If you’ve ever wondered why GioventX is so deeply committed to reducing the chemical burden women are exposed to, the answer is profoundly personal. I’ve lived through the harsh realities of obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), type 2 diabetes, endometriosis, and secondary infertility. Although I’m blessed with four children, their journeys into the world were far from the traditional path my Nonna once imagined. These experiences have meant decades of pain, dismissal, and frustration with my reproductive and endocrine health. I also live with ADHD and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), both heavily influenced by hormonal imbalance; creating a relentless cycle of physical and emotional struggle that so many women silently endure.
In Australia, nearly 67% of adults are classified as overweight or obese, while around 4% are underweight, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2023). Both extremes can significantly disrupt hormonal balance, mental health, and skin integrity. Adipose tissue (fat) acts as an endocrine organ, producing hormones such as leptin and estrogen that directly influence reproductive and skin health. Too much adipose tissue and we have a problem brewing.
Excess body fat can elevate estrogen and insulin levels, leading to acne, pigmentation, and irregular menstrual cycles, while being underweight can suppress estrogen production, resulting in dry, fragile skin and amenorrhea. These hormonal imbalances often manifest through the skin before deeper reproductive or metabolic issues become apparent
Hormonal dysregulation linked to weight extremes also affects mental health and fertility outcomes. Weight-related hormonal imbalance is one of the most under-recognised causes of infertility, many women pursue assisted reproductive therapies without first addressing underlying metabolic or weight-related causes, which can further disrupt hormones and exacerbate skin conditions. Fertility medications, particularly those that stimulate ovulation, can increase androgen levels, worsening breakouts and oil production. This cycle highlights the importance of addressing weight and hormonal health before initiating fertility interventions.
Skincare products containing hormone‑disrupting chemicals, such as parabens and phthalates, can interfere with the body’s natural endocrine function, altering estrogen and androgen activity. Over time, this disruption may worsen hormonal imbalance, leading to skin issues like acne or pigmentation and increasing the risk of reproductive challenges, including infertility.
For Australian women, proactive investigation into weight, hormones, and skin health is essential—not only for fertility and appearance but for long-term wellbeing.
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References for the above:
-Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2023). Overweight and Obesity in Australia: Health Statistics 2023. Canberra: AIHW.
-Sagili H.,Rajan S., Cutaneous manifestations of estrogen excess and deficiency, GREM Gynecological and Reproductive Endocrinology & Metabolism (2021); Volume 2 - 3/2021:162-167 doi: 10.53260/GREM.212035
-The connection between skin health and overall well-being https://molechex.com.au/2024/01/20/the-connection-between-skin-health-and-overall-well-being/
-Alblooshi S. The impact of perfumes and cosmetic products on human health: a narrative review. Front Toxicol. 2025 Aug 29;7:1646075. doi: 10.3389/ftox.2025.1646075. Erratum in: Front Toxicol. 2025 Dec 16;7:1713750. doi: 10.3389/ftox.2025.1713750. PMID: 40949028; PMCID: PMC12425936.
-Reichrath J. Hormones and skin: A never ending love story! Dermatoendocrinol. 2011 Oct;3(4):217-9. doi: 10.4161/derm.3.4.19058. Epub 2011 Oct 1. PMID: 22259646; PMCID: PMC3256335.
-J W Rich-Edwards 1, M B Goldman, W C Willett, D J Hunter, M J Stampfer, G A Colditz, J E Manson in pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8030695/
-Christos C Zouboulis, Claire Deloche, Charbel Skayem, Stéphanie Leclerc-Mercier, Philippe Martel, Beatriz Sant’Anna, Charles Taieb, Thierry Passeron, A global study of 17 009 women reveals significant skin condition changes associated with irregular menstrual cycles, British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 192, Issue 5, May 2025, Pages 935–937, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljae484
-Mączka, K., Stasiak, O., Przybysz, P., Grymowicz, M., & Smolarczyk, R. (2024). The Impact of the Endocrine and Immunological Function of Adipose Tissue on Reproduction in Women with Obesity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(17), 9391. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179391
-Richard AJ, White U, Elks CM, et al. Adipose Tissue: Physiology to Metabolic Dysfunction. [Updated 2020 Apr 4]. In: Feingold KR, Adler RA, Ahmed SF, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555602/