Hormonal balance in women: The hidden powerhouse behind energy, mood & drive

Hormones are the body’s messengers. They influence everything from your mood and energy to sleep, metabolism, and even how you handle stress. For women, maintaining hormonal balance is essential to feeling vibrant, focused, and emotionally grounded. 

But here’s something you might not know: your mitochondria, the tiny powerhouses inside your cells, play a surprisingly powerful role in keeping those hormones in check. 

Why hormonal balance matters for women 

• Hormonal balance is crucial for overall health and wellbeing in women - mitochondrial function and energy production play a significant role in maintaining this balance. 
• Estrogen receptors are involved in regulating mitochondrial health, and hormonal imbalances can affect mitochondrial function. Sex steroid hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, play a crucial role in modulating mitochondrial activity and overall hormonal balance in women. 
• Achieving hormonal balance can help alleviate signs of mitochondrial dysfunction, such as fatigue and brain fog. 
• A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management are essential for maintaining hormonal balance and supporting mitochondrial health. 
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be necessary for some women to achieve hormonal balance and support mitochondrial function. 
• MitoQ® Mitoquinol, is a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress. 

Mitochondria and ATP production: Your cellular energy source 

Mitochondria are best known for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of your cells, but their role goes far beyond energy. ATP synthesis is a core mitochondrial function, driving not only energy availability but also supporting neuroprotection and mood stabilization. These tiny organelles help regulate mood, brain function, and how your body responds to stress. When mitochondria are functioning well, your energy levels stay steady, your mind feels clear, and your body operates smoothly. When they’re not? Fatigue, brain fog, and hormonal imbalances can creep in. 

Mitochondrial activity is essential for generating energy through oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain. Mitochondrial energy production is a key indicator of mitochondrial health and is sensitive to psychological and physiological stressors. Mitochondria also regulate cell metabolism, influencing how cells respond to stress and maintain overall energy balance. However, factors like hormonal imbalances, stress, and environmental toxins can disrupt mitochondrial function. To assess mitochondrial health, scientists use biochemical assays, imaging studies, and tests involving peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which offer insights into cellular energy status. 

How Mitochondrial DNA Mutations, ROS, and Mitochondrial biogenesis affect Mitochondrial activity and How Are PBMCs Used? 

• Mitochondria carry their own DNA which gives the cell the blueprint to create it’s energy-making machinery. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is single-stranded and is more easily damaged that the DNA from the wider cell. MtDNA mutations can  impair mitochondrial function and energy production. Aside from mutations themselves, changes in gene expression (epigenetics) related to mitochondrial genes can further impact mitochondrial function, immune responses, and overall cellular health. 
• Increasing oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage mitochondrial membranes and disrupt cellular signaling. 
• Mitochondrial biogenesis is essential for creating new mitochondria and maintaining cellular resilience. If this process is impacted, our total mitochondrial population may not be able to keep up with the energy demands of the body. 
• Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are commonly used in research and diagnostics to evaluate mitochondrial function and overall cellular health. 

How mitochondrial function influences hormones 

Estrogen, is a key steroidal hormone for both men and women that interacts directly with mitochondria. Glucocorticoid receptors, which respond to stress hormones, also influence mitochondrial function and can impact hormonal balance. Estrogen receptors inside cells help regulate mitochondrial function, supporting energy production and protecting against increasing oxidative stress. 

The role of estrogen and estrogen receptors 

Estrogen plays a vital role in supporting mitochondrial function. It binds to estrogen receptors located within mitochondria, helping regulate energy production, reduce oxidative stress, and promote mitochondrial biogenesis. This hormone enhances the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial respiration, making it essential for maintaining cellular energy and resilience. As estrogen levels decline, such as during menopause, mitochondrial efficiency can drop, contributing to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and mood changes. Supporting estrogen levels or mitochondrial health directly can help counteract these effects and promote overall wellbeing. 

When estrogen levels decline, such as during menopause, mitochondrial function can decline, leading to signs like: 

• Low energy 
• Fluctuation in mood
• Brain fog 
• Sleep disturbances 

Supporting hormonal & mitochondrial health naturally 

How can I rejuvenate my mitochondria? The good news is you don’t need a lab coat to support your mitochondria. Here are simple, science-backed ways to nurture your cellular energy and hormonal balance: These strategies also contribute to mitochondrial protection, helping shield mitochondria from oxidative damage and supporting long-term cellular health. 

Eat and hydrate for energy  

A diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, probiotics, whole foods and adequate hydration helps protect mitochondria and stabilize hormones. Such a diet also supports the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which are crucial for neutralizing oxidative stress and maintaining mitochondrial health. 

Antioxidants 

• Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and other antioxidants can provide essential nutrients for maintaining healthy mitochondria. 
• A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide essential antioxidants for maintaining healthy mitochondria. 
• Antioxidant enzymes are a crucial part of our cellular defence strategy. MitoQ® Mitoquinol, a world-first mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, has been shown to increase levels of three vital antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GPx in human clinical studies
• Antioxidant supplements can also be used to support mitochondrial health and reduce mitochondrial dysregulation. 

Omega 3 

• Fatty fish, flaxseeds, and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can provide essential nutrients for maintaining healthy mitochondria. 
• Omega-3 fatty acids support mitochondrial health by reducing oxidative stress, enhancing respiration, and improving insulin sensitivity to help preserve cognition as we age. 
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can also be used to support mitochondrial health and reduce mitochondrial dysfunction. 

Probiotics 

• Fermented foods, such as yogurt and kefir, can also provide essential probiotics for maintaining healthy mitochondria. 
• Probiotics can help reduce oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial respiration. 
• Probiotics can also help improve insulin sensitivity. 
• Probiotic supplements can be used to support mitochondrial health and reduce mitochondrial dysfunction. 

Hydration 

• Coconut water and other electrolyte-rich beverages can help support hydration and mitochondrial health. 
• Drinking enough water can help support mitochondrial health and reduce mitochondrial dysfunction. 
• Electrolyte balance is also essential for maintaining proper mitochondrial function and energy production. 

Move your body 

• Regular exercise boosts mitochondrial biogenesis (the creation of new mitochondria) and improves mood. Exercise also supports multiple mitochondrial functions, including energy production, oxidative stress management, and cellular resilience. 
• Exercise is essential for maintaining healthy mitochondria and reducing mitochondrial dysfunction. 
• Regular exercise, such as aerobic exercise and strength training, can help improve mitochondrial biogenesis and function. 
• Exercise can also help reduce oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial respiration. 
• Mitochondrial health can be supported through various types of exercise, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and endurance exercise. 
• Exercise can also help improve insulin sensitivity and helps preserve cognition as we age.  

Get quality sleep and manage stress 

• Daily stress and lack of quality sleep can damage mitochondria. Research using chronic mild stress models has shown that persistent low-level stress can impair mitochondrial function and contribute to mood disturbances. Mindfulness, deep breathing, and good sleep are powerful tools. 
• Sleep is essential for maintaining healthy mitochondria and reducing mitochondrial dysregulation. 
• Sleep deprivation can contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and exacerbate related health issues. 
• Getting enough sleep can help reduce oxidative stress and support mitochondrial health. 
  
• Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing sleep environment can help improve sleep quality and support mitochondrial health. 

Consider Supplements 

Supplements can be a great way of supporting hormonal and mitochondrial health. These four science-backed ingredients are proven to nourish your mitochondria and help promote hormonal balance. 

1. MitoQ Pure - Mitoquinol
   Penetrates deep into cells to reduce oxidative stress and boost mitochondrial energy production. Clinically shown to increase antioxidant enzymes by 36% and reduce ROS by up to 48%. 
2. MitoQ Curcumin – Longvida® Optimized Curcumin
   Retains hormonal balance and reduces irritability, fatigue, and mood symptoms, 65–100x more bioavailable than generic curcumin. 
3. MitoQ Dual Action NAD+ - Niacin, NR, Resveratrol, PQQ 
   Boosts and utilizes NAD+ to enhance mitochondrial efficiency, energy, and cellular resilience. Niacin is shown to increase NAD+ by up to 300% in 8 weeks. 
4. Triple Magnesium Complex -Magnesium Taurinate, Glycinate, GABA 
   Supports stress reduction and sleep quality. Magnesium Taurinate lowers cortisol by up to 37%, while GABA promotes deep, restorative sleep. 

What is the best supplement for mitochondrial function?  

Research suggests that post-menopausal women, who experience a natural decline in estrogen (a hormone that normally supports mitochondrial health), may benefit from Mitoquinol’s ability to restore mitochondrial function and support cardiovascular and emotional wellbeing. By addressing increasing oxidative stress at the cellular level, Mitoquinol offers a science-backed way to help women feel more balanced, energized, and emotionally steady. 

As estrogen levels decline during menopause, there are dramatic changes to the health of blood vessels in the heart, making them more vulnerable to oxidative stress. Estrogen is naturally cardioprotective, helping maintain vascular flexibility and mitochondrial efficiency. 

By addressing increasing oxidative stress at the cellular level with science-backed Mitoquinol, MitoQ offers a way to help women feel more balanced, energized and emotionally steady. 

Read a Q&A with MitoQ's Chief Scientific Officer 

How MitoQ Mitoquinol supports hormonal balance 

MitoQ’s active ingredient, Mitoquinol, is a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress which is linked to hormonal imbalance. By protecting mitochondria from free radical damage, Mitoquinol helps maintain energy production and cellular resilience, especially in tissues with high energy demands like the heart, brain, and endocrine glands. 

Mitochondria & Mental Wellbeing 

Mitochondria play a vital role in maintaining mental clarity, emotional balance, overall brain health, and and help preserve cognition as we age. These organelles support essential cellular functions such as energy production. In the brain, mitochondria are especially active, powering neurons and helping manage cerebral glucose metabolism—the process by which the brain converts glucose into usable energy. When mitochondrial function is compromised, it can lead to reduced energy availability in brain cells, contributing to overactive fight or flight response. Supporting brain mitochondria through lifestyle choices and targeted antioxidants like Mitoquinol may help improve mood, focus, and overall neurological resilience. 

Supporting the central nervous system 

The central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, relies heavily on mitochondrial energy to maintain its complex signaling and regulatory functions. Mitochondria in CNS cells are responsible for sustaining synaptic transmission, managing oxidative stress, and supporting neuroplasticity. Dysfunctional mitochondria in the CNS can impair cerebral glucose metabolism and disrupt communication between neurons, contributing to conditions such as brain fog, forgetfulness, and overwhelm. By supporting mitochondrial health, we can help preserve the integrity of the central nervous system and promote overall cognitive and emotional resilience. 

To further support brain health, it’s important to preserve mitochondrial membrane permeability, which allows for efficient nutrient exchange and energy flow. This is especially critical in regions like the prefrontal cortex and frontal cortex—areas responsible for emotional regulation, decision-making, and memory. When mitochondrial integrity is compromised, neurological changes such as brain fog, mood fluctuations, and cognitive decline can emerge. Lifestyle strategies such as regular exercise, a nutrient-dense diet, stress reduction, and mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants can help maintain mitochondrial function, protect brain mitochondria, and promote neurological wellbeing. 

Final Thoughts 

Your mitochondria are more than just energy producers—they’re deeply connected to your hormonal health, mood, and drive. As we age, mitochondrial efficiency naturally declines. This can affect hormone production and energy levels. But aging doesn’t mean slowing down—lifestyle choices and targeted support can help your mitochondria thrive well into your later years. 

By supporting them through smart lifestyle choices and science-backed supplements, like MitoQ, you can unlock a more vibrant, balanced version of yourself. 

MitoQ Pure

For energy, focus & healthy aging.

Aging, fatigue, and slower recovery all begin with cellular decline. MitoQ Pure is designed to fight that decline at its source.

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