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Naturopathic and Functional Medicine Practitioners are a key guide into leading you to life-long prevention and wellness through individualised, whole-person- focused health.
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GUT HEALTH
As you read this, billions of bacteria are working away in your gut. Collectively known as the gut microbiome, and even though these tiny organisms are so small that they require a microscope to see them, they contribute in big ways to human health and wellness.
These bacteria are highly intelligent organisms and have been shown to communicate with different organs in the body, including the brain (hence their link to both depression and anxiety), lungs (hence the link to asthma), skin (hence the link to acne, psoriasis and eczema) and the immune system (hence autoimmune conditions).Several studies have also linked the mix of bacteria in the gut, or the gut microbiome, to memory or the ability to learn, as well as well as being a key factor in the aging process.
We can test the balance of bacteria through stool testing which assesses all of the bacteria, yeasts and potential parasites in the large intestine, and we can test for overgrowths in the small intestine (SIBO) via breath testing. If there are overgrowths, herbal antimicrobials may be required. If there are too few of the good bacteria, probiotics and prebiotics may be used to promote their growth. Equally, too much good bacteria can also cause a problem in health and symptoms, which is why its important to not over do it with probiotIcs and fermented foods unless you are overseen by a qualified practitioner.
An individualised approach that takes into account all aspects of the digestive tract and unique health picture always yields the best outcome for overall health and well-being.
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DEPRESSION & LOW MOOD
Around 80% percent of serotonin, the body’s happy hormone, is created in the gut, as well as mood-boosting dopamine, which is why the gut is increasingly referred to as the ‘second brain’. If gut bacteria falls out of sync, this can fuel the gut-brain feedback loop, negatively affecting mood. Hormonal changes triggered by the body’s stress response can also take their toll on the gut.
It all comes down to the gut-brain axis. “Your gut and brain are connected by the vagus nerve (situated in your neck) – one of the biggest nerves in the body that’s essentially an information superhighway,” This two-way line of communication can trigger your gut to mirror your current state of mind – or vice versa – explaining why you may feel nauseous before a presentation or why stressful situations wreak havoc with your stomach causing constipation or diarrhoea.
The vagus nerve also plays a key role when it comes to stress and mood. Since 1921, researchers have confirmed the vagus nerve doesn’t respond well to emotional stress. The more anxious and stressed we are, the higher the likelihood of inflammation and low mood, potential triggers for depression.
Not one valid study has proven that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. As a gut health specialist I believe the most effective way to treat mental health disorders is through the gut and looking at an individuals lifestyle and nutritional deficiencies.
Low level Vitamin D and vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increase of negative mood, depression symptoms and impaired cognitive function. It is important to spend splenty of time in nature in the spring time and summer months to get adequate exposure to the sun to get the all essential sunshine vitamin, vitamin D.
HORMONES
Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common and most under-investigated drivers of poor health in women. Irregular cycles, debilitating PMS, unexplained fatigue, persistent acne, mood swings, weight changes, and fertility challenges are rarely random. They are signals. And in most cases, they are treatable. At The Naturopathic Health Clinic, a thorough, investigative approach to hormonal health approach means looking at the full picture – your cycle, your gut, your stress load, your nutrition, your sleep – and identify what is actually driving your symptoms. Then we correct it.
Each condition has its own underlying drivers.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
PCOS is driven by excess androgens, insulin resistance, and disrupted ovulation. It is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age, yet it is frequently under-managed. Symptoms include irregular or absent periods, acne, hair thinning, facial hair, weight gain, and difficulty conceiving. Our approach addresses the root hormonal and metabolic drivers rather than simply managing symptoms.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease – not a hormonal one – though it is significantly affected by oestrogen and immune dysregulation. It causes lesions, ovarian cysts, and often severe pain. Naturopathic treatment focuses on reducing systemic inflammation, supporting immune function, and addressing the gut health factors that influence oestrogen metabolism.
PMS and Painful Periods
PMS is not something you simply have to endure. Bloating, mood changes, breast tenderness, anxiety, food cravings, and cramping in the lead-up to your period are signs of hormonal imbalance – most commonly low progesterone or oestrogen dominance. Naturopathy is highly effective at regulating the luteal phase and reducing PMS severity.
Oestrogen Dominance
Oestrogen dominance occurs when oestrogen is elevated relative to progesterone. It is one of the most common underlying drivers of PMS, heavy periods, endometriosis, fibroids, and hormonal acne. Poor gut health is a significant contributor – a disrupted gut microbiome impairs oestrogen clearance and allows oestrogen to be recirculated rather than eliminated.
Irregular or Absent Periods
Cycle irregularity – whether cycles are too short, too long, or absent entirely – reflects dysregulation in the communication between the brain, ovaries, and adrenal glands. Stress, under-eating, thyroid dysfunction, and gut imbalance are common contributors. We investigate the cause and work to restore a regular, symptom-free cycle.
Perimenopause and Menopause
The hormonal transition of perimenopause – which can begin a decade before periods stop – is often accompanied by hot flushes, disrupted sleep, mood instability, weight changes, brain fog, and joint pain. Naturopathic support can significantly reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms and support long-term health through and beyond the transition.
Adrenal Fatigue and Cortisol Imbalance
Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which in turn suppresses progesterone production, disrupts thyroid function, and destabilises blood sugar. Over time, prolonged cortisol elevation can lead to adrenal dysfunction, burnout, and significant hormonal disruption across multiple systems.
Thyroid Conditions
The thyroid is central to hormonal health. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism affect the menstrual cycle, energy, weight, mood, and fertility. Women with unmanaged thyroid dysfunction are at significantly higher risk of hormonal irregularity. We can work alongside conventional management and can support thyroid function naturally for prevention of dysfunction.
Fertility and Pre-conception Care
Preparing for pregnancy naturopathically involves far more than taking a prenatal supplement. We address nutritional status, hormonal balance, gut microbiome health, and stress – all of which profoundly influence fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Emerging research shows that the maternal microbiome is directly transferred to the baby at birth and in early life, influencing the child’s immune development, nervous system, and long-term health.
The Gut and Hormone Connection
One of the most important and underappreciated aspects of hormonal health is the relationship between the gut and hormones. Poor gut health is a direct driver of hormonal imbalance – and this is not widely understood.
The gut plays a critical role in oestrogen metabolism through a collection of bacteria. When the gut microbiome is disrupted – through dysbiosis, bacterial overgrowth, poor diversity, or leaky gut – oestrogen that should be cleared from the body is instead reactivated and recirculated, contributing to oestrogen dominance, worsening PMS, and feeding conditions like endometriosis.
Conditions such as IBS, bloating, constipation, and food sensitivities are therefore not separate from hormonal symptoms – they are frequently connected. Addressing gut health is often a critical part of restoring hormonal balance, which is why our naturopaths assess both systems together.
If you have both digestive and hormonal symptoms, this is not a coincidence.
us to build a treatment plan with clear direction.
Hormone Testing
Through our functional testing partners, we can assess:
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Oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone across the full cycle (saliva testing)
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Cortisol output across the day (4-point saliva testing)
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DHEA and adrenal function
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Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4, reverse T3, antibodies)
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Gut microbiome and its role in oestrogen metabolism
All test kits are shipped directly to your home. Results are reviewed thoroughly at your follow-up appointment and integrated into your treatment plan.
Our approach to hormonal imbalance is investigative, evidence-based, and personalised. Treatment may include:
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Targeted nutritional medicine to support hormone production, clearance, and balance
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Herbal medicine – including adaptogens, phytoestrogens, and cycle-regulating herbs
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Dietary guidance specific to your hormonal presentation
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Gut health treatment where microbiome disruption is contributing to hormonal symptoms
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Stress and nervous system support where cortisol is a driver
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Lifestyle and sleep recommendations tailored to your cycle
Unnecessary supplements are not pushed onto our clients. Every recommendation is purposeful and based on your clinical picture.
If you are tired of being told your results are “normal” when you know something is off, or if you have been managing symptoms without ever getting to the cause, naturopathy offers a different path.
Book your initial naturopathy consultation today and take the first step toward balanced hormones, better energy, and a body that feels like yours again.
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