Hormone Root Causes: A Closer Look
Written By: Dr. Chelsea Dakers ND | Edited By Sena (AI)
Stress
“Stress” is a word we hear everywhere. But if we stop at the word alone, we miss the richness of what it actually means for the body.
Let’s go deeper—cue polyvagal theory, gifted to us by Dr. Stephen Porges. This model invites us to see stress not as one thing, but as many states the nervous system can shift between—each deeply rooted in evolutionary biology.
Stressors are inevitable. They can be overt, like major trauma or catastrophe, or subtle, like the quiet mis-attunements between child and caregiver. Both shape our physiology in profound and lasting ways.
Long ago, our nervous systems evolved to help us survive, relate, and recover. They gave us:
The freeze state—a powerful override that shuts down conscious awareness in overwhelming moments.
The fight or flight state—our system's way of mobilizing for survival.
The rest and digest state—where nutrients are absorbed, tissue is repaired, and hormones are made and timed.
The social engagement state—a sophisticated state that allows us to connect with others and ourselves in meaningful, regulating ways.
When we talk about stress in the context of hormone healing, we must be specific. These aren’t cognitive states. They’re physiological—ancient, unconscious, and precognitive. That means you can’t “think” your way in or out of them.
Healing stress isn’t about mindfullness hacks or willpower—it’s about learning to work with your biology.
In previous resources, I’ve shared nervous system tools like orienting your eyes to shapes, objects and colours in your immediate surroundings. It seems simple, but it’s a potent entry point.
Takeaway:
You cannot think your way out of stress. Your body knows more than your mind can comprehend. Understanding and respecting the branches of your nervous system is foundational to any sustainable hormone healing path.
Sleep
Sleep is not something you earn—it’s something you were designed to do.
Trying to force sleep through elaborate wind-down routines is often unsustainable. Yes, your bedtime habits matter. But what you do during the day—the signals your body receives about safety, light, nourishment, and rhythm—matters more.
Creating the conditions for rest requires us to work with our physiology, not against it. And in our modern world, that’s no small feat.
This topic is close to my heart—I’ve lived through insomnia, and I’ve supported many clients through it, too. If sleep is something you’re struggling with, I invite you to read more here:
👉 My Clinical Approach to Sleep
Diet
There is no one way to eat for every human.
If you come across a message suggesting otherwise, please—run the other way.
Supporting hormone health through nutrition is highly individualized. Here are a few core principles I return to:
Mitochondrial nourishment
Ancestral food practices
Intuitive eating (check out my Instagram post with 5 guiding questions)
Medical context, if applicable
History of disordered eating or overexercising
Start with mitochondria—they are the energy engines of every cell, and they have fuel preferences. Just like different vehicles run on different fuel types, your cells thrive on foods your lineage adapted to. To get started, ask: What would my great-great-great-grandmother have eaten?
Cycle syncing is another emerging trend I welcome. Adjusting food intake based on your menstrual phase can be deeply supportive.
And this is important:
Most women today carry some degree of disordered eating—whether it’s portion tracking, chronic restriction, bingeing, compulsive exercise, or simply a sense of fear around food.
If this resonates, know that you are not alone. I encourage you: if there’s even a whisper that your relationship with food feels off, avoid restrictive dietary advice. Cutting things out often reinforces the belief that your body can’t be trusted, which is the wrong direction for creating the conditions for vibrant healthy hormones.
There are exceptions. Clinical conditions like celiac disease require specific avoidance. But even then, we must hold space for how triggering restriction can be—especially for those with a history of disordered eating.
Takeaway:
Nourishment is about trust, ancestry, metabolism, and joy. Eating in a way that supports your hormones should feel grounded, not fear-based.
Learn more about Dr. Chelsea ND’s approach to hormone healing at chelseadakers.com or join the conversation on Instagram @chelseacreateshealth.
The disclaimer… The amazing thing about humans is that we all have incomparably unique health profiles and needs. The health-related information contained in this article is intended to be general in nature and should not be used prescriptively or a as a substitute for a visit with a naturopathic doctor. This info is intended to offer general information to individuals. If you have questions about how these strategies could be used in adjunct to your current heath regime, book and appointment with us or consult a licensed naturopathic doctor for individualized care.