top of page
Search

Understanding Hormones & Women's Health: What Every Woman Deserves to Know

  • Writer: Ashley Gernand
    Ashley Gernand
  • Jul 26
  • 4 min read

Let’s be honest—whether you’re still having a regular cycle, in the middle of transition, or post-menopause, chances are you’ve experienced some hormonal symptoms. Maybe it’s mood swings, hot flashes, sleep disruptions, or just feeling "off." And while these things are common, they aren’t necessarily normal. Our bodies are designed to thrive in balance—and when symptoms show up, it’s a gentle nudge that something deeper may need support.


Wonderfully Made

I’m constantly in awe of how intricately God designed our bodies as women. Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that affect nearly every function—our sleep, mood, energy, metabolism, cravings, libido, weight, blood sugar, and yes, our periods.


But starting in our mid-30s and into our 40s, these hormones begin to naturally shift. Add in stress, processed foods, toxic products, and a lifestyle that rarely leaves space for rest—and you’ve got the perfect storm for hormonal imbalance.


Signs You Might Need Hormone Support

What we’ve been told is “just part of being a woman”—cramps, heavy bleeding, clots, PMS, hot flashes, mood swings—are actually red flags that our bodies are crying out for help. These may be common, but they are not normal.

And the good news? There’s so much we can do to bring our bodies back into balance.


Fuel First: Nutrition, Supplements & Hormone Production

You can’t make hormones without the right building blocks. Nutrition and hydration matter deeply, and so does consistent, foundational supplementation.


If you’ve been in any of my classes, you’ve probably heard me talk about doTERRA’s Lifelong Vitality Pack—and that’s because it’s truly the baseline. Our modern food just doesn’t contain the nutrients it once did. LLV helps fill those gaps and supports your body’s ability to produce and regulate hormones effectively.


Another powerhouse? Bone Nutrient Complex. It's rich in Vitamin D and Magnesium, both essential for hormone balance and overall vitality.


Let’s Talk Estrogen

Most people think hormones = estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. And while those are big players, there’s more to the story. Not all estrogen is created equal.


There’s natural estrogen (which your body makes and knows exactly what to do with), and then there’s xenoestrogen—a synthetic imposter found in fragrance, plastic, pesticides, skincare, soy-based processed foods, and more. These chemical estrogens bully their way into our receptor sites, blocking your body’s natural estrogen and throwing everything off balance.


This is why clean living matters. What we breathe, eat, and put on our skin affects our hormones every single day.


Meet Your Estrogen Bouncer: Phytoestrogen Complex

doTERRA’s Phytoestrogen Complex is one of my favorite hormone-supporting supplements. Think of it as a gentle, natural “clean-up crew” for all those excess xenoestrogens clogging up your system. It helps clear the way so your body’s natural estrogen can do its job again. I pair it with the Bone Nutrient Complex for even deeper support.


Don’t Forget the Oils

  • ClaryCalm: This is a daily must for many women I work with—especially helpful during your cycle or seasons of hormonal shifts.

  • Rose: Not just a beautiful fragrance, but deeply supportive for hormone balance, emotions, and overall mood.


Supporting the Endocrine System

The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce and regulate hormones—from sleep and mood to hunger, metabolism, fertility, and stress. When this system is out of balance, everything feels harder. Essential oils can be a simple, powerful way to support balance, especially when used consistently and with intention.

Let’s look at a few of the key hormone-producing organs and how we can support them:


Liver – Your Detox Powerhouse

Your liver filters every hormone you’ve ever made, every chemical you've ever encountered. When it’s overburdened, estrogen builds up, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and irregular cycles.


Support tips:

  • Drink citrus oils in water (Lemon, Grapefruit)

  • Use Zendocrine oil topically or the Zendocrine Complex supplement

  • Try a weekly castor oil pack with essential oils


Pancreas – Blood Sugar Balance

When your blood sugar swings, so do your hormones. Supporting the pancreas is key to stabilizing both.


Support tips:

  • Use Slim & Sassy to balance appetite and metabolism

  • Add TerraZyme digestive enzymes with meals to reduce the body's workload


Adrenals – Stress & Hormone Transition

Your adrenals are responsible for hormone production in menopause, especially when the ovaries step back. If they’re burned out, your hormones will be too.


Support tips:

  • Apply Magnolia or other calming oils to adrenals (low back) daily

  • Use Mito2Max for herbal energy and adrenal support

  • Roller blend idea: Cinnamon, Geranium, Basil + fractionated coconut oil


Thyroid – Your Metabolism Regulator

The thyroid governs your energy, metabolism, and mood. It’s especially vulnerable to toxins like fluoride, chlorine, and bromide, which displace iodine—a vital nutrient for thyroid health.


Support tips:

  • Use fluoride-free OnGuard toothpaste

  • Reduce processed foods

  • Support your liver to help with thyroid hormone conversion


One Step at a Time

Hormone balance isn’t an overnight fix—but it is absolutely possible. Start with the foundation (nutrition + LLV), reduce the toxins around you, add in targeted support like Phytoestrogen and Bone Nutrient Complex, and use your oils consistently. Your body wants to find balance—you just have to give it what it needs.


You’re not alone on this journey. I’m walking it with you. If you'd like to learn more about how to support your hormones through perimenopause and beyond, let's get in touch!




 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page