Have you ever wondered why you're suffering with your mental health? Perhaps you can't think of a trauma or any reason in particular why you feeling this way.

Friends may have suggested therapy but you can't see how that would help. If that is the case then maybe your hormones are the reason why you are feeling this way.

Female hormones start to decline much earlier than many women think. Peri-menopause actually starts from about 30 years old with a significant decline in hormones around 35 yrs.

Fluctuating and declining hormones will continue until menopause which typically happens between 50-60, and can lead to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted with low mood, anxiety or even depression.

An example of the effect of hormones on mood can be seen clearly with post-natal depression. During pregnancy progesterone levels are elevated by nearly 600% after childbirth progesterone levels fall significantly and if they become too low can be the cause of post-natal depression.

Progesterone is a hormone that has antioxidant properties for the brain. It is released at ovulation and helps your body to manage stress, sustain pregnancy and feel good.

Low progesterone can lead to PMS, unexplained weight gain, cyclical headaches, infertility, miscarriage, anxiety and depression.

Alongside progesterone, oestrogen is known for its role in sexual and reproductive health. However, it also contributes to cognitive and bone health, mood and sexual desire. Low oestrogen levels are responsible for irregular or no mensuration, hot flashes, night sweats, memory problems, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and depression.

Androgens like testosterone are usually thought of as male hormones but females naturally produce them and they are important for cell repair, bone and cognitive health and maintains libido. Excessive levels lead to thinning hair on the head, excessive hair on the face and arms, mid cycle pain, acne and ovarian cysts. Low levels can lead to tiredness, loss of muscle mass and strength, lack of libido, motivation and low mood.

Insulin responsible for blood sugar balance, high levels from a diet high in sugars and carbohydrates is stressful and can contribute to symptoms in peri-menopause.

So how can you tell which hormone imbalances are affecting your mood and health, and what can you do about it?

As a practitioner who helps with emotional overwhelm and women's health a thorough review of your symptoms and medical history will help me to understand what is going on for you and how we can work together to improve your mental and physical health.

Acupuncture is an effective therapy that has been used for more than 3000 yrs to regulate hormones throughout a woman's life. It is particularly helpful for regulating periods, promoting fertility, relieving the peri-menopause symptoms I have mentioned above. It can help support a gracefully transition through menopause and beyond.

Nutrition and what you eat also has a huge impact on hormone balance, it is possible to use food as therapy not only for your hormones but also for your mind. Changing diet can be a challenge and understanding your emotional drivers with hypnotherapy can help you to make those changes.