The Most Common Hormone Issues Dee Davidson Sees (And What to Do About Them)

By Dee Davidson, FDN-P | Functional Health Practitioner

Hormone imbalances are more common than most people think—and they show up in ways that often get dismissed or misdiagnosed.

After over two decades in holistic health and years of reviewing functional lab tests, I can confidently say: your symptoms are not just "part of getting older." They’re signals. And when you learn how to read them, you can finally reclaim your energy, clarity, and confidence.

Here’s what I see most often—and what you can do about it.

1. Cortisol Chaos (Adrenal Dysregulation)

Common symptoms:

  • Afternoon energy crashes

  • Waking up wired at 2-4 a.m.

  • Anxiety or irritability

  • Weight gain, especially in the belly

  • Trouble recovering from stress

Why it matters: Cortisol is your stress hormone—but it also plays a major role in blood sugar, metabolism, thyroid function, and sleep. Many of my clients are stuck in "fight or flight" and don't even know it.

Quick tip: Deep breathing before meals, magnesium-rich foods (like leafy greens or pumpkin seeds), and daily gentle movement can help your body begin to shift out of overdrive.

2. Thyroid Dysfunction (Often Missed in Conventional Labs)

Common symptoms:

  • Fatigue despite sleeping

  • Hair thinning

  • Brain fog

  • Constipation

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Irregular or heavy periods

Why it matters: Your thyroid controls your metabolism, mood, and hormone rhythm. Many women I work with have “normal” thyroid labs from their doctor, but functional testing shows suboptimal levels, or patterns related to stress, nutrient deficiencies, or autoimmunity.

Quick tip: Track your basal body temperature first thing in the morning for 5 days—consistently low temps may suggest sluggish thyroid function. Then let’s go deeper with labs.

3. Estrogen Dominance or Low Progesterone

Common symptoms:

  • PMS or heavy, painful periods

  • Breast tenderness

  • Mood swings or weepiness

  • Bloating and water retention

  • Trouble sleeping the week before your cycle

Why it matters: A healthy hormone rhythm relies on the balance between estrogen and progesterone. But stress, poor detoxification, synthetic hormones, and even gut issues can throw this balance off.

Quick tip: Ditch plastics, processed soy, and fragrance-heavy products. Support your liver with cruciferous veggies (like broccoli or cauliflower) and consider a castor oil pack to aid gentle detox.

Ready for Answers? Here’s What to Do Next:

If you're dealing with any of the above, know this: you are not broken—and you don’t need to guess.

As a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), I offer comprehensive hormone, thyroid, adrenal, and gut testing in addition to over 4k labs designed to uncover the root causes of your symptoms. Test, don't guess!

  • You’ll walk away with a clear, customized roadmap.

  • No more Googling symptoms or trying every supplement under the sun.

  • This is your health, grounded in science, and guided with heart.

Book a review session today  see if functional lab testing is the right next step for you. Click here to book.

Stay Connected for More Support

Join my free Facebook community The Confidently Healthy Collective – a space for women to learn, grow, and support one another.
Follow along on Instagram for hormone tips, behind-the-scenes, and client wins.
Tune into the “Confidently Balance Your Hormones” podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts for weekly expert interviews and real-life hormone help.

Medical disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical care. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.


Dee Davidson is a Functional Health Practitioner, hormone health expert, and advocate for personalized health and integrative care. With a focus on functional health and functional nutrition, Dee provides bio-individualized solutions to help clients restore balance. To learn more about how functional lab testing, functional medicine, and a holistic health approach can support your wellness journey, listen to her Confidently Balance Your Hormones podcast or schedule a discovery call at ConfidentlyLoveYourself.com.

Next
Next

Why Additional Annual Labs Matter (And What Your Doctor Might Be Missing)