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...and why so many women regularly feel out of balance, without always understanding why. Perhaps you recognize this: your energy is gone, your mood fluctuates more than you are used to, and your body feels just slightly different than before.
Is this just part of getting your age? Is this the 'new normal'? Or is there something that can be done about it?
Know that you are not alone. Many women experience periods when they feel less in touch with themselves. What helps then is understanding what might be at play on a hormonal level, and what you can do yourself.
In this blog, you will read about the 3 biggest misconceptions about women and hormones. Not to solve everything, but to provide insight and direction. Because: the better you understand your body, the easier it becomes to make choices that suit you.
Misunderstanding 1: 'It's just part of it'
Fatigue, mood swings, irritability, or poor sleep: many women recognize these kinds of signals, but often dismiss them and think that it is something “that comes with it”.
You hear things like:
- That is just the “menopause”
- “Well, you are a mother, after all”
- Just wait until you're 40
But just because something is common doesn't mean it happens to you without reason. Your body gives signals. And those signals are valuable and deserve attention, not rejection. They can tell you something about how you feel, how you live, and what you might need. What might those signals be related to?
Women often indicate that they feel out of balance during certain periods. Which periods are we talking about:
- Prolonged tension or pressure, such as stress at work or at home.
- Poor sleep or an irregular day-night rhythm.
- A diet low in building blocks, including those for your hormones, such as healthy fats and proteins. Certain days of your menstrual cycle, during which hormonal shifts play a role in how you feel.
What can you do?
- Keep track of how you feel during different phases of your cycle for a few months. Many women discover patterns that provide direction in this way. You could track this using this cycle planner .
- Go to bed on time so that you get more hours of sleep.
- Take regular short breaks during the day, do deep breathing exercises, or go completely offline for an evening. Support yourself with nutritious meals rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. See also the bottom of this page for suggestions.
- And perhaps most importantly: don't let yourself be fobbed off with "it's just part of it." Find someone who looks at the whole picture with you: lifestyle, nutrition, cycle, and your history. Because you don't have to figure it out alone.
Misunderstanding 2: “My GP says there is nothing wrong”
Many women wait (sometimes too) long to discuss discomforts that they perceive as vague or not serious enough. And when they finally take the step, unfortunately, they are often told: “Your values are good” or “There is nothing wrong.”
And yet, you feel different. Perhaps you recognize that during certain periods of the month you have less energy, are more emotional, or become overstimulated more easily. How is that possible?
The reason:
Your body works cyclically. This means that your hormonal system changes throughout the month. Many studies in conventional healthcare provide a snapshot. As a result, the outcome sometimes does not align with how you actually feel throughout the month.
What can you do?
- Keep a cycle diary for several weeks or months. This way, you can discover patterns in how you feel and in which phase of your cycle this occurs. (You can do this in this book , among others.)
- Take your observations to a doctor, coach, or specialist you trust. Someone who looks at lifestyle, nutrition, and the cycle from a broader perspective.
- Would you like guidance? Then you might consider scheduling a personal consultation with a specialist experienced in women's health and hormone balance (e.g., a hormone coach, naturopath, or orthomolecular therapist). You can book a 1-on-1 consultation with one of our hormone therapists here .
Misconception 3: “I eat healthy and exercise, but I still feel lethargic”
You eat consciously, avoid sugar, and exercise several times a week, and yet you don't feel fit. Maybe you tire easily, lose your balance more quickly, or feel like your body isn't cooperating. Frustrating, isn't it?
It is true that nutrition and exercise are very important. But your body is more than a schedule or routine. If your system is under prolonged pressure, for example due to stress or a busy life, it can be harder to unwind. Even if you are doing everything 'right'.
Many women notice, for example, that their energy varies depending on the phase of their cycle. What feels good at one moment, such as an intense workout, can be too much at another.
What can you do?
- Eat a balanced diet ; add protein, healthy fats, and fiber to every meal. Think of: eggs with avocado or salmon with sweet potato.
- Exercise in tune with your energy: do not engage in intense exercise (such as HIIT or heavy cardio) if you are already overstimulated. Instead, opt for walking, yoga, or gentle strength training.
- Live according to your cycle: where possible, plan your activities, rest, and workload tailored to how you feel in different phases of your month.
- Ensure you make time for relaxation: a few minutes of conscious breathing, a quiet walk, or simply doing absolutely nothing. Observe what relaxes you and do a little of it every day. It doesn't have to be big to be effective.
Finally
Your body is trying to communicate with you. The signals you feel are valuable and indicate that you should pay attention to yourself. You don't need to live faster and harder, but perhaps even more gently. More attuned, more connected, especially with yourself.
Do you want more insight into your own patterns?
We have a questionnaire for you that will give you insight into your situation. At the end, you will receive personalized advice that you can apply immediately. You can take the test here .
