Rachel Zaw
Functional Nutritionist

Hormonal imbalance symptoms such as PMS, bloating, fatigue, acne, mood swings, irregular periods and weight gain are incredibly common especially in conditions such as PCOS. Conventional medicine often focuses on hormone levels alone, overlooking the reasons behind the imbalance which can often be rooted in poor gut and liver health.

Hormonal balance depends on how well the body can process, regulate and eliminate hormones and the liver and gut are two systems which are central to this process and intricately linked.

The liver is essential for hormone detoxification, particularly oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol. Once hormones have been used, they must be broken down and prepared for safe removal from the body.

When liver pathways are under strain from chronic stress, blood sugar imbalance, medications, alcohol or nutrient deficiencies hormones may circulate for longer than intended. This can contribute to imbalanced estrogen, fatigue, headaches and worsening PMS.

For women with PCOS, liver health is especially important, as impaired hormone clearance and insulin resistance often coexist.

After hormones are processed by the liver, they move into the gut for elimination. Poor gut health, constipation or microbiome imbalance can cause hormones particularly oestrogen to be reabsorbed back into circulation.

There’s also a specific group of bacteria inside the gut called the estrobolome. These microbes can produce an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase that can unpack estrogen and recirculate it through the body in its active form.

This hormone recycling can worsen:

• PMS

• Hormonal bloating

• Acne and inflammation

• Irregular or heavy cycles

• PCOS symptoms linked to insulin resistance

Supporting gut health by eating enough fibre including foods such as vegetables, seeds, herbs and nuts helps ensure hormones leave the body efficiently, supporting natural hormone balance. Aiming for 30 plant foods a week is a great way to ensure your fibre levels are on track.

Blood glucose balance plays a key role in hormonal health particularly for women with PCOS and both the liver and gut are central to this process.

Frequent blood sugar spikes place extra demand on the liver, reducing its capacity to efficiently process and clear hormones such as oestrogen. At the same time, poor blood sugar control can disrupt gut health, increasing inflammation and impairing hormone elimination through the digestive system.

Over time, this liver–gut strain can contribute to insulin resistance, androgen excess, hormonal acne, fatigue and cycle irregularity.

This is where targeted products from Myova can really make a difference. Their PCOS-focused support is designed to address underlying drivers such as insulin resistance, inflammation and hormone metabolism, while their soothing hormonal tea provides gentle support for digestion, blood glucose balance and nervous system calm.

Used regularly, these tools can help support the liver–gut–hormone connection in a way that feels sustainable rather than restrictive.

Hormonal health particularly in conditions like PCOS is rarely about fixing one hormone in isolation. Supporting liver detoxification, gut health and blood sugar balance creates the foundation for happy healthy hormones.

If you’re interested in exploring more about the foundations of hormone health, you may also enjoy these related articles:

Blood Sugar Balance: An Underrated Tool for Women’s Hormone Health
Learn how stable blood sugar levels support energy, mood, insulin sensitivity, and hormone balance.

Week 1: Reset & Routine – Laying the Foundations for Hormonal Balance
Discover how daily routines around meals, movement, sleep, and consistency help create the conditions for balanced hormones.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement routine, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.