or gut

• Xenoestrogen exposure (toxins mimicking estrogen)

• Excess body fat

Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance:

• Migraines

• Breast tenderness or swelling

• Ovulatory pain

• Heavy bleeding

• Aggravated symptoms of conditions influenced by estrogen

• Uterine fibroids

• Endometriosis

• Adenomyosis

Root Causes of Low Progesterone:

• Chronic stress

• Irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation (HPO axis disruption)

• Symptoms of Low Progesterone:

• Spotting or irregular bleeding

• Short menstrual cycles

• PMS or mood swings

• Anxiety

• Irregular or heavy bleeding

• Breast tenderness

• Headaches or migraines

• Fertility challenges

Root Causes of Low Estrogen:

• Chronic stress

• Irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation (HPO axis disruption)

• Coming off of hormonal birth control

Symptoms of Low Estrogen:

• Sporadic or missing periods (amenorrhea)

• Low libido

• Vaginal dryness or pain with sex

• Hot flashes, night sweats

• Joint pain and brain fog

• Dry skin and hair

4. Androgen Imbalances: Testosterone and Friends

Women need androgens like testosterone, DHEA, DHT, and androstenedione for energy, libido, and mood. Too much or too little can cause issues.

High Androgen Causes:

• Insulin resistance

• Low Sex Hormone Binding Gobulin (SHBG)

• HPA axis dysfunction

• Hormonal birth control with synthetic progestins

High Androgen Symptoms:

• Acne or oily skin

• Hair loss on scalp

• Hair growth on face

• Irregular periods

• PCOS diagnosis

Low Androgen Causes:

• Ovarian removal or insufficiency

• Adrenal dysfunction from chronic stress

• Aging

Low Androgen Symptoms:

• Low libido

• Painful sex

• Low motivation or mood

• Difficulty gaining muscle

5. Thyroid: The Metabolism Master

Your thyroid hormones influence every cell in the body. When levels drop, metabolism slows down.

Root Causes:

• HPA axis dysfunction

• High cortisol

• Nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, iodine, selenium)

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroid disease)

Symptoms of Low Thyroid Function:

• Constant fatigue

• Feeling cold

• Dry skin, hair, or nails

• Unexplained weight gain

• Depression or mood changes

• Heavy periods

• Fertility struggles

How to Support Hormone Balance Naturally

Because the endocrine system works synergistically symptoms often overlap. Supporting hormone balance begins with foundational lifestyle changes:

1. Nutrition

Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods

• 20–30g of protein per meal (eggs, tofu, fish, poultry, grass-fed meat)

• 25–30g of fiber daily

• Colorful veggies, complex carbs (sweet potatoes, quinoa, oats)

• Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds)

2. Stress Management

• Set boundaries and say no

• Ask for help and shorten your to-do list

• Reduce social media use

• Practice gratitude or mindfulness

3. Prioritize Sleep

• Establish a calming nighttime routine (reading, journaling)

• Sleep in a cool, dark room

• Aim for 7–9 hours per night

4. Gentle Movement

• Yoga, Pilates, tai chi, or walking

• Supports circulation and reduces stress hormones

5. Get Outside

• Morning sunlight helps set your circadian rhythm

• Nature exposure calms the nervous system

Testing and Personalized Support

Lab testing can give a snapshot of your hormone levels, but tracking symptoms is equally valuable. Noticing improvements in your energy, mood, sleep, and menstrual cycles shows your body is finding balance.

For deeper guidance, consider personalized support. Hormone healing takes time, but it’s possible.

Key Takeaways

• Hormones are vital messengers controlling nearly every function in the body.

• Common symptoms—fatigue, cravings, anxiety, painful periods—signal imbalance.

• Chronic stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep are major root causes.

• Restoring balance requires nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle alignment.

For personalized support, book a 1:1 coaching session or explore my Fertility & Flow Foundations Plus Guide for an integrative path toward hormone homeostasis.