Hormone Health Hub: Expert Insights on Testing, Balance & Better Living — Gut Health and Hormones

Estrogen dominance is a common hormone imbalance linked to symptoms such as weight gain, mood swings, heavy periods, fatigue, hot flashes, anxiety, and low libido. Learn the causes of estrogen dominance, how hormone testing works, and natural ways to support hormone balance during reproductive years, perimenopause, and menopause.

Most people know that drinking enough water is important for health — but far fewer understand the profound connection between hydration and hormones. Oestrogen, progesterone, aldosterone, vasopressin, and even dopamine all play roles in regulating how the body manages fluid. Hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause can significantly alter water retention, thirst signalling, and overall hydration status. This guide explains the science behind hydration and hormones, identifies who is most at risk of dehydration, and provides practical, evidence-based strategies for staying optimally hydrated at every life stage.

Weight loss failure is rarely just about willpower or diet — hormones are almost always involved. In this Q&A, Dr. Alyssa Burns-Hill of ZRT Laboratory tackles the most common questions from people struggling to lose weight despite their best efforts: from thyroid interference by the contraceptive pill and stress-driven cortisol cravings, to estrogen-reducing supplements, natural progesterone for menopause, and why 5-HTP can be a game-changer for mood, sleep and comfort eating.

The gut microbiome and estrogen are more closely connected than most people realise. As estrogen declines in menopause, microbial diversity falls with it — triggering a cascade of metabolic consequences including weight gain, abdominal fat, inflammation and reduced insulin sensitivity. Dr. Kate Placzek explores the science behind the estrobolome and explains why supporting both gut health and hormone balance is essential for metabolic wellbeing in menopause.