Women's Health Symptoms
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Women's Health Symptoms
Many symptoms that women experience across their lives are hormonal in origin — yet they are frequently dismissed, misattributed, or left unaddressed. This guide covers the most common women's health symptoms, what they may indicate, and what the evidence says about addressing them.
Fatigue
Persistent fatigue is one of the most common complaints in women's health and has many potential causes. Key contributors include:
- Iron deficiency anaemia: The most common nutritional deficiency in women of reproductive age. Test ferritin (not just haemoglobin).
- Thyroid dysfunction: Hypothyroidism causes fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog. Test TSH, T4, and T3.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Associated with fatigue, low mood, and immune dysfunction. Very common in the UK.
- B12 deficiency: Causes fatigue, neurological symptoms, and low mood. More common in women following plant-based diets.
- Hormonal changes: Perimenopause, postpartum, and the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle can all cause significant fatigue.
- Poor sleep: Often driven by hormonal factors, stress, or underlying conditions.
Hormonal imbalance symptoms
Hormonal imbalance is a broad term that encompasses a range of symptoms driven by disruption to the endocrine system. Common presentations include:
- Irregular periods: May indicate PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, hypothalamic amenorrhoea, or perimenopause.
- Severe PMS (PMDD): Premenstrual dysphoric disorder causes severe mood symptoms in the luteal phase. Linked to sensitivity to progesterone fluctuations.
- Acne and excess hair growth: May indicate elevated androgens (PCOS).
- Weight gain around the abdomen: Associated with insulin resistance, cortisol excess, or oestrogen dominance.
- Breast tenderness: Common in the luteal phase; may indicate oestrogen dominance or progesterone deficiency.
Mood and mental health symptoms
Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression and anxiety. Hormonal factors play a significant role across the lifespan:
- PMS/PMDD: Mood symptoms in the 1–2 weeks before menstruation
- Postnatal depression: Affects 1 in 10 women after birth
- Perimenopausal mood changes: Anxiety and low mood driven by hormonal fluctuation
- Thyroid-related mood changes: Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism affect mood significantly
Nutritional support for mood: Omega-3 EPA, magnesium glycinate, B6, vitamin D, and iron (if deficient) all have evidence for supporting mood in women.
Skin and hair symptoms
- Hair loss (telogen effluvium): Triggered by iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal changes (postpartum, menopause), or significant physical or emotional stress.
- Acne: Hormonal acne (typically around the jaw and chin) is driven by androgens and often worsens premenstrually. Zinc, omega-3, and inositol have evidence for hormonal acne.
- Dry skin: Associated with thyroid dysfunction, oestrogen deficiency (menopause), and essential fatty acid deficiency.
- Skin ageing: Accelerated by oestrogen decline, UV exposure, smoking, and poor nutrition. Marine collagen and vitamin C support skin health.
Digestive symptoms
Women are more likely than men to experience IBS, bloating, and constipation, partly due to the influence of sex hormones on gut motility. Symptoms often worsen premenstrually and during perimenopause. Magnesium supports bowel regularity; probiotics and a high-fibre diet support gut health.
Bone and joint symptoms
- Joint pain: Common in perimenopause due to oestrogen's anti-inflammatory role. Also associated with vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism.
- Bone pain or fractures: May indicate osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women or those with risk factors.
When to see your GP
Seek medical attention for: unexplained weight loss or gain, new or worsening fatigue, irregular bleeding, severe mood changes, persistent pain, or any symptom that is affecting your quality of life. Many women's health symptoms are treatable — you do not have to accept them as normal.