Our main hormones include those made by the thyroid gland, the reproductive hormones (eg. oestrogens and progesterone), the stress response hormones (cortisol, adrenaline), and those involved in our blood sugar control, energy and fat storage (insulin).

There’s also testosterone, prolactin, leptin and ghrelin.

Although seemingly separate groups, they all affect each other. This is why a holistic approach to both investigation and treatment often gets the best results. And makes the most sense.

There are also particular times in a woman’s life when hormones can get a little wobbly. This includes when coming off hormonal contraception, after pregnancy or perimenopause/menopause.

The goal is to work with the body and provide what it truly needs, so it can regain the appropriate state of hormonal homeostasis on its own.

You may have heard that our period can be thought of as our ‘5th vital sign’. This is because the menstrual cycle is a complex process, orchestrated by interactions between many of our body's tissues, cells and hormones. As our periods are intimately connected to (and reflective of) our overall health, any irregularities or issues are often a sign of a deeper imbalance.

When our hormones are not optimal, we can feel all over the shop. This can reveal itself in a myriad of ways (see below). Some are obvious. Whilst others are random and seemingly unrelated.

My approach is to look deeper than just the symptoms. This often reveals what’s really driving the issue. And many times it’s not what one may think!

Once identified, treatment and support can be targeted so your body can begin to find its flow again.

As our hormones are part of an elaborate ‘hormonal orchestra’, common symptoms (shown below) tell us things are out of tune.