Dr. Renee Wellenstein - The Libidoologist

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5 Hidden Habits That Are Wrecking Your Hormones (And How to Fix Them!)

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Ever feel like no matter what you do, your hormones are just out of whack? You’re exhausted, your metabolism feels sluggish, and your mood is all over the place. The truth is, hidden everyday habits could be sabotaging your hormone balance—and you probably don’t even realize it!

I see this ALL the time with women who are doing their best but still struggling. The good news? Small changes can make a HUGE difference. Today, I’m sharing five sneaky habits that could be messing with your hormones and how to start fixing them.

If you want the full breakdown, watch my latest YouTube video! I go into way more detail, plus I share actionable steps to start balancing your hormones today. → Watch Here

1. Poor Sleep = Hormonal Chaos

We know sleep is important, but did you know your hormones literally reset overnight? When you skimp on deep, quality sleep, your body pays the price.

🚨 Here’s what happens when you don’t sleep enough:

  • Cortisol stays high → More stress, more belly fat, more cravings.

  • Insulin resistance increases → Blood sugar crashes and weight gain.

  • Melatonin & growth hormone suffer → Slower metabolism, poor recovery, and accelerated aging.

Fix It: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep and try avoiding screens an hour before bed. (Yep, that means no TikTok scrolling in bed! 😬)

2. Too Much Caffeine (At the Wrong Time!)

Listen, I love coffee as much as the next person, but having caffeine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach? 🚨 BAD NEWS for your hormones.

Why?

  • Caffeine spikes cortisol → Leads to stress, anxiety, and energy crashes later in the day.

  • It disrupts blood sugar balance → Makes you crave sugar and carbs later.

  • If you’re already stressed, it’s like throwing gasoline on a fire.

Fix It: Drink 8-12 oz of water first thing in the morning, eat a solid breakfast, and THEN have your coffee. If you’re extra sensitive to stress, try switching to matcha or adding collagen + healthy fats to your coffee to slow the caffeine hit.

3. Endocrine Disruptors in Your Beauty Routine

Did you know that some of the biggest hormone disruptors are hiding in your makeup and skincare? Plastics, synthetic fragrances, and toxic chemicals can mimic estrogen in your body and lead to hormone chaos.

BPA (Bisphenol A) – Found in plastic packaging and even some beauty products (yes, really!). BPA mimics estrogen and can mess with metabolism and thyroid function.

Phthalates – Used in fragranced lotions, perfumes, and even nail polish. These chemicals disrupt estrogen balance and have been linked to fertility issues.

Fix It:
✔️ Choose BPA-free, non-toxic beauty products (I’ll link my favorites below 👇).
✔️ Avoid products with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredient list.
✔️ Swap plastic containers for glass or stainless steel when possible.

My Favorite Non-Toxic Makeup & Skincare Brands:
CRUNCHI – Clean, high-performance beauty products I swear by!
🌿 Herbal Facefood– Super clean and powerful plant-based skincare!

4. Skipping Protein in the Morning = Hormone Disaster

If your breakfast is just a piece of toast or coffee with creamer, we need to talk. 🚨

Protein isn’t just for muscle—it’s essential for:
Balancing blood sugar → Keeps insulin & cortisol in check.
Supporting estrogen detox → The liver needs amino acids to break down excess estrogen.
Reducing cravings → Keeps hunger hormones stable so you’re not reaching for sugar all day.

Fix It: Aim for 25-30g of protein at breakfast. Some easy ideas:
✔️ Scrambled eggs + avocado
✔️ A high-quality protein smoothie
✔️ Greek yogurt + nuts + chia seeds

5. Ignoring Stress (Your Hormones Feel It!)

Most people don’t realize how much stress impacts their hormones. And if you’ve been feeling burned out, anxious, struggling with weight, or dealing with period issues… stress might be the missing piece.

How Chronic Stress Wrecks Your Hormones:
Steals from progesterone → Leads to estrogen dominance (hello, PMS & mood swings).
Shuts down thyroid function → Slows metabolism & causes weight gain.
Keeps blood sugar elevated → Triggers insulin resistance & belly fat storage.

Fix It: Just 5-10 minutes a day of stress management can make a HUGE difference. Try:
✔️ Deep breathing or meditation
✔️ A quick walk outside
✔️ Journaling or gratitude exercises
✔️ Saying NO (set those boundaries, girl!)

Want More Help? Join My Private Facebook Community!

Hormone balance doesn’t happen overnight, and I know it can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to figure it all out alone. That’s why I created my private Facebook community, Mood, Mindset & Metabolism for Women.

In the group, I share exclusive hormone-balancing tips, mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes coaching. It’s a space for women just like you who are ready to feel amazing again.

Click here  to join the community!! 

Final Thoughts

Your hormones control everything—from metabolism and mood to energy and cravings. And while most people focus on "fixing symptoms," the real magic happens when you start fixing the root causes.

Want the full breakdown of these habits + EXACTLY how to fix them? Watch my latest YouTube video!

Which habit surprised you the most? Let me know in the comments!