17/07/2025
Inflammation and Hormones, What’s the Link?
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or stress. It’s essential for healing but when it becomes chronic, it can quietly disrupt many systems, including your hormonal balance.
Hormones rely on clear communication between glands, cells, and organs. Chronic inflammation interferes with this process, often leading to symptoms that seem unrelated at first glance.
How does inflammation affect hormones?
Cortisol overload: Chronic inflammation keeps the body in a stress-response mode, raising cortisol levels. This can suppress reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone, leading to irregular cycles, fatigue, and mood changes.
Estrogen metabolism: Inflammation can impair liver function, making it harder to clear excess estrogen. This may contribute to heavy periods, PMS, and hormonal acne.
Insulin resistance: Inflammatory signals can reduce insulin sensitivity, affecting blood sugar balance and contributing to conditions like PCOS.
Thyroid disruption: Inflammation, especially in the gut, can interfere with thyroid hormone production and conversion, impacting energy, metabolism, and mood.
Common symptoms linked to chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalance:
Period pain
Fatigue
Mood swings
Skin issues (acne, eczema, dullness)
What triggers chronic inflammation?
Highly processed foods
Poor sleep quality
Gut dysbiosis
Chronic stress
Environmental exposures
Gentle, naturopathic support may include depending on medications and health history:
Turmeric – contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties
Omega-3s – found in flaxseeds, walnuts, and oily fish, help regulate inflammation
Ginger – supports digestion and reduces inflammatory markers
Restorative sleep – essential for hormonal repair and immune regulation
At Balanced Wellness, I help you explore these connections in a way that’s realistic and supportive. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Together, we’ll look at your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals to create a plan that works for you whether that’s through food, herbs, stress support, or sleep strategies.
I also offer free 15-minute discovery chats if you’d like to learn more about how I work and how I can support your health journey.
Email: dayna@balancedwellness.co.nz
Book online: www.balancedwellness.co.nz
Let’s bring your body back into balance naturally, gently, and with understanding.