A Long Overdue Conversation

Women's health has long been under-researched, misunderstood, and dismissed. Millions of women around the world live with pain, fatigue, and irregular cycles—told it’s “just stress,” “normal,” or “in their head.” In reality, many are living with undiagnosed or poorly managed reproductive or hormonal health conditions that impact their physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Let’s change that.

In this article, I’ll help you unpack what some of the most common women’s health conditions are, how they’re similar and different, why the conventional medical system is failing women, and what you can do—through lifestyle medicine and holistic care—to support your hormones, regain your vitality, and potentially reverse some of these conditions.

Common Women’s Health Conditions

Here’s a closer look at some of the most prevalent and underdiagnosed conditions affecting women:

1. Endometriosis (Endo)

A chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus—on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, and even lungs.
Symptoms: Severe period pain, infertility, digestive issues, fatigue.
Cause: Unknown, but linked to immune dysfunction, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance (particularly estrogen dominance).
Can it be reversed? No cure, but symptoms can be dramatically reduced through anti-inflammatory lifestyle changes, hormone balancing, and surgery if required.

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A metabolic and hormonal condition where ovulation is disrupted and high androgens (like testosterone) are present.
Symptoms: Irregular periods, weight gain, acne, facial hair, infertility, insulin resistance.
Cause: Combination of genetic, insulin, and hormonal imbalances.
Can it be reversed? PCOS can’t be “cured,” but symptoms can be managed and even reversed through blood sugar regulation, stress management, and hormonal support.

3. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

A severe form of PMS that causes debilitating mood changes, anxiety, and depression.
Symptoms: Emotional distress, rage, hopelessness, severe anxiety, physical symptoms before menstruation.
Cause: Sensitivity to normal hormone changes—particularly estrogen and progesterone fluctuations.
Can it be reversed? Lifestyle strategies can dramatically improve symptoms, especially nervous system regulation, nutrition, and cycle tracking.

4. Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA)

The absence of periods due to stress, under-eating, or over-exercising.
Symptoms: Missed periods, low libido, fatigue, hair loss, low body temperature.
Cause: Suppressed ovulation due to chronic stress and low energy availability.
Can it be reversed? Yes—recovery is possible through nourishment, rest, nervous system repair, and gentle movement.

5. Thyroid Conditions (Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s)

Affects metabolism, mood, fertility, and menstrual cycles.
Symptoms: Fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, depression, irregular cycles.
Cause: Autoimmune attacks (Hashimoto’s) or underactive thyroid function.
Can it be reversed? Hashimoto’s is autoimmune and cannot be “cured,” but many symptoms can be reversed through gut healing, reducing inflammation, and supporting the thyroid.

6. Fibroids

Non-cancerous growths in the uterus.
Symptoms: Heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, frequent urination.
Cause: Linked to estrogen dominance and inflammation.
Can it be reversed? While fibroids can shrink with lifestyle changes, surgery may be required. Hormonal balance and liver detoxification can help prevent regrowth.

7. Adenomyosis

Endometrial tissue grows into the muscle wall of the uterus.
Symptoms: Painful, heavy periods, bloating, pelvic pain.
Cause: Still unclear but hormonally driven.
Can it be reversed? No cure, but symptoms can be managed with natural hormone balancing strategies and anti-inflammatory lifestyle support.

8. Perimenopause and Menopause

The natural life phase where estrogen and progesterone decline, leading to a wide range of physical and emotional changes.
Symptoms: Irregular cycles, night sweats, anxiety, depression, weight gain, low libido, brain fog.
Cause: Hormonal fluctuations and eventual cessation of ovulation.
Can it be reversed? It’s a natural process, but symptoms can be soothed and balanced with the right support.

A Growing Cry for Help

Over the past few weeks, I’ve worked closely with a number of young women navigating the challenges of PCOS and endometriosis—and one thing they all share is deep frustration with the medical system.

They’re being told what’s wrong with them—but then left alone to figure it all out. No roadmap, no holistic support, no space to process what this diagnosis means for their body, their future, or their identity as women.

Some are told to “just get pregnant”—as if that’s a cure. Others are diagnosed with “infertility” and then made to feel like their body is broken, or their worth lies in whether or not they can conceive. But these women are so much more. They are not defined by their ovaries or cycle irregularities. They are human beings with dreams, relationships, and a deep longing for support that sees the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

What can we do?
We listen. We validate. We educate. And we walk alongside them with compassion, tools, and practical, empowering support.

How Are These Conditions Similar?

• Hormonal imbalance is at the core. Most conditions involve some form of estrogen dominance, progesterone deficiency, insulin resistance, or high androgens.

• They’re inflammatory. Chronic inflammation is both a cause and a result.

• Often dismissed. Many women are told to “just lose weight” or “go on the Pill” with little investigation.

• Interconnected. Gut health, stress, sleep, trauma, and metabolic health all influence symptoms.

• Lack of research. Women’s health has been historically underfunded and misrepresented in clinical trials.

Why the Medical System Often Fails Women

• Focuses on symptoms, not root causes. The standard approach is to medicate or suppress with birth control or antidepressants rather than explore underlying imbalances.

• Underrepresentation in research. Most medical research has been male-focused, ignoring female hormonal cycles.

• Long waitlists. Gynaecologists and endocrinologists are often booked out months in advance.

• Dismissal of pain and symptoms. Many women are told their symptoms are psychological or “just part of being a woman.”

The result? Women feel confused, dismissed, and desperate for answers.

The Role of Hormones in Women’s Health

Estrogen: Regulates menstrual cycle, supports brain, bone, and heart health

Too high: mood swings, PMS, fibroids.

Too low: dryness, hot flashes, insomnia

Progesterone: Calms the nervous system, supports fertility and sleep

Low: anxiety, irregular cycles, miscarriage risk

Testosterone: Builds muscle, libido, mood

High: PCOS symptoms.

Low: fatigue, low libido

Cortisol: Manages stress

Chronic high levels: anxiety, fatigue, belly fat

Insulin: Blood sugar control

Resistance: weight gain, cravings, PCOS

Thyroid hormones: Regulate metabolism

Low: fatigue, weight gain.

High: anxiety, weight loss

How Lifestyle Medicine Supports Hormone Health

A holistic approach does what medication alone often can’t—it empowers healing from the inside out.

Key Areas of Lifestyle Medicine:

1. Nutrition

• Eat to stabilise blood sugar (protein + fibre + healthy fats).

• Avoid inflammatory foods (refined sugars, seed oils).

• Focus on nutrient-dense whole foods.

2. Movement

• Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, Pilates, strength training.

• Avoid overtraining—especially with adrenal or thyroid issues.

3. Nervous System Regulation

• Breathwork, somatic practices, journaling, nature time.

• Mind-body practices to reduce cortisol and support progesterone.

4. Sleep Hygiene

• Create a calming routine.

• Prioritise 7–9 hours of sleep.

• Support melatonin with darkness, and avoid screens late at night.

5. Gut & Liver Support

• The liver metabolises estrogen.

• A healthy gut reduces inflammation and supports hormone balance.

Can These Conditions Be Reversed?

Some conditions—like PCOS and HA—can be reversed or go into remission with consistent support. Others—like endometriosis or Hashimoto’s—are chronic but manageable. The key lies in early intervention, personalised support, and empowering education.

Final Thoughts: You Are Not Broken

If you’re navigating one of these conditions, please hear this: You are not broken. Your body is communicating with you.

We’ve been taught to ignore, numb, or override our symptoms. But what if instead, we listened?

With the right support, knowledge, and strategies, healing is possible.

As a women’s health coach, I walk alongside you on that path—helping you understand your hormones, trust your body again, and make the changes that honour your energy, cycles, and feminine power.

Ready to reclaim your health and your hormones?
Book a 1:1 session or explore my programs at www.suregrowthcoaching.co.nz