In this powerful and deeply reassuring episode, I am joined by BANT-registered nutritionist and hormone expert Hannah Alderson, author of Everything I Know About Hormones.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, hormonal, confused by conflicting advice, or blamed your body for not behaving “properly” – this conversation is for you.

We gently dismantle the idea that hormones are something to “fix” or fight. Instead, we explore a far more compassionate – and science-backed – approach:

Your hormones aren’t broken. They’re responding to the environment they’re living in.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why Hormones Are Not the Enemy

Being “hormonal” has become an insult – but in reality, hormones are your greatest allies. Hannah explains why symptoms often arise not because hormones are faulty, but because modern life makes it incredibly hard for them to do their job.

The “VIP Hormones” You Actually Need to Understand

With over 50 hormones in the body, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Hannah simplifies things by focusing on the key players that influence most symptoms, including:

• Cortisol (stress and energy)
• Insulin (blood sugar and fat storage)
• Oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone
• Thyroid hormones
• Melatonin and serotonin

You don’t need to know everything – just the right things.

Why “Balancing Hormones” Is the Wrong Goal

Hormones don’t want to be balanced – they want to move. They work in rhythms, cycles and relationships. Hannah explains why the idea of hormone “balance” is misleading, and what to focus on instead.

Cortisol, Burnout and Why You Wake Up Exhausted

If you’re tired-but-wired, struggle to get out of bed, rely on coffee, or feel flat and unmotivated, cortisol may be running the show. Hannah breaks down:

• The cortisol awakening response
• Why skipping breakfast can worsen stress in women
• How chronic stress disrupts sleep, weight, mood and hormones

Breakfast, Blood Sugar and Energy (Without Perfection)

This episode offers some of the most practical, doable advice you’ll hear:

• Why breakfast matters for women’s hormones
• How to eat within 90 minutes of waking without overwhelm
• Simple, realistic options like smoothies or eggs
• Why it’s not about calories, fasting trends, or willpower

Insulin Resistance – The Hormone Link No One Explains Clearly

Hannah explains insulin resistance in a way that finally makes sense – and why it affects:

• Fat storage (especially around the middle)
• Energy levels and brain fog
• PCOS, perimenopause and menopause symptoms
• Hormone transport in the body

And most importantly – how small changes can reverse it.

The Role of Stress, Sleep and the Nervous System

This conversation goes far beyond food. You’ll hear why:

• Stress is not a personal failure
• The nervous system needs safety, not pressure
• Light exposure, phones, routines and boundaries matter
• Oxytocin (connection, laughter, love) is cortisol’s kryptonite

Why Consistency Beats Perfection

Hannah shares why wellness plans fail when they’re too rigid, and how:

• Tiny, repeatable habits change the brain
• Self-discipline eventually creates motivation
• You don’t need to “start again on Monday”
• Feeling good becomes the reward

A Key Takeaway From This Episode“The biggest job isn’t fixing your hormones – it’s creating an environment where they can thrive.”

This episode is a permission slip to:

• Stop blaming your body
• Stop chasing extremes
• Start listening, responding, and supporting yourself gently

About Hannah Alderson

Hannah Alderson is a BANT-registered nutritionist specialising in women’s hormone health. She combines clinical science with real-life practicality, helping women understand their bodies without fear or overwhelm.

Her book, Everything I Know About Hormones, breaks down complex science into simple, compassionate guidance that actually fits real life.

👉 Follow Hannah on Instagram: @hannahaldersonnutrition

👉 Learn more or book a discovery call: hannahalderson.com

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Website: www.balancedbodyandretreats.com

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