Think Cutting Carbs Will Help You Lose Weight? Think Again.

For years, women have been told that carbs are the villain of weight gain. From low-carb diets to keto plans, many of us have been taught that cutting carbs is the “secret” to slimming down. But here's the truth: carbohydrates are not the enemy. In fact, for women—especially those working on weight loss, balancing hormones, and supporting thyroid health—carbs can be one of your best allies.

It's time to overcome carb fear and embrace a smarter, more nourishing way of eating.

Carbs & Your Hormones: A Vital Connection

Carbohydrates do far more than just provide energy. They are essential for hormone production, especially our sex hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, and thyroid hormones which control our metabolism.

Here’s how:

1. Carbs help regulate ovulation & menstrual health

Eating too few carbohydrates can send a stress signal to the brain, causing it to suppress reproductive function. This can disrupt ovulation, reduce progesterone, and lead to irregular or missing periods. In women of reproductive age, this is often seen with over-exercising or extreme calorie restriction.

Your body interprets carb restriction as a sign of famine. And in times of perceived scarcity, reproduction is the first system to be downregulated.

2. Carbs support thyroid hormone production

Your thyroid needs glucose (from carbs) to produce T3, the active thyroid hormone that fuels your metabolism, energy, temperature regulation, and mood. When carbs are too low for too long, your body slows down conversion of T4 to T3, leading to fatigue, stubborn weight gain, brain fog, and cold hands and feet.

Low-carb diets can also raise reverse T3 (the inactive form of thyroid hormone), essentially putting the brakes on your metabolism.

Carbs Calm the Nervous System

If you’ve ever felt anxious, edgy, or had trouble sleeping on a very low-carb diet, you’re not imagining it. Carbohydrates help us produce serotonin—our calming, feel-good neurotransmitter that supports sleep, stress resilience, and mood. Balanced hormones are nearly impossible without balanced blood sugar and nervous system support.

Carbs & Weight Loss: Not a Contradiction

Here’s the empowering truth: you don’t have to cut carbs to lose weight. In fact, for many women, reintroducing smart, whole-food carbs helps the body feel safe again, reduces cortisol, boosts thyroid function, and actually supports fat burning.

Weight loss is not just a calories game—it’s a hormonal conversation. When you nourish your hormones properly, your body is more willing to let go of excess weight. Balanced blood sugar and sufficient carb intake keep cravings low, energy stable, and metabolism humming.

So, Which Carbs Are Best?

Focus on slow-burning, nutrient-rich carbs that support both hormones and digestion, heres a few ideas -

• Root veggies (sweet potato, carrots, beetroot, parsnips)

• Whole fruit (berries, apples, mango, bananas)

• Gluten-free whole grains (quinoa, buckwheat, oats, brown rice)

• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)

• Squash & pumpkin

• Raw honey & dates (in moderation, for energy and cycle syncing)

  
  

These foods provide glucose, fibre, minerals like magnesium and potassium, and even prebiotics for your gut health, another key player in hormone balance.

The Bottom Line:

Carbohydrates are not just fuel. They are foundational for women’s health, supporting hormone production, thyroid function, mood, and metabolism.

Instead of fearing carbs, get curious about which types best nourish your unique body. When you feed your hormones with love—not restriction—your body can finally feel safe enough to release weight, restore energy, and thrive.

Ladies, you don’t need to eat less.You need to eat smart, cycle-aligned, and hormonally supportive.

Let carbs work for you, not against you.

Ready to rebalance your hormones, ditch food fear, and feel like yourself again?

Book a 1:1 consult to create your personalised hormone-nourishing plan 💫

In Health & Happiness

Sarah Emily Herbalist