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From Fixing to Flow: Why Women Need a New Health Model

  • May 20
  • 4 min read

Woman practising yoga with eyes closed and hands in prayer pose.

I’ve been working with women — on and off — for many years. And one thing I noticed early on is that women’s health has too often been approached like a machine.

If a part isn’t working, it gets patched up or replaced.If something’s off, the aim is to return it to “normal.”No nuance. No context. No real understanding of our unique rhythms.

But here I’m going to talk about something I wish more women knew:

Your body isn’t a machine , it’s a living, adapting, intelligent system.

And the way we define “health” needs to reflect that.


1. Beyond the "Normal Range": Why Homeostasis Falls Short

Traditional health models rely on homeostasis , the idea that the body is constantly trying to maintain one fixed, balanced state.

But women’s physiology is not static , it’s cyclical.We move through seasons , menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause , and what’s considered “normal” shifts with each stage.

Allostasis is a more dynamic model of health. It understands that our systems are designed to change.Your blood pressure, mood, immunity, hormones, and energy naturally fluctuate based on your environment, stress levels, emotional state, and life phase.

This isn’t dysfunction.It’s intelligence.


2. The Hidden Load Women Carry

Many women are navigating life with an invisible load that often goes unrecognised, emotional labour, caregiving roles, financial pressure, systemic inequality, or cultural expectations.

In a homeostatic model, when symptoms like fatigue or high blood pressure show up, the standard response is often medication.

But an allostatic lens asks:

  • Why is her system under so much pressure?

  • What is she navigating behind the scenes?

  • Is this symptom a signal of chronic overload, rather than a personal fault?

This shift in perspective changes the way we support women’s health — moving from symptom management to addressing root causes.


3. Real Wellness Requires a Whole Life Approach

Allostasis supports a more holistic way of living and healing — one that centres the nervous system, lifestyle, and surrounding environment.

This looks like:

  • Mind-body practices such as yoga, breathwork, and tapping

  • Nourishment that energises rather than restricts

  • Deep rest, emotional expression, and meaningful connection

  • Creative outlets and reconnecting to joy

It’s not just about treating symptoms. It’s about changing the conditions that created the imbalance in the first place.


4. Perimenopause and Menopause: A New Rhythm

Under a homeostatic lens, hot flushes, insomnia, low libido or mood swings are seen as “imbalances” often treated as problems needing correction.

But the allostatic view sees perimenopause and menopause as a recalibration — not a breakdown, but a transition to a new internal rhythm.

Support during this time might include:

  • Reducing stress and sensory overload

  • Gentle movement to support the lymphatic system and hormonal function

  • Nourishing foods that help calm inflammation and balance blood sugar

  • Community and emotional processing to honour the transition

It’s a whole-person, whole-life approach that acknowledges this phase of life as natural and powerful.


5. Emotional Cycles, Burnout and Allostatic Load

Mental health challenges in women are frequently treated in isolation.But allostatic load offers a fuller picture, long-term stress can deplete our systems and contribute to anxiety, depression, reproductive health issues, and lowered immunity.

This understanding reframes symptoms as:

  • Signs of depletion, not disorder

  • Messages from a system that’s been working overtime

  • An invitation to restore, rather than suppress

This leads to greater compassion, and opens the door to more effective, sustainable support.


6. Wellness Is Collective, Not Just Personal

Allostasis reminds us that health is not just about the choices we make — it’s also about the systems we live within.

This includes:

  • Equal pay and flexible work

  • Affordable childcare

  • Access to green spaces

  • Culturally safe, inclusive healthcare

When we stop placing the entire burden of wellness on individual women, we create room for collective and systemic change.


Final Words: Honouring Flow Over Fixing

Women don’t need fixing.We need to be seen, supported, and honoured for the dynamic beings we are.

Moving from a static health model to one that embraces change, one that understands context, rhythm, and real life and allows us to make decisions that are more compassionate, more effective, and more empowering.

If you’re ready to reconnect with your own rhythm and work with your body, not against it. I invite you to explore one of my wellness programmes or book a free discovery session.

Because your body isn’t broken.She’s brilliant.And she’s trying to guide you home.


Medical Disclaimer:This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health practices, especially if you have any existing medical conditions or are taking medication.


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