Finding Balance From Within: My Hormone Testing Journey
Sarah Beth Yoga
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Balance may be the most elusive quality we seek, yet it begins at a level we rarely see: our biochemistry.
For years, I approached my wellness like many of us do: addressing symptoms while wondering about deeper causes. I practiced yoga daily, meditated consistently, and explored somatic healing. All valuable tools that genuinely helped, yet something still felt misaligned.
When we experience stress, anxiety or mood fluctuations, we often turn to external practices first. We add more movement, more mindfulness, more modalities. But what if the foundation needs attention before the practices can fully work?
This question led me to complete a Dutch test, a comprehensive hormone panel that reveals what’s happening beneath the surface of our daily experience. Working with my friend Jes from Her Mood Mentor, we analyzed my results, and the discoveries were illuminating:
- First, my cortisol awakening response was extraordinarily high. While some morning cortisol rise is normal and healthy, mine was off the charts, potentially explaining why I often felt wired yet tired, especially in the mornings.
- Second, I discovered my intermittent fasting practice—something I thought supported my health—was likely contributing to my cortisol dysregulation. This revelation transformed my approach to eating. Now I enjoy a small protein-rich snack before bed and focus on protein-centered breakfast shortly after waking rather than delaying my first meal.
- Third, my body showed clear signals that it would benefit from direct morning sunlight exposure. Just 5-20 minutes of unfiltered morning light paired with conscious breathing has become a non-negotiable part of my morning routine.
What strikes me most about this experience isn’t just the specific findings, but how concrete information creates a foundation for meaningful change. After years of working with my mental and emotional health through various practices, having biochemical clarity feels like finally turning on the lights after fumbling in a dim room.
This journey reinforced what I’ve always believed about yoga, that it’s not just about the poses but about finding holistic balance. My yoga practice continues to serve as an essential tool, but now it’s supported by targeted nutritional and lifestyle adjustments that address my unique biochemical needs.
If you’re someone who has faithfully practiced yoga, meditation, or other wellness approaches but still feels something is missing, consider looking at the biochemical layer of your health. Our hormones create the environment in which all our wellness practices either thrive or struggle.
True balance emerges when we align our practices with our biology rather than working against it. When we honor our unique biochemical nature, our yoga practice, relationships, work, and creative pursuits all benefit from the foundation of internal harmony.
