How I Started Tracking My Hormones (and Why It Changed Everything)

Let me be really honest with you...

There was a time not that long ago when I found myself crying over a banana. Not even a sad banana - just a regular one I’d dropped on the kitchen floor while rushing to make lunch for the kids. In that moment, I felt totally unhinged. And I had no idea why.

That was one of MANY moments that made me realise: something deeper was going on with my body. My hormones were not just “off” - they were running the show.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster for no apparent reason, or like your body’s suddenly doing things you don’t recognise... I get it. And I want to tell you about something simple that really helped me start making sense of it all: journaling.

Not the fluffy, dear-diary kind. Just real, honest tracking.

I’m talking about grabbing a pen, opening a notebook (yes, a real one - not your phone where your grocery list and random school reminders live), and starting to track how you feel. Day to day. Week to week. Because when it comes to hormone health, awareness is everything.

Why bother?

Because your hormones influence everything - your mood, energy, sleep, skin, digestion, and even how you handle stress. Once I started jotting things down, I began noticing patterns. It was like connecting dots that had never made sense before.

I realised my anxiety peaked just before my period or when I was highly stressed with work. My energy always dropped towards the end of my cycle. And those weird food cravings? Totally cyclical.

Understanding those patterns gave me back a little control. It helped me feel less crazy, more supported - and much kinder to myself.

Here's how I started tracking (and how you can too):

Step 1: Get yourself a journal you’ll actually use

Mine was a $5 notebook from Kmart at first (because: budget life). Eventually, I created one that had everything I wished I’d had when I started—The Thriving – Perimenopause Journal - but honestly, any notebook will do. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up for yourself.

Step 2: Keep it dead simple

Each day, I’d write down a few basics:

• Mood: Calm? Overwhelmed? Irritable?

• Energy: Full tank or running on empty?

• Sleep: Restful or restless?

• Body stuff: Bloating, hot flashes, breakouts, cravings.

Some days, I’d only manage a smiley face or one-word summary. That’s still enough. This is not another to-do list to feel guilty about. This is your space.

Step 3: Don’t skip the weird stuff

One day I couldn’t stand the smell of my usual moisturiser. Another day, I had a sudden craving for sardines (ew). These odd things matter. They're part of the story your body is trying to tell you.

Step 4: Reflect every couple of weeks

After tracking for a few weeks, I sat down and read back over my notes. That’s when the magic happened. I saw clear patterns. And with those patterns came understanding - and relief.

Aim to track at least two full cycles. You’ll be amazed at what you learn.

Step 5: Share your notes with someone who gets it

I brought my journal to a naturopath and finally felt like I wasn’t just guessing anymore. Your notes can help your doctor or hormone specialist give you better advice, because you’ve done half the detective work already.

Bonus tips (from someone who needs things to be quick and easy):

• Colour-code if you're visual. A pink dot for low mood, a green one for good energy - whatever works for you.

• Pick a time you’ll actually journal. Mornings with your coffee? Bedtime while hiding from the kids? Make it a ritual.

• Be kind to yourself. If you skip a day (or a week), don’t sweat it. This is a tool, not a test.

So… why am I telling you all this?

Because if you’re deep in perimenopause - or just starting to wonder what’s going on - tracking your hormone health can give you clarity in a season that often feels foggy.

It won’t fix everything. But it’s a powerful step toward understanding your body and giving it what it needs.

So go grab that journal, and start listening in. Your body is speaking - this is how you tune in.

And if you want something that makes tracking super easy, The Thriving – Perimenopause Journal is a great journal keeping you in mind. It’s simple, supportive, and a small way to put yourself first again.