5 Signs Your Hormones Are Out of Balance, and How Your Gut Could Be to Blame
Have you been feeling more tired than usual, struggling with mood swings, or battling bloating that just won’t go away? These could be signs that your hormones are out of balance and your gut health might be playing a bigger role than you realise.
Your gut and hormones are closely connected. The gut helps regulate estrogen, produces neurotransmitters that influence mood, and plays a key role in digestion and nutrient absorption, all of which affect your overall hormone health. When your gut isn’t happy, your hormones often aren’t either.
Here are five common signs that your hormones might be out of balance, and what your gut could have to do with it:
1. Fatigue That Won’t Quit: Even after a full night’s sleep, you wake up feeling drained.
Gut connection: Imbalances in gut bacteria can interfere with nutrient absorption and blood sugar regulation, leaving your energy levels rollercoastering throughout the day.
Quick tip: Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kimchi, or other fermented vegetables, and focus on balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
2. Mood Swings or Feeling “Off”: Irritability, anxiety, or low mood that seems out of proportion.
Gut connection: Your gut produces around 90% of your serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates mood. An unhealthy gut can disrupt this balance, affecting your emotions.
Quick tip: Add prebiotic foods like garlic, onion, asparagus, or leeks to feed your gut bacteria and support happy hormones.
3. Bloating and Digestive Issues: Frequent bloating, constipation, or irregular digestion.
Gut connection: Poor gut health can increase inflammation and disrupt hormone metabolism, particularly estrogen, leading to digestive discomfort and PMS symptoms.
Quick tip: Keep a food diary to identify triggers, stay hydrated, and consider gentle digestive support like ginger or peppermint tea.
4. Irregular Cycles or PMS Symptoms: Missed periods, heavy bleeding, or severe PMS.
Gut connection: Your gut helps eliminate excess estrogen. If your gut is sluggish or inflamed, estrogen can build up, worsening cycle symptoms and hormonal imbalance.
Quick tip: Support digestion with fiber-rich foods, drink plenty of water, and maintain regular movement like walking or yoga.
5. Skin Issues: Acne, dryness or flare-ups that won’t go away.
Gut connection: Inflammation in the gut can trigger hormonal fluctuations and breakouts, especially around your cycle. A happy gut often equals happy skin.
Quick tip: Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and omega-3 rich sources (hello walnuts), and limit processed sugars that feed gut inflammation.
Bottom Line
Your hormones and gut are inseparable partners. When your digestion is off, your energy, mood, cycle, and skin can all feel the impact. By supporting your gut health with simple, sustainable habits, you’re giving your hormones the best chance to thrive.
Feeling like you need more personalised support? That’s exactly what my Aligned programme is designed for: a 12-week journey to help you rebalance your hormones, feel energised, and reconnect with your body.
