Hormonal changes can take us by surprise sometimes, whether they’re due to normal changes like pregnancy or menopause, or they’re an indication that something is out of balance like with PMS, you can support your body with natural health supplements.

Hormonal health for women

Hormones are messengers that give instructions for almost every process in the body. We are well familiar with our sex hormones – oestrogen and progesterone, but there are others that all work together to keep your body in balance. When one of them has decreased, or is no longer working efficiently, then it can send a cascade of mixed messages to other systems in your body.

The changes that occur with the menstrual cycle can be compounded if other hormones are out of balance. This can lead to changes in mood, emotional resilience, and a decrease in the ability to handle extra demands. Here are some helpful tips for daily hormonal balance:

• Eat three wholesome meals a day for a healthy insulin response, and to limit blood sugar crashes.
• Colourful vegetables and fruit contain phytonutrients and antioxidants which can support cellular function.
• The stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol spike during blood sugar crashes and after coffee. Support your nervous system by trying low caffeine alternatives.
• A healthy gut is integral to overall health and wellbeing, eating fibre, having daily bowel movements, and gut support supplements – which can support your body to make happy hormones like serotonin, and to absorb your nutrients better.

See our article Happy hormone balance to see some factors that can contribute to hormonal imbalance.

Women’s stress and mood support supplements

• Calming herbal extracts like Kava, Passionflower, and St John’s Wort can support the nervous system and mood.
• Take a multivitamin that contains B-vitamins to support your body’s energy powerhouses, the mitochondria.
• Adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola can support the body’s natural stress response during times of increased pressure.
• Magnesium is both calming and supportive during times of increased mental and physical demands. Taken before sleeping it can support a good night’s rest.
• Kava is a herbal extract that can support your nervous system on the spot when needed.
• Support healthy neurotransmitter function with 5-HTP and L-theanine.

For the week leading up to your period see our PMS Support supplements if you’re finding this time challenging. Pregnancy & Breastfeeding supplements can support you and your baby for a healthy pregnancy and birth. For support during the transition try our Menopause Support supplements and herbs.

The best supplements for women

The Women’s Health range includes multivitamins and supplements to support you during each phase of life. HealthPost has a wide range for you to choose from, and to suit your health needs. See our Health Concerns range for helpful tips that you can use to support your health and wellbeing journey