The Healthy Hormones Quiz

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Quiz Questions

1.
1. Which best describes your sleep?

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- A.
  
  I lie in bed staring at the ceiling with a to-do list moving at top speed.
- B.
  
  I fall asleep okay but I wake up between 1:00 and 4:00 AM ready to party.
- C.
  
  I don’t even remember what sleep is.
- D.
  
  I wake up in a puddle of sweat and can’t regulate my temperature.
- E.
  
  I get a good 8 hours, but waking up feels like trying to dig myself out of quicksand.
- F.
  
  My ears don’t sleep. I wake up when the furnace turns on, when my partner moves, and when the neighbour gets up to pee.
2.
2. Which best describes your energy/mood?

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- A.
  
  I am like the roadrunner racing from one activity to the next.
- B.
  
  I can’t answer this question. I need a nap.
- C.
  
  I never know when a mood swing might hit. When I’m near my period, watch out!
- D.
  
  I feel like my feet are stuck in concrete. My energy and mood are low and my anxiety is high.
- E.
  
  Every day feels endless and I am dragging.
- F.
  
  I am a ball of anxiety.
3.
3. Which statement sounds like something you’d say?

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- A.
  
  “Life is freaking stressful and I run on adrenaline.”
- B.
  
  “I am overwhelmed and I have no idea how to deal with it. Nothing makes it better.”
- C.
  
  “I can’t get my thoughts together. I feel like my brain is fogged up.”
- D.
  
  “What was the question? Sorry. My memory stinks.”
- E.
  
  “I can’t concentrate. It feels like my brain is buffering.”
- F.
  
  “Ouch. Who put that wall there? I’m so clumsy lately!"
4.
4. How does excess weight show up for you?

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- A.
  
  I carry extra weight in my tummy.
- B.
  
  Excess weight isn’t an issue. I’m losing weight without trying.
- C.
  
  I gain weight easily especially on my hips and thighs.
- D.
  
  I experience all-around weight gain. It doesn’t discriminate.
- E.
  
  I gain weight easily and have difficulty losing it.
- F.
  
  I bloat, especially around the ankles and belly and can gain 3-5 pounds of water weight before my period.
5.
5. Which symptom feels most familiar?

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- A.
  
  I need something sweet after a meal. And most of the time.
- B.
  
  I crave chips, pretzels, and other salty snacks.
- C.
  
  I am bloated, puffy, and retaining water.
- D.
  
  My sex drive is like a friend who’s lost touch.
- E.
  
  A bowel movement is a rare gift and I’m often constipated.
- F.
  
  I know my period is coming when the migraines or headaches set in.
6.
6. Let’s talk about your period. What is that like for you?

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- A.
  
  I never know when my period will show up or how long it will stay.
- B.
  
  I have wicked mood swings and cry often for no particular reason.
- C.
  
  My period is painful and heavy. I have to change my menstrual product more than every 3 hours.
- D.
  
  My periods are gone as fast as they came and usually last 3 days or fewer.
- E.
  
  My head just pounds the whole time.
- F.
  
  The PMS is intense in the week before my period.
7.
7. Which best describes you?

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- A.
  
  I am so tired but I can’t sleep or even relax.
- B.
  
  My energy crashes in the mid-afternoon.
- C.
  
  I feel cranky and my mood swings surprise me and everyone around me.
- D.
  
  I always seem to have a bladder infection.
- E.
  
  My nails are thin and break all the time.
- F.
  
  My legs are super itchy and restless, especially at night.
8.
8. Which best describes you?

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- A.
  
  I feel anxious or nervous and I constantly worry about things beyond my control.
- B.
  
  I am sore. My whole body hurts.
- C.
  
  I have fibroids.
- D.
  
  I have vaginal dryness. It’s like an itchy desert down there.
- E.
  
  My hair is falling out more than normal and starting to look thin.
- F.
  
  I can’t even wear a bra in the week before my period. That’s how painful and swollen my breasts are.
9.
9. Which best describes you?

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- A.
  
  I really thought acne was just for teenagers. Apparently not.
- B.
  
  My energy dips between meals and I eat because I need a boost, not because I’m hungry.
- C.
  
  I have endometriosis and/or heavy periods.
- D.
  
  I feel emotionally fragile. I could break at any moment.
- E.
  
  My hands and feet are FREEZING!
- F.
  
  My periods are painful and heavy.
10.
10. Which best describes you?

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- A.
  
  Exercise makes me feel worse than if I had stayed on the couch.
- B.
  
  Can’t talk. Need coffee to get through the day.
- C.
  
  My breasts are swollen and killing me.
- D.
  
  My eyes are dry and there is not enough moisturizer on earth for my dry hands.
- E.
  
  I am often depressed or experiencing mood swings.
- F.
  
  I feel anxious most of the time.

Quiz Outcomes

1.

HIGH CORTISOL

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Your symptoms point to high cortisol.Translation: The stress is getting to you.Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released from your adrenal glands to help control blood sugar, regulate metabolism, help you sleep, and so much more. It’s released to help your body respond to all of the day-to-day stress in your life.If you’re feeling stress from your relationships, work, dieting, lack of sleep, over-exercising, or anything else, your adrenal glands are going to keep pumping out the cortisol to help you regulate.The problem:When cortisol is continually produced, it can stay elevated and start to interfere with other hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid. The result:You’re left with symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, headaches, PMS, feeling wired-and-tired, and stubborn weight, especially in your mid-section.What to do next:We can work together to get to the root cause of your imbalance so that you can spend your energy on the changes that will bring your hormones back into alignment. My recommendations could look something like this: Actively reduce stress by getting a coach or a therapist, establish boundaries so you can say no, and take more time to yourself.Opt for light, restorative exercise like yoga, pilates, or walking. Your strenuous HIIT or spin classes can mess with dysregulated cortisol.Get to sleep. Create a sleep routine and stick to it. Cortisol levels should rise in the morning and gradually decline throughout the day, but stress can make them rise in the evening, making you feel wired.Watch the caffeine and alcohol intake. They can trick your hormones into thinking you have more or less stress than you actually do.Eat plenty of whole foods and limit processed foods. Even though you crave more sugar, your body will love you for choosing fruit and other whole foods. Try a magnesium supplement to support your body’s stress response.Talk to a nutritionist about adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola and ashwagandha to regulate cortisol output.Need some more support?Check out these blog posts: 4 Signs of A Cortisol Imbalance & What to Do About ItHow Stress Can Impact Your HormonesHey! I’m Laura. I’m a mom, a wife, and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist dedicated to helping women support their stress, balance their hormones and find their happy weight.My story:At the height of my career, my world was rocked when my Dad was diagnosed with Leukemia. After months of stress and grief, I found myself dealing with new digestive issues and hormonal imbalances. I was always fatigued, my PMS was horrible, and my libido was a distant memory.It felt like my body was working against me.I turned to nutrition when I realized that I deserved to put myself first. Nutrition taught me that reaching and easily sustaining my happy weight was about so much more than going on a diet.The right foods, a shift in approach, and a commitment to my own health changed everything for me. Now I’ve dedicated my career to helping other women like me.Are you ready to balance your hormones and finally find that happy weight?
2.

LOW CORTISOL

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Your symptoms point to low cortisol.Translation: The stress got you.If you are relying on coffee to get you through the day, dealing with extreme fatigue, and feeling burnt-out, it’s likely your cortisol is on strike.Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released from your adrenal glands to help control blood sugar, regulate metabolism, help you sleep, and so much more. It’s released to help your body respond to all of the day-to-day stress in your life.If your stress levels are left unchecked for long enough, your body loses its ability to continue pumping out support and you’re left with low cortisol levels. The problem:When the cortisol runs out, you have no fight left and everything quickly becomes overwhelming.The result:You’re left with symptoms like fatigue, swinging emotions, increased cravings, and difficult sleep. You’re burnt-out.What to do next:We can work together to get to the root cause of your imbalance so that you can spend your energy on the changes that will bring your hormones back into alignment. My recommendations could look something like this: Actively reduce stress by getting a coach or a therapist, establish boundaries so you can say no, and take more time to yourself.Opt for light, restorative exercise like yoga, pilates, or walking. Your strenuous HIIT or spin classes can mess with dysregulated cortisol.Get to sleep. Create a sleep routine and stick to it. Your cortisol patterns are completely disrupted and a good sleep routine will go a long way.Watch the caffeine and alcohol intake. They can trick your hormones into thinking you have more or less stress than you actually do.Eat plenty of whole foods and limit processed foods. Even though you crave more sugar, your body will love you for choosing fruit and other whole foods. Eat small, well-balanced meals that include protein, fibre, and healthy fats every 2-3 hours, starting with a protein-rich breakfast.Talk to a nutritionist about adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola and ashwagandha to regulate cortisol output.Need some more support?Check out these blog posts: 4 Signs of A Cortisol Imbalance & What to Do About ItHow Stress Can Impact Your HormonesHey! I’m Laura. I’m a mom, a wife, and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist dedicated to helping women support their stress, balance their hormones and find their happy weight.My story:At the height of my career, my world was rocked when my Dad was diagnosed with Leukemia. After months of stress and grief, I found myself dealing with new digestive issues and hormonal imbalances. I was always fatigued, my PMS was horrible, and my libido was a distant memory.It felt like my body was working against me.I turned to nutrition when I realized that I deserved to put myself first. Nutrition taught me that reaching and easily sustaining my happy weight was about so much more than going on a diet.The right foods, a shift in approach, and a commitment to my own health changed everything for me. Now I’ve dedicated my career to helping other women like me.Are you ready to balance your hormones and finally find that happy weight?
3.

HIGH ESTROGEN

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Your symptoms point to high estrogen.Translation: Your feminine side has teeth.Estrogen is one of the main female reproductive hormones. Estrogens (yes, there is more than just one kind) are responsible for reproduction and the development of physical features like curves. Estrogen helps you feel energetic and feminine.The problem:Estrogen dominance happens when there is too much estrogen in the body as compared to progesterone.The result:Estrogen dominance can look like:Normal estrogen with low progesteroneHigh estrogen with normal progesteroneHigh estrogen with low progesteroneEstrogen dominance is involved in conditions like PCOS, fibroids, and endometriosis. It drives symptoms like PMS, weight gain (especially in the hips and thighs), brain fog, and hot flashes.What to do next:We can work together to get to the root cause of your imbalance so that you can spend your energy on the changes that will bring your hormones back into alignment. My recommendations could start with something like this: Eat plenty of veggies, especially cruciferous vegetables.Give your liver some love. If your liver is sluggish, it will be difficult to clear estrogens from your body. Be mindful of toxins in your home. Try to use organic products made from natural ingredients and minimize your exposure to estrogen-mimicking chemicals called xenoestrogens. Ensure you are having daily bowel movements. When you are constipated, estrogen that should have been eliminated in your stool gets reabsorbed and recirculates in your body. Need some more support?Check out these blog posts: How to Naturally Reverse Estrogen Dominance Hidden Chemicals In Your Home5 Ways to Create a Toxin-Free Home for Healthy HormonesHey! I’m Laura. I’m a mom, a wife, and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist dedicated to helping women support their stress, balance their hormones and find their happy weight.My story:At the height of my career, my world was rocked when my Dad was diagnosed with Leukemia. After months of stress and grief, I found myself dealing with new digestive issues and hormonal imbalances. I was always fatigued, my PMS was horrible, and my libido was a distant memory.It felt like my body was working against me.I turned to nutrition when I realized that I deserved to put myself first. Nutrition taught me that reaching and easily sustaining my happy weight was about so much more than going on a diet.The right foods, a shift in approach, and a commitment to my own health changed everything for me. Now I’ve dedicated my career to helping other women like me.Are you ready to balance your hormones and finally find that happy weight?
4.

LOW ESTROGEN

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Your symptoms point to low estrogen.Translation: Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in puberty anymore!Estrogen is one of the main female reproductive hormones. Estrogens (yes, there is more than just one kind) are responsible for reproduction and the development of physical features like curves. Estrogen helps you feel energetic and feminine.The problem:In their 40s and 50s, most women notice a significant drop in estrogen as they enter perimenopause and menopause– but it can be an unexpected issue for younger women as well.The result:Too little estrogen can contribute to symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, fatigue, low libido, and weight gain.What to do next:We can work together to get to the root cause of your imbalance so that you can spend your energy on the changes that will bring your hormones back into alignment. My recommendations could start with something like this: Eat plenty of veggies, especially cruciferous vegetables.Eat regular well-balanced meals that include protein, fibre, and healthy fats to support stable blood sugar. Choose carbohydrates from whole food sources like fruits and veggies and reduce the amount of processed and refined foods you eat. Low estrogen can make you more insulin-resistant, meaning it can be more difficult to tolerate carbohydrates.Need some more support?Check out these blog posts: Understanding Perimenopause and MenopauseHey! I’m Laura. I’m a mom, a wife, and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist dedicated to helping women support their stress, balance their hormones and find their happy weight.My story:At the height of my career, my world was rocked when my Dad was diagnosed with Leukemia. After months of stress and grief, I found myself dealing with new digestive issues and hormonal imbalances. I was always fatigued, my PMS was horrible, and my libido was a distant memory.It felt like my body was working against me.I turned to nutrition when I realized that I deserved to put myself first. Nutrition taught me that reaching and easily sustaining my happy weight was about so much more than going on a diet.The right foods, a shift in approach, and a commitment to my own health changed everything for me. Now I’ve dedicated my career to helping other women like me.Are you ready to balance your hormones and finally find that happy weight?
5.

LOW THYROID

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Your symptoms point to low thyroid hormones.Translation: Everything is sluggish and nothing feels quite right.The thyroid makes the hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These hormones help regulate your metabolism, body weight, energy levels, body temperature, menstrual cycles, heart rate, and so much more. When your thyroid is sluggish, everything can feel off.The problem:When your thyroid is sluggish, you can feel it throughout your entire body.The result:You may experience a wide range of symptoms like: constipation, weight gain or stubborn weight, cold hands and feet, brain fog, fatigue, sleep issues, hair loss or thinning hair, brittle nails, low libido, achy muscles and joints, and menstrual issues.What to do next:We can work together to get to the root cause of your imbalance so that you can spend your energy on the changes that will bring your hormones back into alignment. My recommendations could start with something like this: Eat a whole foods diet and address nutrient deficiencies to maximize your body’s own production of thyroid hormones.Consume foods high in selenium, zinc, iodine, chromium, copper, iron, and B vitamins like Brazil nuts, seaweed, legumes, and eggs.Manage your stress using coaching, counseling, meditation, boundaries, and more.Get the proper testing.Need some more support?Check out these blog posts: Thyroid Labs to Ask Your Doctor to TestHey! I’m Laura. I’m a mom, a wife, and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist dedicated to helping women support their stress, balance their hormones and find their happy weight.My story:At the height of my career, my world was rocked when my Dad was diagnosed with Leukemia. After months of stress and grief, I found myself dealing with new digestive issues and hormonal imbalances. I was always fatigued, my PMS was horrible, and my libido was a distant memory.It felt like my body was working against me.I turned to nutrition when I realized that I deserved to put myself first. Nutrition taught me that reaching and easily sustaining my happy weight was about so much more than going on a diet.The right foods, a shift in approach, and a commitment to my own health changed everything for me. Now I’ve dedicated my career to helping other women like me.Are you ready to balance your hormones and finally find that happy weight?
6.

LOW PROGESTERONE

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Your symptoms point to low progesterone.Translation: Mental health symptoms on parade.Progesterone is one hormone that we like nice and high. It’s the hormone that helps us feel cool, calm, and well-balanced. It is released when you ovulate and prepares the uterus to receive and sustain fertilized eggs. When it is at optimal levels, it helps you sleep well, have stable moods, have little-to-no PMS, and feel great overall!The problem:When progesterone is low, it can lead to a variety of unwanted symptoms.The result:You may feel low libido, weight gain, PMS, anxiety, mood swings, and fatigue. All in all, you won’t be feeling like your best self.What to do next:We can work together to get to the root cause of your imbalance so that you can spend your energy on the changes that will bring your hormones back into alignment. My recommendations could start with something like this: Balance your blood sugar. High insulin leads to high cortisol which impacts progesterone levels.Eat healthy fats.Reduce and manage stress using coaching, therapy, meditation, boundary-setting, and more.Get to sleep!Need some more support?Check out these blog posts: All About Progesterone Hey! I’m Laura. I’m a mom, a wife, and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist dedicated to helping women support their stress, balance their hormones and find their happy weight.My story:At the height of my career, my world was rocked when my Dad was diagnosed with Leukemia. After months of stress and grief, I found myself dealing with new digestive issues and hormonal imbalances. I was always fatigued, my PMS was horrible, and my libido was a distant memory.It felt like my body was working against me.I turned to nutrition when I realized that I deserved to put myself first. Nutrition taught me that reaching and easily sustaining my happy weight was about so much more than going on a diet.The right foods, a shift in approach, and a commitment to my own health changed everything for me. Now I’ve dedicated my career to helping other women like me.Are you ready to balance your hormones and finally find that happy weight?