3 Surprising Signs Your Hormones Might Be Off That Most Women Overlook
- Dr. Francesca Medina, ND
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Have you ever felt “off," but your labs come back “normal,” your doctor shrugs, and you’re left wondering if it’s all in your head?
You’re not imagining it.
Hormones are powerful messengers that influence almost everything: energy, digestion, skin, mood, and even how you experience the world around you. And sometimes, your body whispers subtle signs before it shouts.
As a naturopathic doctor specializing in women’s hormones and gut health here in San Diego (and virtually across California), I see these “quiet” hormone imbalance clues all the time, often in women who think their only option is to “wait and see.”
Let’s break down three surprisingly common signs your hormones might be waving the red flag, plus why proper hormone testing matters before you start chasing supplements.
Jump ahead:
Patient names changed for privacy
-1- You wake up tired even after 8 hours of sleep
If you’re getting what should be a solid 7–9 hours, but still wake up foggy, sluggish, or desperately needing coffee to function, your cortisol rhythm or thyroid hormones could be out of balance.
Cortisol, often called your “get up and go” hormone, should naturally rise in the morning to help you feel alert and clear-headed. If it’s too low, too high, or flatlined from chronic stress, your mornings can feel like moving through molasses.
Case study: "Lauren," 34, came to me exhausted every morning despite going to bed by 10 p.m. Her basic labs were “normal,” but a functional cortisol test showed her morning cortisol was too low, meaning her stress response was tapped out. With gentle adrenal support, mindful movement, and nervous system retraining, mornings became manageable within three months.
Similarly, an underactive thyroid (especially low free T3 or suboptimal T4 conversion) can leave you dragging, even if your TSH is technically “normal.” That’s why I never rely on TSH alone when I look at thyroid health.
If your fatigue feels out of proportion, don’t accept “you’re fine” as the answer. Functional hormone testing can reveal what standard labs often miss.
-2- You get bloated, but only mid-cycle or right before your period
Many women think gut issues are only about food sensitivity, SIBO, or probiotics. But your gut and hormones are in constant conversation.
During the middle (around ovulation) and last two weeks (luteal phase) of your cycle, your estrogen and progesterone levels naturally rise and fall. This shift can slow gut motility, increase water retention, and even change your microbiome, leading to bloating, constipation, or that “puffy” feeling.
Case study: "Maria," 29, tracked her bloating and noticed it peaked around day 20 of her cycle. Her gut tests were clear, but hormone testing showed higher estrogen and low progesterone — classic estrogen dominance. Supporting her liver detox pathways, adding targeted fiber, and gentle hormone balancing herbs helped her cycles feel lighter.
These patterns are why I often recommend patients track symptoms alongside their cycle because it’s one of the most powerful, low-tech tools we have. Even if you’re not trying to conceive, paying attention to your body’s cycle changes is an underrated act of self-care.
-3- You’re more sensitive to smells, sounds, or bright lights
This one surprises a lot of patients — but your hormones shape your nervous system sensitivity.
When progesterone drops in the late luteal phase, your calming neurotransmitter GABA can dip too, making you feel more anxious, jumpy, or overstimulated. Some women also experience histamine intolerance: when estrogen rises, it can trigger higher histamine release, making you react to wine, chocolate, perfume, or even bright lights.
These symptoms aren’t “just in your head," they’re biochemistry, and if they disrupt your daily life, they deserve attention.
Tracking when these sensitivities show up (mid-cycle? premenstrually?) can help pinpoint hormone patterns.
The power of testing: Don’t guess, test!
One of my favorite parts of naturopathic medicine is how personalized it is.
Instead of generic “hormone panels,” I build custom hormone and gut lab panels based on your symptoms, history, and cycle phase.
Depending on your story, that might include:
Cortisol rhythm across the day (salivary or urine)
Full thyroid panel (TSH, free T4, free T3, antibodies)
Cycle mapping (estrogen, progesterone, androgens)
Gut health panels (microbiome, inflammation markers)
Because your hormones are not isolated. Our thyroid, adrenals, and ovaries all talk to each other.
Functional hormone testing isn’t just about getting numbers on paper. It’s about building a roadmap to help you:
Understand why symptoms show up
Choose the right foods, herbs, or supplements
Avoid wasting money on random hormone products that might not help... or could make things worse
In my practice, we often start with simple diet and lifestyle shifts and sometimes targeted herbal support and supplements before considering bioidentical hormones. Because how you live is medicine when you know what your body actually needs.
If you recognized yourself in these stories, waking up tired, cycle-related bloating, or sudden sensitivities, it’s not random, and it’s not your fault.
✨ Book a 1:1 consult with me in person in San Diego County or virtually across California. Let’s get real answers from real testing, so your plan is as unique as you are.
FAQ: Subtle Signs of Hormone Imbalance & Testing
What are the most common signs of hormone imbalance in women?
Most people think of heavy periods, acne, or fertility issues, but subtle signs like morning fatigue, mid-cycle bloating, mood swings, or increased sensitivity to smells and lights can also point to hormone shifts. Your hormones influence everything from digestion to mood and energy.
Can hormones really cause bloating before my period?
Yes! Estrogen and progesterone naturally rise and fall across your cycle, which can slow gut motility, increase water retention, and affect your microbiome leading to bloating, constipation, or that “puffy” feeling. It’s more common than you think.
Why am I tired even after sleeping 8 hours?
If you wake up sluggish despite “perfect” sleep, it could be a sign your cortisol rhythm or thyroid hormones are off. Both help you feel alert in the morning and if they’re imbalanced, mornings feel like dragging through mud.
How do you test hormones naturally?
In my practice, I create custom hormone panels tailored to your symptoms and cycle often using blood, saliva, or urine testing. Instead of one-size-fits-all labs, we map your cortisol rhythm, thyroid function, estrogen, progesterone, and gut health for a complete picture.
Do you offer hormone testing in San Diego?
Yes! I see patients in person throughout North County, San Diego, including Encinitas, Vista, and Solana Beach. All my locations offer virtual consultations across California, so you can get hormone and gut testing from home.
What can I do naturally to support my hormones?
Simple steps make a big difference: balanced meals with protein and healthy fats, daily movement, stress management, limiting alcohol, and choosing non-toxic personal care. But testing first helps us know which hormone pathways need the most support.
When should I see a doctor about hormone imbalance?
If fatigue, bloating, cycle changes, skin issues, or mood swings feel persistent, or you just feel off, it’s worth looking deeper. Early testing helps catch imbalances before they become bigger issues.
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*Dr. Francesca works only with patients physically located in California.*
*Disclaimer: Although I am a doctor, I may not be your doctor. The information contained within the pages of this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to treat conditions. Please consult with your doctor, or make an appointment with me, before implementing any of the treatments, diets, supplements, etc. mentioned in this article.*
