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Understanding PCOS Belly Fat: How Hormones Influence Fat Storage and How to Take Control

Many women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) struggle with PCOS belly fat and wonder why it’s so difficult to lose. The key lies in understanding how hormonal belly fat works. Unlike fat stored in other parts of the body, belly fat is hormonally active, meaning it produces and releases hormones and inflammatory chemicals that influence various processes in your body. Let’s explore how these hormonal imbalances lead to belly fat, and how working with a hormonal health coach can help you b...

Top 12 Menstruation Questions for Women 25+: Answered

1. Why does my cycle vary in length month to month?Slight variations in cycle length are normal and can be influenced by stress, diet, exercise, and sleep. However, drastic or sudden changes may indicate hormonal imbalance, so it’s best to monitor and consult a healthcare provider if irregularities persist.2. How can I reduce PMS symptoms naturally?Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and reducing sugar, caffeine, and alcohol can help. Supplements l...

Understanding What’s Normal and What’s Not When It Comes to Your Period

Periods are a unique experience for every woman, and understanding what’s considered "normal" versus what could signal an issue is essential to maintaining good menstrual health. Here’s a guide to help you distinguish between typical period characteristics and signs that something may need attention.What’s Normal?Cycle Length of 21-35 DaysMenstrual cycles typically range from 21 to 35 days. It’s normal if your cycle varies slightly each month, especially with changes in stress or lifesty...

How Self-Care Can Help Restore Hormonal Balance and Improve Well-Being

Why Self-Care Is Crucial for Balancing HormonesHormonal balance is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being, particularly for women. Hormones regulate everything from your mood and energy levels to your digestion and sleep patterns. When your hormones are out of balance, it can lead to a range of issues, including fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, menstrual problems, and more. One of the most effective ways to support hormonal health is through self-care, which is often overlooke...

5 Myths About Sex and Female Hormones: Debunked

When it comes to sex and female hormones, misinformation is everywhere. Hormones play a central role in sexual health, desire, and reproductive wellness, yet common myths often cloud the truth. Here, we’ll debunk five myths about sex and female hormones, giving you science-backed insights to better understand your body.Myth 1: Sex Drive Is Constant and Should Be High at All TimesThe Truth:Women’s libido naturally fluctuates due to hormonal changes throughout their menstrual cycle, life stage...

Adrenal Fatigue: Myth or Reality?

Adrenal fatigue is a term that has garnered much attention in recent years, especially in the world of wellness and alternative medicine. But what is adrenal fatigue, and is it a legitimate medical condition or just a myth? To unravel this, we need to first understand the adrenal glands, their vital role in the body, and the effects of stress on these tiny but powerful organs.What Are the Adrenal Glands?The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney. Despite...

The Benefits of Hyperbaric and Oxygen Therapy for Hormonal Health

In recent years, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has gained attention for its wide range of health benefits, extending beyond traditional uses in wound care and decompression sickness. One area where its potential is growing is in supporting hormonal health. Hormones regulate everything from metabolism to mood and reproductive health, so when they become imbalanced, it can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a promising, non-invasive way to su...

Understanding Depression and Mood Changes in Perimenopause and Menopause: 34 Symptoms Every Woman Should Know

The hormonal changes that women experience during both perimenopause and menopause can bring about significant shifts in mood, including feelings of anxiety, low mood, and even depressive symptoms. These emotional changes are incredibly common, with many women seeking help specifically for mood-related concerns during this time.Emotional Sensitivity, Sadness, and Feeling "Flat"Some women describe feeling emotionally sensitive or as though they are experiencing sadness without a clear cause. Othe...

Magnesium: The Unsung Hero of Hormonal Harmony

As a hormonal health coach, I’ve found that magnesium plays a pivotal role in supporting my clients' overall well-being. I highly recommend magnesium for its remarkable benefits across a wide range of hormonal conditions, including PCOS, insulin resistance, PMDD, migraines, and perimenopause.Why Magnesium Deficiency Is So CommonIn today’s world, magnesium deficiency is widespread, and there’s a good reason for that. Modern agricultural practices have depleted magnesium from our soils, lead...

Breaking the Silence: A New Zealand Woman’s Guide to Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic and often debilitating condition that affects an estimated 1 in 10 women worldwide, and New Zealand is no exception. Despite its prevalence, endometriosis remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood, leading to significant delays in treatment and a diminished quality of life for many women. This blog aims to shed light on endometriosis, providing a detailed overview of the condition, its symptoms, the challenges of diagnosis, and its hormonal implications, with a focus on...

The Benefits of Hot and Cold Therapy for Hormonal Balance

When it comes to maintaining hormonal balance, many people focus on diet, exercise, and stress management. However, an often overlooked but highly effective method is hot and cold therapy. This therapeutic approach, also known as contrast therapy, can play a significant role in balancing hormones, reducing inflammation, and enhancing overall well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore what hot and cold therapy is, how you can incorporate it into your daily life, and how it supports hormonal balanc...

The Thyroid-Period Connection

Thyroid disease is an often-overlooked but significant factor that can profoundly affect many aspects of health, including your menstrual cycle. If you sought my help for irregular periods, one of the first areas I would thoroughly consider is your thyroid function. Even if you’ve already been diagnosed with conditions like PCOS or hypothalamic amenorrhea, or if your doctor has assured you that your blood tests are normal, I would still focus on your thyroid. Why? Because hypothyroidism, or an...

Your Period: The Truth Behind Irregular Periods

Irregular periods are a common issue affecting women of all ages. Whether your periods are too frequent, too far apart, or unpredictably heavy, understanding the root causes is crucial. In New Zealand, it's not uncommon for women to experience irregular periods, but it's important to know that this isn’t just a normal part of life—it’s often a sign that something else is happening in your body.What Causes Irregular Periods?The most common cause of irregular periods is hormonal imbalance. H...

Low Carb Healthy Fat (LCHF) and Hormones: A Balanced Approach to Women's Health

Navigating the complex world of nutrition can be overwhelming, especially for women seeking to balance their hormones naturally. One dietary approach gaining traction for its potential benefits is the Low Carb Healthy Fat (LCHF) diet. Unlike the more extreme ketogenic diet, LCHF offers a more moderate yet effective way to improve hormonal health by focusing on reducing processed foods and incorporating whole, nutrient-dense options. This article delves into how the LCHF diet can positively impac...

Gut Health and Hormonal Balance: The Connection You Need to Know

In recent years, there has been growing awareness about the importance of gut health and its far-reaching effects on overall well-being. However, one aspect that often goes underappreciated is how closely gut health is linked to hormonal balance. In this blog, we’ll explore what gut health is, how you can achieve it, and how maintaining a healthy gut can positively impact your hormonal health. We’ll also back up these points with research to highlight the crucial connection between the gut a...

Let's Normalize Women's Health: Breaking the Silence on Periods, Menopause, and Sexual Health

IntroductionFor far too long, conversations about women's health have been shrouded in secrecy, often relegated to whispers behind closed doors. Whether it's discussing periods, menopause, or sexual health, women have been conditioned to treat these natural aspects of their biology as something to be hidden, something to be ashamed of. It's time to change that narrative. It's time to normalize women's health, to bring these conversations out of the shadows and into the open where they belong. Th...

Navigating Weight Loss During Perimenopause

As women, we've often spent much of our lives striving to meet society's ideals of the "perfect" body image. Whether it's worrying about a few extra pounds or noticing a new stretch mark, many of us are all too familiar with the pressure to maintain a certain appearance. However, as we enter perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause, weight gain becomes a common and natural occurrence. Those extra KGs that were once easy to shed in our 20s and 30s may now be much harder to lo...

Optimizing Movement in Menopause for Long-Term Energy and Vitality

Movement during menopause and beyond is crucial for maintaining long-term energy and vitality. However, the same old exercise routines may not serve us well anymore due to hormonal changes in midlife. While you might not have given it much thought, hormones have always influenced—and been influenced by—exercise. This article delves into the science and art of optimizing movement to meet your needs before, during, and after menopause.If you’re finding it challenging to get the results you w...

Hormones and Libido: Understanding the Impact of Hormonal Imbalance and Pathways to Regaining Sexual Health

Let's talk about something that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, hormones and libido. Hormones play a massive role in our lives, impacting everything from mood and energy to, you guessed it, sexual desire. If you’ve been feeling a little off in the libido department, hormonal imbalance could be the culprit. Both men and women experience fluctuations in libido, often linked to hormonal imbalances. Understanding the relationship between hormones and libido is crucial for anyone se...

Perimenopause 101: What you need to know

Perimenopause and menopause are natural phases of a woman's life, yet they often come with a veil of fear, stigma, and secrecy. Many women find themselves unprepared for these transitions, armed only with bits and pieces of information. This article aims to demystify perimenopause and menopause, breaking down what happens during these stages, the hormonal changes involved, and the symptoms you might experience. By shedding light on these natural processes, we can celebrate this new chapter and e...

Managing Hormonal Imbalance for the Busy Woman

In today's fast-paced world, many women juggle demanding careers, family responsibilities, and personal aspirations, often putting their health on the back burner. One significant health issue that frequently goes unnoticed until it disrupts daily life is hormonal imbalance. Understanding and managing this condition is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. This blog delves into what hormonal imbalance is, explores the latest scientific findings, and highlights lifestyle changes and medical...

Cold Water Immersion

I always thought people who jumped into the ocean in the middle of winter were crazy. Why would anyone want to get into a cold bed of water and immerse their body. To feel the pain run through your body. Well, there must be something in it, because over the past year I have seen a number of cold and heat therapy places open up where you can go and have an ice bath and then a sauna. On Trademe or the likes of other online stores you can buy your own ice bath or portable home sauna. Over the past ...