Women’s Series Part 2: Reproductive Health: How Nutrition and Lifestyle Support Hormonal Balance

 (3 min read)

Reproductive Health: How Nutrition and Lifestyle Support Hormonal Balance

Why Does Reproductive Health Matter?

Women’s reproductive health is deeply influenced by the interplay of hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle. It’s not just about fertility—reproductive wellness plays a key role in overall health and wellbeing [1]. This Women’s Month, we’re highlighting simple yet effective ways to support your body through lifestyle practices and nutritional supplements that promote hormone balance, improve insulin sensitivity, and support a healthy metabolism.

What Can Affect Fertility?

Fertility can be influenced by a range of factors, including hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance, and metabolic imbalances [2]. Excess body fat may also interfere with hormone regulation and disrupt menstrual cycles.

Underlying health issues—like thyroid disorders or other hormonal imbalances—can impact ovulation, while chronic stress may disrupt hormonal signalling. Additionally, deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals can contribute to reproductive challenges.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of infertility. According to the World Health Organisation PCOS affects an estimated 6–13% of reproductive-aged women and up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed worldwide.

Understanding PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can affect women of reproductive age. It is often associated with disruptions in ovulation, insulin resistance, and challenges with weight management.

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of PCOS is typically made when at least two of the following are present:

• Irregular menstrual cycles – Infrequent, prolonged, or unpredictable periods are a hallmark sign of PCOS
• Elevated androgen levels – Excess male hormones (androgens) may lead to symptoms like excess facial or body hair (hirsutism), severe acne, or thinning scalp hair
• Polycystic ovaries – The ovaries may appear enlarged with multiple small follicles that can interfere with regular ovulation

PCOS can present differently in each individual, and symptoms may be more pronounced in those who are overweight or obese.

Potential Complications of PCOS

If left unmanaged, PCOS may increase the risk of several health concerns, including:

• Difficulty conceiving (infertility)
• Pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure
• Miscarriage or preterm birth
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Metabolic syndrome – a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels
• Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, or disordered eating
• Increased risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining)

What Causes PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS isn’t fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute, including:

• Insulin resistance
• Excess androgen production
• Abdominal weight gain
• Chronic low-grade inflammation
• Family history of PCOS

Why Early PCOS Support Matters

Identifying and managing PCOS early—through lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and medical care—can reduce the risk of long-term complications such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Weight loss, where appropriate, may significantly improve both symptoms and overall outcomes.

What Can We Do to Support Reproductive Health?

Improving reproductive health often requires a holistic approach—one that combines medical care with healthy lifestyle habits and targeted nutritional support. Identifying and managing underlying conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders is an important first step, but the choices you make every day around diet, movement, and stress management can also have a meaningful impact.

Nourish with a Balanced Diet

What you eat plays a critical role in hormonal health, egg quality, and overall fertility. A nutrient-dense diet that’s rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and low-glycaemic carbohydrates can support hormone regulation and help maintain a healthy body weight—both of which are key factors in reproductive wellness. Proper nourishment also ensures that your body is optimally prepared for conception and pregnancy.

Move Your Body Regularly

Physical activity—especially moderate-intensity exercise—can improve blood flow to reproductive organs, support metabolic and hormonal balance, and help manage weight and stress. Consistent exercise [3] is linked to more regular menstrual cycles, improved egg quality, and enhanced outcomes from fertility treatments.

Manage Stress Effectively

Chronic stress can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance required for regular ovulation and fertility. It may lead to irregular cycles, ovulatory issues, and decreased chances of conception. Additionally, the emotional strain of fertility challenges can intensify stress, creating a frustrating cycle. Incorporating daily practices like yoga[4], meditation, or journaling can help reduce stress and support emotional wellbeing.

Consider Nutritional Supplements

Fertility-focused supplements—including essential vitamins, minerals, and herbal nutrients—can complement your lifestyle by addressing nutrient gaps, promoting hormone balance, and supporting egg health and metabolism. When used appropriately, they can be a valuable part of a reproductive wellness plan. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any supplement routine, especially if you are undergoing medical treatment or trying to conceive.

Targeted Supplement Support

Genologix provides a range of thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support reproductive health through key active ingredients.

Supplementation can be especially beneficial for women looking to support symptoms associated with PCOS, manage hormone-related weight challenges, or simply enhance reproductive wellness as part of a holistic lifestyle approach.

These are some of our top picks for supporting reproductive health:

1. ProBalance™ PCOS 

Genologix ProBalance™ PCOS is a carefully formulated supplement designed to provide nutritional support for women experiencing symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Key ingredients:

• Berberine, Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol work synergistically to support insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation and metabolic function
• L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate is a bioactive form of folate. Folate is important for cell division and reproductive health
• Zinc Gluconate contributes to normal immune function and hormonal balance
• Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant that supports cellular health

2. Weight Loss Catalyst™

Genologix Weight Loss Catalyst™ supports metabolic health and weight management as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Key ingredients:

• Taurine, an amino acid and Green Tea Extract, an antioxidant, support metabolic processes involved in energy metabolism
• N-Acetyl Carnitine facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria, supporting energy production
• Garcinia Cambogia Extract is traditionally used to support appetite regulation and metabolic function
• Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant that supports cellular health
• Chromium Nicotinate: Contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and maintenance of normal blood glucose levels

3. Berberine

Berberine is a natural compound studied for its effects on metabolism. It supports normal blood sugar regulation [5] and contributes to metabolic balance in women with insulin sensitivity challenges

Final Thoughts

Supporting reproductive health involves more than just one solution. It’s a synergy of informed lifestyle choices, nutritional support, and professional care. Supplements can offer targeted support and can be part of a well-rounded wellness plan.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from your healthcare professional before starting supplements or making significant lifestyle changes. Genologix and its contributors do not accept liability for any outcomes related to the use of this information.

Kimica Maniraj (B.Pharm)
The Genologix Team

References

1. Segarra, I., Menárguez, M. and María Victoria Roqué (2023). Women’s health, hormonal balance, and personal autonomy. Frontiers in Medicine, 10. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1167504.
2. Zhao, H., Zhang, J., Cheng, X., Nie, X. and He, B. (2023). Insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome across various tissues: an updated review of pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment. Journal of Ovarian Research, [online] 16(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-022-01091-0.
3. Rippe, J.M. (2018). Lifestyle Medicine: The Health Promoting Power of Daily Habits and Practices. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, [online] 12(6), pp.499–512. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827618785554.
4. Khajuria, A., Kumar, A., Joshi, D. and Kumaran, S.S. (2023). Reducing Stress with Yoga: A Systematic Review Based on Multimodal Biosignals. International
5. Ye, Y., Liu, X., Wu, N., Han, Y., Wang, J., Yu, Y. and Chen, Q. (2021). Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone for Several Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.653887.