Hormones don’t just rule your cycle—they govern your energy, your mood, your appetite, your sleep, and your ability to heal. Yet most high-performing women are never taught how to support their hormones before something goes wrong. That’s where the 3 S’s come in: Stress, Sugar, and Sex—or in hormone terms: Cortisol, Insulin, and Oxytocin.

These three foundational hormones are your body’s internal operating system. If they’re out of balance, everything else—thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, and more—will fall apart, no matter how many supplements or medications you try.

Let’s break down how each one works and why they matter so much for your health:

1. Stress: Cortisol—the Survival Hormone

Cortisol is your body’s stress signal. It tells your system whether or not you’re in danger, whether physically or emotionally. The trouble is, most high-achieving women live in a near-constant state of stress. And the body doesn’t differentiate between a work deadline and a bear chasing you—it responds the same way.

Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which then disrupt:

• Ovulation

• Thyroid function

• Digestion

• Sleep

• Energy

When your body is in survival mode, it prioritizes staying alive—not reproduction, rest, or vitality. Chronic stress doesn’t just make you feel overwhelmed—it alters your biology.

The good news? There are fast, effective ways to regulate cortisol and shift out of survival mode—without needing a 90-minute meditation session or a weekend off-grid retreat.

2. Sugar: Insulin—the Blood Sugar Boss

Insulin regulates your blood sugar, which directly impacts your:

• Energy

• Mood

• Appetite

• Cravings

• Inflammation

If you’re struggling with PMS, fatigue, brain fog, or sugar cravings, unstable insulin could be the root. The modern food system is flooded with sugar, making it harder than ever to maintain balance. And when your blood sugar is on a rollercoaster, so is your hormone function.

Balanced insulin means stable moods, better focus, and more sustainable energy. It also reduces inflammation and supports your ability to maintain a healthy weight and manage stress.

3. Sex: Oxytocin—the Connection Hormone

Oxytocin is the most underestimated hormone of the three. Often called the “love hormone,” oxytocin is released through bonding, touch, laughter, and yes—orgasm.

Oxytocin is your body’s “we’re safe now” signal. When oxytocin is flowing, cortisol naturally drops, digestion improves, and your nervous system shifts into healing mode.

If you feel disconnected, lonely, or burnt out, oxytocin is likely low. Rebuilding it doesn’t require a partner—it just requires intentional connection, play, pleasure, and presence.

The Big Picture

If your hormones feel like they’re on a rollercoaster, ask yourself:

• Do I feel safe? (Cortisol)

• Do I feel stable? (Insulin)

• Do I feel supported? (Oxytocin)

This foundational trio sets the tone for your overall hormonal health. When these are regulated, your period, libido, energy, and mood all improve—naturally.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be breaking each of these down in depth, sharing practical strategies and inviting expert guests to guide you through rebalancing your hormones from the ground up.

Because true hormone healing doesn’t start with a prescription—it starts with a foundation. And once that foundation is strong, everything else gets easier.

Ready to shift from hormone chaos to balance? Start by tuning into your 3 S’s. Your body—and your future self—will thank you.