Harness your HORMONES

‘If your hormones are out of balance, it can affect all sorts of processes, including mood and energy’

Do you have frequent mood swings, struggle with your weight, feel bloated, tired, have menstrual irregularities, suffer from wild and crazy PMS or are finding perimenopause or menopause a struggle? It doesn’t matter what age you are, if your hormones are out of balance, it can affect all sorts of bodily processes, including metabolism, mood, sleep cycle, appetite, energy, body temperature and libido.

‘Hormones are chemicals produced by the glands in the endocrine system,’ says consultant gynaecologist, Tania Adib. ‘It’s natural for hormone levels to fluctuate depending on what stage of the cycle you’re at, as well as during perimenopause and menopause. But, everyday lifestyle factors such as chronic stress, insomnia and faddy diets can also upset your hormonal balance.

‘To stay healthy, you need to keep your key hormones balanced, including oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, thyroid and insulin.’

She adds that all hormones work together, however, if one becomes disrupted, it has