Why Nutrition Is the Foundation of Hormone Health
Hormones cannot be made without the right nutritional building blocks. Proper nutrition supports:
- Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone production
- Regular ovulation and healthy cycles
- Energy, metabolism, and gut function
- Mitochondrial and cellular health
Feeling good, ovulating regularly, and having stable energy all start with nutrition.
Why We Test Nutrients Instead of Guessing
Even with a clean diet, it’s impossible to know:
- If nutrients are being absorbed
- If ratios are appropriate
- If current supplements are effective
Nutrition testing removes guesswork and provides clear direction, measurable progress, and targeted solutions.
The NutrEval: A Comprehensive Nutrition Panel
One of Dr. Sarah’s preferred tests evaluates:
- Antioxidant status
- Oxidative stress
- Mitochondrial function
- Omega-3 and omega-6 ratios
- Toxin exposure
- Methylation needs
This provides a complete picture of cellular health and hormone-building capacity.
Antioxidants & Egg Quality
Adequate antioxidants are essential for:
- Reducing oxidative stress
- Protecting egg quality
- Preventing chromosomal damage
Key antioxidants assessed include:
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- CoQ10
Low antioxidant levels increase cellular stress and can negatively impact fertility.
Mitochondrial Health = Energy & Hormones
Mitochondria are the energy factories of your cells. When mitochondrial function is impaired, it can lead to:
- Chronic fatigue
- Poor hormone production
- Brain fog
- Metabolic dysfunction
Testing helps identify where targeted mitochondrial support is needed.
Omega Balance & Inflammation
Omega balance plays a major role in inflammation and estrogen health:
- Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and hormone-supportive
- Omega-6s are abundant in seed oils and easy to overconsume
Even “healthy” diets can have excess omega-6s from salad dressings and packaged foods. Testing ensures the ratio—not just intake—is optimized.
Why Omega-3s Are Hard to Get from Food Alone
Omega-3s primarily come from fish. If fish isn’t eaten 2–3 times per week, supplementation is often necessary—and must be tested to ensure it’s effective.
Toxins & Heavy Metals That Disrupt Hormones
Nutrition testing can also identify exposure to:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
These toxins interfere with estrogen production and endocrine function and may require detox or antioxidant support.
Methylation: Are You Using the Right Vitamins?
Some bodies require methylated forms of nutrients such as:
- Folate (methylfolate)
- Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
Without proper methylation, vitamins may not be utilized effectively. Testing determines which forms your body actually needs.
Food First, Supplements Second
Dr. Sarah emphasizes:
- Food should always be the foundation
- Supplements should be targeted, not random
- High levels do not require more supplementation
Colorful fruits and vegetables provide plant-based antioxidants, while supplements fill true gaps only.
Why Supplements Sometimes Don’t Work
Low levels despite supplementation may indicate:
- Poor absorption
- Capsule fillers
- Gut or stomach dysfunction
Changing the form (liquid, powder, or different capsule type) can significantly improve results.
Personalized Plans, Not Supplement Overload
Random supplement stacks:
- Overwhelm the gut
- Miss root causes
- Waste time and money
Targeted plans address deficiencies only and are re-tested to ensure improvement.
Key Takeaways
- Nutrition is the foundation of hormone production
- “Eating healthy” doesn’t guarantee nutrient sufficiency
- Antioxidants are critical for egg quality and cellular health
- Omega balance directly affects inflammation and estrogen
- Supplements should be personalized and measured
- Poor absorption requires gut-focused support
Next Steps
If you’re struggling with hormone imbalance, fatigue, poor ovulation, or fertility challenges, nutrition testing can provide clarity and direction.