Opens in a new tab
Gut Health and Digestion, Hormonal Health

Tired, Moody, and Bloated? Signs Your Hormones Need a Reset

Anna Estop-Hall
March 25, 2025
Share:
Women's Nutritional Therapist Anna Estop-Hall
Woman experiencing stomach discomfort, possibly related to hormonal imbalance or digestive issues.

If you feel like you’re dragging yourself through the day, snapping at your partner over the washing up, and constantly wondering why your jeans feel tighter by the evening… you’re not alone.

These aren’t just “normal” parts of being a woman — they’re messages from your body that something deeper is going on.

Let’s talk about the signs your hormones may be out of balance and how a simple reset can help you feel more energised, emotionally stable, and at home in your body again.

1. You’re Always Tired — Even After a Good Night’s Sleep

Waking up groggy, needing caffeine to function, and feeling wiped out by mid-afternoon? This kind of fatigue could point to imbalances in your cortisol (your main stress hormone), thyroid hormones, or even progesterone, especially in the second half of your cycle.

These hormones play a big role in energy production and how your body responds to stress. If they’re not working in harmony, it can feel like you’re running on empty — all the time.

What helps:

  • Start your day with protein + fibre (think eggs with greens or a smoothie with flax seeds and nut butter).
  • Balance blood sugar to avoid energy crashes by eating every 3–4 hours and avoiding sugary snacks.
  • Reduce your stress load (even small changes like 5 minutes of deep breathing can help your cortisol levels).

2. Your Mood Feels Like a Rollercoaster

Do you feel irritable, low, anxious, or teary — especially before your period? This is often linked to oestrogen and progesterone imbalances, which can fluctuate wildly if you’re under stress, not sleeping well, or lacking key nutrients.

Low progesterone (the calming hormone) can make you feel anxious and wired, while excess oestrogen can leave you weepy or snappy. Sound familiar?

What helps:

  • Eat plenty of B vitamins (especially B6, found in bananas, poultry, and chickpeas) to support mood and hormone metabolism.
  • Support your gut by eating plenty of fibre (a healthy microbiome helps eliminate excess oestrogen). Aim to eat at least 3 plant foods with every meal.  
  • Consider magnesium-rich foods (like leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate!) to ease mood swings and tension.

3. You’re Bloated More Days Than Not

If your belly expands like a balloon by 3pm, or you constantly feel gassy and uncomfortable, your digestive system and hormones are probably having a bit of a tiff.

Oestrogen dominance can slow digestion and contribute to bloating, while progesterone levels also affect how your gut moves. Add stress into the mix, and it’s no wonder your gut is unhappy.

What helps:

  • Eat slowly and chew properly. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most important steps in digestion, as this stimulates digestive enzymes in your saliva to begin breaking your food down, which improves nutrient absorption and reduces bloating. 
  • Include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower to support liver detoxification of excess hormones.
  • Drink plenty of water and move your body daily — both help with digestion and hormone balance.

4. Your Cycle is All Over the Place

Whether it’s short, long, heavy, painful, or unpredictable, changes to your menstrual cycle are one of the most direct signs that your hormones need attention.

Irregular cycles often point to imbalances in oestrogen, progesterone, or even insulin (especially in conditions like PCOS).

What helps:

  • Track your cycle — awareness is the first step to understanding your hormone patterns.
  • Include healthy fats (like avocado, olive oil, and nuts) to support hormone production.
  • Cut down on endocrine disruptors like plastics, fragrances, and processed foods.

So… Do Your Hormones Need a Reset?

If you’re reading this and nodding along, it might be time to give your hormones the support they’re asking for. A hormone reset doesn’t mean a drastic detox — it means gently rebalancing through food, lifestyle, and understanding your body’s signals.

That’s exactly what I help women do — get to the root of their symptoms and feel like themselves again. If you’re tired of just pushing through and want a personalised approach that actually works, I’m here to help.

Want to take the first step?

Join my next 7-Day Hormone Reset and learn how to support your cycle with food! Sign up now to get started and take control of your hormone health.