Hormonal imbalance in women is a common reason for consultation, and still too often underestimated. Whether it presents as premenstrual syndrome, hormonal acne, painful periods or postnatal fatigue, these symptoms reflect an unbalanced terrain long before an endocrine disorder is formally diagnosed.
In the Simplycure webinar she took part in, pharmacist Alice Picard, who specialises in phytotherapy and micronutrition, points out that nearly 8 women in 10 are thought to be affected by a hormonal imbalance at some point in their lives. She sets out a structured clinical reading of the topic and practical tools for supporting these imbalances in a natural, targeted way.
Luteal phase fatigue, repeated spotting, cyclical anxiety, weight gain that will not shift... These are all signals not to be dismissed, but to be read within a coherent hormonal framework.
This guide offers a practical summary of the webinar, so you can get straight to the essentials and gain precision in the care you provide.
The main hormones of the female cycle
Before interpreting hormonal symptoms, it is essential to revisit the two main phases of the menstrual cycle and the dominant hormones associated with each. The table below summarises the key stages of the cycle and their physiological role in hormonal regulation.
Cycle phaseDominant hormoneKey physiological roleFollicular phase (first half of the cycle)OestrogensThey stimulate the growth of the endometrium and prepare for ovulation.Luteal phase (after ovulation)ProgesteroneIt stabilises the endometrium and prepares the body for a possible pregnancy, and regulates the nervous system and body temperature.
Hormonal disorders: key clinical markers
The tables below help you identify the most common hormonal disorders from the symptoms reported in consultation. Each profile includes a hormonal hypothesis and suggestions for natural care grounded in physiology.
1. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
You almost certainly see patients who, every month, describe irritability, food cravings or breast tenderness just before their period. These signs are common, and often played down. Yet they frequently point to insufficient progesterone, which is easy to spot and can be modulated by natural means.
Common symptomsProbable causeNatural care
- Marked irritability
- Breast tenderness
- Food cravings
- Abdominal bloating at the end of the cycle
Progesterone deficiency in the luteal phase.
Offer support with lady's mantle or yarrow
Combine with supplementation in vitamin B6, zinc and magnesium1.
Case study: Julie, 32, presents with regular PMS at the end of her cycle. Adding lady's mantle and B6, together with better stress management, brought a clear improvement within two months.
2. Heavy and painful periods
Long, heavy, painful periods... even when the cycle is regular, these signs warrant attention. They point towards oestrogen dominance, sometimes sustained by chronic stress or poor hepatic clearance. This table helps you sort things out quickly and choose the right levers.
Common symptomsProbable causeNatural careLong, heavy and sometimes painful periods.These symptoms are often linked to oestrogen dominance.
Chaste tree or yarrow to modulate the cycle
Rhodiola to manage stress overactivation.
3. Hormonal acne and hyperandrogenism
You may already have worked with young women who have persistent acne along the chin, or increased hair growth with no obvious cause. In these cases, think of hyperandrogenism, sometimes subtle but clinically significant. Careful identification makes it possible to act effectively.
Common symptomsProbable causeNatural careAcne localised on the chin or jawline, sometimes with hair loss or excessive hair growth.Excess androgens, sometimes alongside insufficient oestrogens.
Hops and alfalfa may help regulate excess androgens
Sage and zinc support overall hormonal balance.
4. The postnatal period and weaning
Overwhelming fatigue, baby blues, loss of libido, irritability... The weeks after birth put hormones under real strain. This period deserves targeted support, even where there is no pathology, to help your patients regain emotional and physical balance.
Common symptomsProbable causeNatural carePatient in the postnatal period reporting fatigue, irritability or baby blues.A sharp drop in progesterone and oestrogens, together with raised prolactin.
Tyrosine, blackcurrant, oats: dopamine support
Artichoke: support for liver function
Chaste tree: prolactin regulation
5. Menopause: the 3 hormonal declines
Menopausal symptoms are not limited to hot flushes. Fatigue, disturbed sleep, diffuse pain or mood swings are all possible expressions of progressive hormonal deficiencies (progesterone, oestrogens, androgens2). This table guides you in fine-tuning the care you offer.
Common symptomsProbable causeNatural care
Hot flushes
Vaginal dryness
Mood swings
Falling oestrogens
Black cohosh
Maca root
Persistent fatigue
Reduced libido
Joint pain
Falling androgens
Tribulus
Bamboo
Ginseng root
Disturbed sleep
Nervousness
Unusual anxiety.
Falling progesterone
Griffonia
Lady's mantle
Lemon balm
Summary: which hormonal imbalance? which plant?
This table helps you make the link quickly between symptoms, hormonal profiles and the associated plants. A practical tool for guiding your choices as soon as the clinical interview is over.
DisorderImbalanced hormoneRecommended plantsPremenstrual symptomsInsufficient progesteroneLady's mantle, B6, zinc to strengthen the luteal phaseHeavy, long periodsExcess oestrogensChaste tree to modulate, rhodiola if stress is involvedPersistent hormonal acneRaised androgensHops, alfalfa, zinc supplementation3Difficulties after breastfeedingProlactin still raisedChaste tree, blackcurrant, nettle to support remineralisationMenopausal symptomsOverall decline in hormonesMaca, black cohosh, tribulus, griffonia depending on the profile
The 3 pillars of lasting hormonal balance
Alongside plants, certain physiological foundations are essential for restoring good hormonal balance: supplying the right nutrients, supporting elimination and helping the body adapt.
PillarKey rolePractical toolsIntake of good lipidsSteroid hormones are synthesised from cholesterolOmega-3 from oily fish, linseed and rapeseed oilsOptimal liver functionThe liver handles the metabolism and elimination of hormonesArtichoke4, milk thistle, rosemary infusionManaging chronic stressCortisol draws on progesterone precursorsAdaptogens, regular sleep, relaxation techniques
In practice: the key question to ask
“Do your symptoms always come back at the same point in your cycle?”
If the answer is yes, that is a valuable clue for identifying a cyclical hormonal imbalance.
Hormonal imbalance in women, a clinical issue not to be overlooked
Hormonal imbalance in women remains one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in integrative health. Too often dismissed, cyclical symptoms such as luteal fatigue, androgenic acne, heavy periods or hot flushes are in fact early signals of a terrain under strain.
With a close reading of the cycle, a history focused on hormonal rhythms, and the judicious use of well-targeted plants and cofactors, it is possible to support endocrine balance effectively at every phase of hormonal life, from puberty through to the menopause.
To find out more about hormonal imbalance and how to support your patients better, contact the Simplycure team!
