If you’re dealing with chronic symptoms like fatigue, stubborn inflammation, mood swings, hormone imbalances or metabolic changes — and nothing seems to shift it — your gut may be playing a bigger role than you realise. More specifically, you may be experiencing something called metabolic endotoxaemia  — a low-grade, chronic inflammatory state that originates in the gut. This condition is a silent disruptor. It doesn’t always show up on standard pathology tests, but it can in

If you’ve ever noticed your period disappear during a stressful month — or felt like perimenopause symptoms hit harder when life gets chaotic — you’re not imagining it. Stress has a powerful impact on your hormones. And during perimenopause, when your hormonal landscape is already shifting, the effects of stress can feel amplified. Let’s explore how this connection works — and what you can do to support your body through it. Your Brain and Hormones Are Always Talking The comm

You’ve probably heard of probiotics and prebiotics — but there’s a third player that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: postbiotics. Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds that your gut microbes produce when they ferment dietary fibre and other plant compounds. And they play a huge role in keeping your body balanced and resilient. What are postbiotics? Postbiotics include a range of compounds — the most well-known being short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, aceta

When most people think about blood sugar, they think about diabetes or cutting sugar out of their diet. But balanced blood sugar is about so much more than that — especially for women in their 30s, 40s and beyond. Blood sugar balance is one of the most powerful ways we can support hormone function, mental clarity, and daily energy levels. And it doesn’t require rigid rules or eliminating entire food groups. Why Blood Sugar Matters for Hormones Insulin — the hormone that helps

Hot flushes are one of the most common — and often disruptive — symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. But while they’re frequently blamed on “low oestrogen,” the real story is a little more complex. Understanding what’s actually happening in the body can help you feel more empowered to manage hot flushes and support your long-term health, regardless of whether or not you choose hormone therapy. What Causes Hot Flushes? It’s true that oestrogen plays a role, but hot flushes

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive conditions — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. If you’ve been told you have IBS, or suspect it might be part of what’s going on for you, it’s important to understand what that label really means — and what it doesn’t. IBS is a Diagnosis of Exclusion Despite being so common, IBS isn’t diagnosed with a single test. It’s what’s known as a diagnosis of exclusion — meaning other possible causes should be

Feeling Constantly Exhausted? Fatigue is one of the most common complaints I hear in clinic — and often, it’s brushed off as “just part...

Feeling Foggy? If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your screen unable to focus, losing your train of thought mid-sentence, or...

Why Can’t I Sleep? Understanding Hormonal Sleep Disruption in Women If you find yourself staring at the ceiling at 3am, waking unrefreshed despite eight hours in bed, or struggling to fall asleep despite being exhausted — you’re not alone. Sleep issues are increasingly common in women, and they’re not just about stress or screen time. Sleep disruption in women is often hormonally driven — and worsened by modern lifestyles that dysregulate our circadian rhythm, blood sugar, an

What Is Hormonal Acne in Women — and Why Is It So Persistent? Hormonal acne isn’t just a teenage issue. Many women in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s experience recurring breakouts — especially around the chin, jawline, neck, and back . This type of acne often flares before your period, worsens with stress, and doesn’t always respond to standard skincare. Unlike surface-level acne, hormonal acne is driven by deeper imbalances  — including androgens, inflammation, insulin resista

If you’ve been feeling more anxious than usual — even if you’ve never had anxiety before — you’re not alone. For many women, anxiety begins to show up or intensify in their 30s and 40s, right alongside other subtle (or not-so-subtle) changes in their cycle, mood, or energy. Anxiety isn’t just a mental health issue. It’s often a whole-body signal  that your nervous system, hormones, or nutritional reserves are under strain. During perimenopause , the perfect storm of hormonal

Heavy periods can feel like they arrive out of nowhere — heavier flow, longer duration, more discomfort, and a big impact on your day-to-day life. If you're in your late 30s or 40s and noticing changes in your cycle, you're not alone. For many women, perimenopause  is when periods begin to shift — and heavier bleeding is one of the most common concerns. The good news? Once we understand what’s driving these changes, there are effective, natural ways to support your body and r

Digestive issues can be incredibly frustrating to live with—whether it’s bloating, abdominal pain, gas, irregular bowel movements, or a general sense of discomfort. Often, these symptoms are lumped together under the diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but is that really the whole story? IBS is considered a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning it’s typically given when no other clear cause for symptoms can be found. However, not every diagnosis of IBS is accurate—many peo

If you experience migraines that seem to coincide with your menstrual cycle, you’re not alone. Many women find that their migraines flare up just before or during their period, while others may notice them around ovulation. These headaches—known as hormonal migraines—are not just random; they are directly linked to shifts in hormone levels. In this blog, we’ll explore why hormonal migraines happen, what factors make them worse, and practical strategies for managing them. What

Ovulation is often discussed in the context of fertility, but its importance goes far beyond conception. Regular ovulation is a key marker of overall health and plays a critical role in hormone balance, bone health, metabolism, and long-term wellbeing. If you’re not ovulating regularly, it can be a sign of underlying hormonal imbalances, stress, nutrient deficiencies, or other health concerns. Understanding ovulation and its role in your body can help you take control of your

Menopause brings many changes, and one of the most overlooked yet impactful is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). While it’s often reduced to “vaginal dryness,” GSM is so much more than that—it affects vaginal, bladder, and urinary health, leading to persistent discomfort that doesn’t always improve on its own and has a significant impact on your quality of life. If you’re experiencing vaginal irritation, painful intercourse, frequent UTIs, or bladder urgency, you’re

The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in digestion, immune function, hormone balance, and inflammation regulation. A well-balanced microbiome contributes to optimal gut health, mental clarity, and stable energy levels, while an imbalanced microbiome can lead to bloating, fatigue, inflammation, hormone disruption and even chronic disease. One of the most effective ways to support your microbiome is through dietary diversity—specifically, by increasing the variety of pla

Many women notice that their allergy and hayfever symptoms—like sneezing, nasal congestion, hives, or itching—seem to worsen at specific points in their menstrual cycle. This isn’t just a coincidence; it’s linked to the complex interaction between oestrogen and histamine in the body. The Oestrogen-Histamine Connection Histamine is a chemical produced by the immune system in response to allergens. It plays a key role in allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itching, a

When it comes to fertility and pregnancy, what you do before conception matters enormously. Your health in the months leading up to pregnancy plays a key role in egg and sperm quality, hormone balance, and fetal development. Since eggs and sperm take around three months to mature, the choices you make today affect your future fertility and pregnancy outcomes. If you’re trying to conceive—or planning to in the near future—optimising your diet and lifestyle can help support a s

Constipation is a common yet frustrating digestive issue that can impact overall health, energy levels, and even hormone balance. While occasional constipation is normal, chronic sluggish digestion can disrupt gut function, cause bloating, and contribute to hormonal imbalances like oestrogen dominance. If you’re struggling with slow digestion, the good news is that there are evidence-based strategies that can support you to have regular bowel movements. This guide explores ho