The Keys to Naturally Balancing Your Hormones


(And How to Know What Your Hormones Are Actually Doing)

Hormones don’t become “imbalanced” overnight.

What I see time and time again in my practice is this:
women doing all the right things—eating clean, exercising, managing stress—yet still dealing with fatigue, weight resistance, mood swings, poor sleep, irregular cycles, or feeling unlike themselves.

That’s because hormone balance isn’t about doing more.
It’s about supporting the systems that regulate hormones in the first place—and knowing what your hormones are truly doing behind the scenes.

Let’s break this down.

First: What Does “Hormone Balance” Really Mean?

Hormones don’t work in isolation.

They are influenced by:

So when symptoms show up, hormones are often the messengers, not the root cause.

This is why I always say:

You don’t fix hormones by chasing hormones.

You support hormones by supporting the foundation they depend on.

The Core Keys to Naturally Supporting Hormone Balance

1. Stabilize Blood Sugar

Blood sugar instability is one of the fastest ways to disrupt hormones.

Spikes and crashes can drive:

  • Cortisol dysregulation

  • Estrogen dominance

  • Progesterone depletion

  • Thyroid suppression

Supportive habits include:

  • Balanced meals with protein, fat, and fiber

  • Eating consistently (not skipping meals)

  • Reducing refined sugar and ultra-processed foods

2. Support Your Stress Response (Not Just “Reduce Stress”)

Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it directly impacts hormone output.

When cortisol demand stays high:

  • Progesterone is often sacrificed

  • Thyroid conversion slows

  • Sleep and cycle health suffer

Supporting your nervous system is foundational:

  • Adequate rest and recovery

  • Gentle movement

  • Breathwork, grounding, and nervous system regulation

  • Saying no more often than you think you should

3. Nourish Detox Pathways (Especially the Liver & Gut)

Hormones must be metabolized and cleared, not just produced.

If detox pathways are sluggish:

  • Estrogen can recirculate

  • PMS, heavy cycles, headaches, and bloating may appear

  • Hormone symptoms persist despite “normal” levels

This is why gut health, fiber intake, hydration, and nutrient sufficiency matter more than most people realize.

4. Prioritize Sleep Like It’s a Health Strategy (Because It Is)

Hormone repair happens during sleep.

Poor sleep affects:

  • Cortisol rhythm

  • Insulin sensitivity

  • Growth hormone release

  • Melatonin production (which also protects eggs and cells)

No supplement can out-perform chronic sleep deprivation.

5. Don’t Guess—Test Strategically

This is where clarity replaces confusion.

Many people are told:

“Your hormones look fine.”

Yet symptoms persist.

That’s often because the testing method matters.

DUTCH Test vs Blood Hormone Testing: What’s the Difference?

Both have value—but they answer different questions.

Blood Hormone Testing

Blood tests show a snapshot in time.

They are useful for:

  • Baseline hormone levels

  • Certain medical diagnostics

  • Acute or clinical concerns

Limitations:

  • Hormones fluctuate throughout the day and cycle

  • Blood does not show how hormones are being metabolized or cleared

  • Patterns can be missed even when symptoms are loud

The DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones)

The DUTCH test is often my preferred option for functional hormone evaluation.

Why?

Because it shows:

  • Hormone production and metabolism

  • Cortisol rhythm throughout the day

  • Estrogen pathways (how estrogen is broken down)

  • Androgen patterns

  • Progesterone balance

  • The relationship between stress hormones and sex hormones

In short:

It shows how your body is using hormones—not just how much is present.

This is especially helpful for:

  • Perimenopause and menopause

  • PMS and cycle irregularities

  • Fatigue and burnout

  • Weight resistance

  • Mood changes

  • Sleep disruption

How I Support Clients with Hormone Testing & Interpretation

One of the services I offer is a deep hormone check-in, where we:

  • Choose the most appropriate testing method

  • Review results through a functional lens

  • Connect patterns to symptoms

  • Identify what needs support now

  • Discuss what to be aware of preventatively, not just reactively

This isn’t about labeling or chasing numbers.
It’s about understanding your body’s communication—and responding with intention.

Final Thought: Hormone Balance Is a Relationship

Your hormones are constantly responding to:

  • How you eat

  • How you rest

  • How you manage stress

  • How supported your body feels

Balance doesn’t come from control.
It comes from alignment and support.

If you’ve been feeling off and want clarity around your hormones—or simply want to understand what’s happening beneath the surface—a thoughtful, functional approach can change everything.

Your body isn’t broken.
It’s communicating.

Book a session with Dee Davidson HERE

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Blood Tests to Ask for at Your Annual Physical