by Feeling Great | Aug 4, 2023 | Hormones
Female Hormone Specialist
Are Hormones Causing Your Fatigue, Weight Gain, or Mood Swings?
Do you feel like your hormones are out of balance? If so, you’re not alone. Hormones act as chemical messengers, influencing everything from energy levels and mood to digestion, metabolism, and overall well-being. When they become imbalanced, a range of symptoms can arise, impacting your quality of life.
As a Female Hormone Specialist, I help identify and address these imbalances through natural solutions. Functional and naturopathic medicine focus on finding the root cause, using methods like salivary hormone testing to measure the active hormones affecting your body. This allows for precise treatment using herbs, nutrients, and natural hormone therapy.
Mainstream medicine often relies on blood tests, which measure both bound and unbound hormones, sometimes missing key imbalances. If your symptoms aren’t reflected in your test results, you might be told it’s just aging—when in reality, a deeper issue may be at play.
Let’s explore common hormonal imbalances, symptoms, and how to regain balance naturally.
1. Progesterone: The Balancing Hormone
Progesterone helps counteract excess estrogen, which can contribute to growths, cancers, and other health issues. Maintaining the right balance is essential for both men and women.
Symptoms of Low Progesterone:
- Swollen breasts
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain
- Anxiety or depression
- Brain fog
- Low libido
Best Testing Method: Salivary hormone profile (most accurate) or blood test.
2. Oestrogen: The Key to Hormonal Harmony
Both men and women require a balance of three oestrogen forms—Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), and Estriol (E3). When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to prostate issues, heart disease, and hormonal cancers.
Symptoms of Low Oestrogen:
- Sleep disturbances
- Memory lapses
- Vaginal dryness
- Depression
Symptoms of Excess Oestrogen:
- Water retention
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Heavy or irregular periods
Best Testing Method: Salivary hormone testing or blood tests.
3. Testosterone: Vital for Strength and Vitality
Both men and women need healthy testosterone levels. Low levels are linked to heart disease, low libido, and muscle weakness, while excess levels may cause acne, hair loss, or hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Low libido
- Muscle weakness
Symptoms of High Testosterone:
- Acne
- Irritability
- Excess facial hair (women)
Best Testing Method: Salivary hormone testing or blood test with SHBG.
4. Thyroid: The Metabolic Regulator
Thyroid hormones control energy levels and metabolism. Many thyroid issues go undetected in standard blood tests, leading to misdiagnosed fatigue, weight gain, or depression.
Symptoms of Low Thyroid Function:
- Constant fatigue
- Weight gain
- Hair thinning
- Feeling cold
Best Testing Method: Comprehensive blood test, including TSH, fT3, fT4, and thyroid antibodies.
5. Cortisol: The Stress Hormone
Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, plays a key role in stress response. If levels are too high or too low, adrenal fatigue can occur, leading to disrupted sleep, weight gain, and anxiety.
Symptoms of High Cortisol:
- Sleep issues
- High blood pressure
- Mood swings
Symptoms of Low Cortisol:
- Chronic fatigue
- Sugar cravings
- Feeling low or unmotivated
Best Testing Method: Salivary adrenal profile to track cortisol and DHEA levels throughout the day.
6. DHEA: The Hormone Precursor
DHEA is crucial for testosterone, oestrogen, and progesterone production. When levels drop, it affects stress adaptation, energy, and immune function.
Symptoms of Low DHEA:
- Low libido
- Fatigue
- Depression
Best Testing Method: Salivary adrenal hormone testing.
7. Insulin: Regulating Blood Sugar and Energy
Insulin resistance can develop years before diabetes is diagnosed, affecting metabolism, energy, and weight management.
Symptoms of Insulin Resistance:
- Sugar cravings
- Weight gain (especially around the waist)
- Low energy and frequent hunger
- Irritability
Best Testing Method: Fasting blood glucose or HbA1c test.
Take Control of Your Hormones
Your body is a complex network of hormones, working through feedback loops that affect every aspect of health. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t ignore them! Testing and personalized support can help restore balance, energy, and overall well-being.
Want to read about Hormonal Chaos? Read This!
Click here to book your hormone test and start your journey to better health today!
by Feeling Great | Jul 14, 2023 | Adrenal Health
Adrenal Fatigue Treatment Australia: Are You Just Tired or Truly Burnt Out?
Feeling Drained? Find Out If It’s Adrenal Fatigue
Do you wake up exhausted, struggle through the day, and rely on coffee, sugar, or energy drinks just to function? Feeling wired at night but sluggish in the morning? If this sounds familiar, your cortisol levels may be imbalanced—a key sign of adrenal fatigue.
Cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, should be highest in the morning to help you feel awake and energized. But when stress becomes chronic, cortisol drops too low, leaving you fatigued. On the flip side, if cortisol remains high at night, you may feel anxious, restless, and struggle to unwind.
Many people ask their doctor, “Why am I so tired?”, only to be told their blood work is normal. Standard tests often fail to detect adrenal fatigue in its early stages. That’s why a holistic approach is essential for recovery.
What Are the Adrenal Glands & Why Do They Matter?
Your adrenal glands, located above your kidneys, produce cortisol and adrenaline—hormones that regulate stress, metabolism, and energy levels. In today’s high-stress world, these hormones can become imbalanced, leading to burnout, hormonal issues, and chronic fatigue.
Common Signs of Adrenal Fatigue:
- Morning exhaustion – Needing caffeine to wake up
- Afternoon crashes – Feeling sluggish & craving sugar
- High stress & anxiety – Feeling overwhelmed or on edge
- Poor sleep – Struggling to fall or stay asleep
- Weight gain around the belly – Slower metabolism & fat storage
- Low libido & mood swings – Feeling disconnected & unmotivated
The 3 Stages of Adrenal Fatigue
Stage 1 – Alarm Phase (High Cortisol & Adrenaline)
At this stage, your body is in constant fight-or-flight mode, even if the only stress is from work, life, or emotional pressure.
Symptoms:
- Irritability, anxiety & panic attacks
- Increased heart rate & blood pressure
- Intense sugar cravings & belly fat storage
- Trouble falling asleep despite exhaustion
What to do: Cut back on caffeine, sugar, and processed foods to lower stress on your adrenals.
Stage 2 – Adaptation Phase (Cortisol Drops, Adrenaline Stays High)
Over time, your body struggles to keep up, and cortisol levels drop, leaving you constantly fatigued.
Signs:
- Exhaustion—feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck
- Wired at night, but too tired in the morning
- Muscle pain, brain fog & low mood
- Hormonal imbalances & low libido
What to do: Support adrenal function with stress management, proper nutrition, and lifestyle changes.
Stage 3 – Exhaustion Phase (Severely Low Cortisol & Adrenal Shutdown)
At this point, your adrenal glands struggle to function, leading to chronic fatigue and burnout.
Symptoms:
- Severe exhaustion & frequent waking at night
- Depression, low motivation & hopelessness
- Increased risk of diabetes & immune issues
What to do: Professional guidance is crucial to restore adrenal balance and rebuild energy levels.
Ready to Restore Your Energy Naturally?
Don’t wait until burnout takes over your life. The sooner you address adrenal fatigue, the easier it is to recover and feel your best again. How about food that helps heal adrenal fatigue? Read this!
Book a consultation today and start your journey back to feeling fantastic—every single day!
by Feeling Great | Jun 17, 2023 | Adrenal Health
7 Steps to Healing Adrenal Fatigue
Healing Adrenal Fatigue – Feeling Burnt Out? You’re Not Alone
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “Wow, I feel exhausted!”? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us experience burnout, but what does it truly mean? And more importantly, how do you heal from it?
What Is Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue occurs when stress disrupts your adrenal glands’ ability to produce cortisol in the right amounts at the right times. – MindBodyGreen
I recently worked with a young, hardworking mother who was the perfect example of burnout. In her early 30s, she had just welcomed her first child while juggling a demanding career in emergency services. She held herself to high standards, never making excuses.
She came to me struggling with stubborn weight gain, low libido, and overwhelming fatigue. Despite following a rigorous exercise routine, she was losing muscle mass and gaining weight around her midsection. Even after cutting carbs, nothing changed.
Her energy crashed mid-afternoon, leaving her reliant on caffeine. Despite sleeping through the night, she still woke up exhausted. With an upcoming promotion, she worried about her foggy brain and low stamina.
We ran salivary adrenal testing and confirmed she was in Stage 3 adrenal fatigue. Instead of the usual high-to-low cortisol curve, her levels were completely flatlined. Her DHEA, progesterone, active thyroid hormone (T3), iron, zinc, and magnesium were all low.
After following an adrenal recovery plan, she felt better within six weeks and successfully completed her promotion training. With continued commitment, she would feel stronger than ever within six months!
Understanding the Stages of Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue progresses in three stages, each with unique symptoms:
1: Wired but Tired
- Cortisol levels remain high, especially at night
- Difficulty falling asleep, leading to insomnia
- Weight gain around the abdomen
- Feels energized but in a “wired” and restless way
2: Stressed and Tired
- Wakes up at 3 AM and struggles to fall back asleep
- Energy levels remain low throughout the day
- Cortisol peaks early in the day, then flattens out
- Midday or early evening energy crashes
3: Burnout
- Extreme exhaustion, even after a full night’s sleep
- Flat cortisol curve (low all day)
- DHEA, thyroid hormones, and essential nutrients are depleted
- Increased risk of autoimmune disease
The 7-Step Protocol to Healing Adrenal Fatigue
1. Follow the Adrenal Diet
- Eliminate inflammatory foods (processed sugar, refined carbs, and allergens like dairy or gluten)
- Focus on brightly colored vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
- Avoid strict low-carb diets, which can increase stress on the body
2. Prioritize Sleep
- Get to bed by 10 PM to prevent cortisol spikes after 11 PM
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
3. Replace Essential Nutrients
- Support hormonal balance and energy production with:
- Magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, B vitamins (B5 & B6), omega-3 fats
- B12 for energy and immune support
4. Stay Hydrated
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol to prevent dehydration
- Drink at least 2 liters of water daily, adding fresh lemon juice or Himalayan sea salt for mineral balance
5. Use Adaptogenic Herbs
- Adaptogens help balance cortisol and support adrenal recovery
- The right herbs depend on your stage of adrenal fatigue
6. Incorporate Restorative Movement
- Avoid high-intensity exercise, which can worsen adrenal fatigue
- Instead, try gentle yoga, walking in nature, and deep breathing exercises
7. Shift Your Mindset
- Ask yourself: “Is my definition of success harming my health?”
- Many people burn themselves out striving for perfection
- Letting go of perfectionism can dramatically lower stress levels
Where Do You Stand?
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you may be somewhere on the adrenal fatigue spectrum. You can also read this Adrenal Fatigue Treatment Australia about adrenal fatigue, if you think it’s helpful? Share us your thoughts!
Take the First Step Toward Healing!
📩 Email: juliesmethurst.info@gmail.com to learn more
📅 Book a Consultation and start your journey to better health!
Your energy, focus, and vitality can be restored. Healing starts today!
by Feeling Great | Apr 3, 2023 | Body
Adrenal Fatigue: A Growing Epidemic and Its Impact on Your Health
Adrenal fatigue is becoming an increasingly common issue in today’s fast-paced world. Yet, many people remain unaware that they have it. It’s one of the leading causes of persistent fatigue and can significantly impact overall well-being.
What Is Adrenal Fatigue?
Your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys, play a vital role in producing hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones are essential for preparing your body for “fight or flight” during stressful situations (source: healthdirect). However, when you’re constantly in a state of stress, your adrenals can become overworked, leading to adrenal fatigue.
Many people experience symptoms of adrenal fatigue without realizing it. For instance, they may wake up feeling exhausted, rely on caffeine to get through the day, and consume sugary snacks for a quick energy boost. By the afternoon, they hit a wall, only to feel awake just before bedtime. Unfortunately, this cycle continues the next day, leaving them feeling drained and unable to function at their best.
The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on which stage of adrenal fatigue a person is experiencing.
The Role of Your Adrenals in Stress Response
The adrenal glands are small, bean-shaped organs that secrete cortisol and DHEA in response to signals from your brain. These hormones are crucial in preparing your body for a stressful event. They enhance your heart rate, lung function, vision, and hearing. Additionally, they help your blood clot faster if you sustain an injury, and regulate sugar and salt levels, which is ideal during a crisis.
However, if your body is constantly in crisis mode, this can cause long-term damage. We’re not designed to be in a constant state of alertness, triggered by thoughts about relationships, finances, work pressures, or family stress. This prolonged state of heightened stress interferes with your body’s ability to heal and maintain itself, accelerating aging and increasing irritability, fatigue, mood swings, and pain.
The Importance of Relaxation for Recovery
To reverse the damage caused by chronic stress, it’s essential to allow your body to experience relaxation. Your brain needs a sense of safety and calm to shift from a fight-or-flight mode into repair mode, restoring hormone balance and promoting healing.
Common Signs of Adrenal Fatigue
If you’re experiencing adrenal fatigue, you may notice some of the following symptoms:
- Persistent, unexplained fatigue
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Struggling to get out of bed in the morning
- Feeling overwhelmed or anxious
- Increased effort needed to perform everyday tasks
- Sugar or salt cravings
- Feeling more awake in the evenings
- Unexplained weight gain
- Reduced ability to handle stress
Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can lead to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and early memory loss. Fortunately, you have more control over this situation than you might think. Changing how you perceive stressors and breaking free from the chronic fight-or-flight response is key.
Stress-Reducing Practices to Support Adrenal Health
To support your adrenals and reduce stress, consider incorporating the following practices into your routine:
- Meditation
- Spending time in nature
- Gardening
- Moderate exercise
- Yoga
- Journaling
- Tai chi
When combined and practiced consistently, these activities can have the greatest impact on reducing stress and supporting adrenal health.
How to Assess Your Adrenal Function
Are your adrenal glands contributing to hormone imbalances, such as PMS or menopausal symptoms? Could they be the root cause of your fatigue, chronic pain, or poor sleep? You can easily assess your adrenal function through salivary adrenal testing.
Unlike blood tests, which measure both bound and unbound cortisol, salivary tests focus on free or active cortisol and DHEA. This makes the test more sensitive and accurate for detecting adrenal imbalances. You can take the test at home, and the results are processed by a pathology lab, providing you with a comprehensive graphical report on your adrenal health.
By addressing adrenal fatigue early and taking proactive steps to reduce stress, you can restore balance, improve energy levels, and regain control of your health.
CLICK HERE to book a free 15 min call or an appointment to get started today!
by Feeling Great | Oct 24, 2016 | Hormones
Treat Low Libido Naturally
Has Your Libido Taken a Nose Dive? Here’s Why & How to Fix It
Has your sex drive dropped dramatically? You’re not alone. Your libido is like a health indicator—it reflects your overall physical, mental, and hormonal balance.
Many people struggle with low sex drive, along with fatigue, poor sleep, bloating, and skin issues. These aren’t random symptoms; they’re signs that your hormones are out of sync.
Before reaching for a quick fix, let’s explore the
four key causes of low libido and six natural ways to bring it back.
4 Causes of Low Sex Drive
1. High or Low Cortisol
Chronic stress disrupts cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone. When it’s out of balance, it robs other sex hormones, reducing libido. Signs include:
- Feeling exhausted but wired
- Sugar cravings
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weight gain around the waist
2. Imbalanced Estrogen
Estrogen and progesterone work together to regulate your cycle and mood. When estrogen is too high or too low, symptoms may include:
- Bloating and fluid retention
- Mood swings and PMS
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Vaginal dryness
3. Low Thyroid Function
Your thyroid controls energy, mood, and metabolism. When sluggish, symptoms include:
- Fatigue, especially in the morning
- Unexplained weight gain
- Cold hands and feet
- Brain fog and low mood
4. High or Low Testosterone
Testosterone plays a role in sex drive, energy, and confidence. If too high, you may experience acne, facial hair growth, or skin tags. If too low, signs include:
- Fatigue and depression
- Low muscle tone
- Reduced libido
6 Natural Ways to Boost Low Libido
1. Add Maca to Your Diet
Maca root is a powerful adaptogen that naturally increases libido, reduces anxiety, and supports hormone balance. Add 1 tablespoon to your daily smoothie.
2. Support Your Adrenal Glands
Chronic stress depletes DHEA, a key hormone for testosterone production. Prioritize self-care—meditate, get enough sleep, and take breaks to recharge.
3. Bring Pleasure Into Everyday Life
Enjoying simple pleasures daily—like listening to music, taking a bath, or getting a massage—helps shift your brain into a pleasure-receptive state, making intimacy more enjoyable.
4. Explore What Works for You
Spice things up by trying new things! Read articles, watch videos, or take an intimacy workshop to rediscover what excites you.
5. Eat for Hormone Balance
To clear excess estrogen, support your liver and gut by:
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Drinking dandelion root tea
- Eating fiber-rich vegetables
- Including healthy fats like avocados and nuts
6. See a Health Professional
If your libido has disappeared, your hormones may be imbalanced. Get tested and create a personalized plan to restore your energy, mood, and sex drive.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
If your sex drive is low, don’t ignore it—it’s your body’s way of asking for help. Book a consultation today to get your hormones back on track and start feeling amazing again!
