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Exploring the “Triangle of Hormonal Health” – Claire Snowdon-Darling and Laura Knowles’ Contribution to Functional Wellness Models

Women's Journal Staff on December 17, 2025

Within the evolving dialogue on integrative and functional medicine, several novel frameworks are reframing how practitioners and educators understand and address complex health conditions, particularly those affecting women. One of the more visible among these is the “Triangle of Hormonal Health,” a clinical framework designed to more clearly describe the dynamic interplay among three primary hormonal systems: blood sugar balance, the stress response, and reproductive hormone regulation. As more and more people develop chronic illnesses, fatigue, and disorders, alternative medicine has never been so popular. The global wellness economy has seen significant growth in recent years, with preventative and personalized health playing an increasingly important role. As the market continues to expand, models such as the Triangle of Hormonal Health are gaining popularity for their affordability and their efforts to integrate previously separate wellness practices.

The Triangle of Hormonal Health is noteworthy for its integrated design and functional usability in clinical and teaching environments. Fundamentally, the model proposes that all three systems—blood sugar (regulation of insulin and glucose), stress (mainly cortisol production by the adrenal glands), and sex hormones (such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone)—are interlinked so that an imbalance in any of them can disrupt the others. Instead of compartmentalizing complaints such as irregular periods or persistent fatigue as isolated ailments, the Triangle provides a system that encourages one to view them within a broader web of causality. 

For many practitioners who practice functional nutrition, kinesiology, or integrative therapies, this model has proven a helpful way to explain cluster symptoms that standard assessments often dismiss or overlook. Formulated originally by Claire Snowdon-Darling, the founder of Hormone Wellness and co-founder of The College of Functional Wellness in the UK, along with Laura Knowles, the Triangle is gaining attention among alternative healthcare practitioners, though it remains outside mainstream scientific consensus.

Although still outside the bounds of mainstream endocrinology or peer-reviewed scientific literature, the model is widely cited in educational, functional wellness, and holistic health coaching contexts. Snowdon-Darling, a kinesiology- and nutritional therapy-trained clinician, created the model based on patterns she observed in her clinical practice. She observed patterns in hormone-related symptoms among patients, leading to the development of the Triangle model. She and her longtime business partner, Laura Knowles, have also applied the model to clinical teaching and curriculum, pointing to its promise as a communication and diagnostic tool.

Its popularity may stem from simplicity. Unlike specific academic models that depend on biochemistry-laden descriptions, the Triangle is a purposeful visual and conceptual model meant to be understood by clients and students immediately. The accessible format of the Triangle is included in The College of Functional Wellness’s curriculum, offering diploma courses and CPD-qualified training for healthcare professionals interested in integrative health. The College launched in 2019 and has trained hundreds of practitioners in the UK and internationally, expanding its reach through online learning platforms, making the Triangle increasingly accessible.

The Triangle is frequently used as a foundation for developing bespoke protocols. A practitioner can evaluate a client’s stress response using adrenal function tests, identify macronutrient imbalances that may contribute to glycemic variability, or review menstrual cycle abnormalities—all from an assumption of interconnectivity. For instance, recurrent stress will drain progesterone as a result of what practitioners refer to as “The Pregnenolone Steal,” impairing reproductive function. In the same way, blood sugar dysregulation can intensify symptoms of PMS or create mid-cycle energy crashes, both of which are frequently reported by functional health clients. Although these correlations exist within the wider integrative literature, the Triangle condenses them into a consumable, actionable idea.

The model has attracted criticism from conventional endocrinologists and evidence-based practitioners. Perhaps most frequently cited is the failure of peer-reviewed validation. While extensively employed in alternative medicine, the Triangle remains the target of robust clinical trials or meta-analyses that would bring it into academic consensus. The conceptual beauty of the Triangle has been criticized as potentially oversimplifying biochemically complex feedback loops and leading to imprecise generalized treatment protocols insensitive to the unique variance between individuals. The model frames stress-related symptoms as endocrine disruption due to elevated stress, reflecting its functional approach to interpreting hormonal imbalances.

In recent years, the model has received additional publicity through publications and interviews conducted by Snowdon-Darling and Knowles, especially around the publication of their co-written book, “The Triangle of Hormonal Health.” Through media interviews and podcast appearances, authors have highlighted the need to translate clinical theories into language accessible to everyone, making education about hormones available to individuals who feel forgotten by traditional healthcare avenues. In 2024, the book was endorsed by multiple health education programs and included in course curricula for integrative nutrition schools.

Though official academic affirmation is still awaited, the Triangle of Hormonal Health continues to influence how many in the wellness industry tackle multifaceted health issues. By providing a framework for interpreting several symptoms and systems in relation to one another, the model is part of a broader shift in healthcare toward patient-centered communication and systems thinking. Its success may well hinge on whether future studies support its theories, but its impact—specifically on the training and practice of holistic health practitioners—is already being felt.

Claire Snowdon-Darling, the model’s creator, remains a key advocate for the Triangle’s application in teaching and practice. Whether or not the model will have a place in structured clinical research remains to be determined, but its value to the ongoing discussion of integrative strategies for hormone health is unmistakable.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. The “Triangle of Hormonal Health” is a model developed by Claire Snowdon-Darling and Laura Knowles, primarily used in integrative and functional wellness settings. While it provides a framework for understanding hormone health, it has not been validated by mainstream endocrinology or peer-reviewed clinical studies. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

High‑Achieving Women Face Challenges in Work‑Family Balance

Womens Journal Staff 2 on December 17, 2025

For high-achieving women, the intersection of professional ambition and family responsibilities is an ongoing challenge. They often navigate demanding careers with long hours and high expectations, while also managing the emotional and logistical demands of family life. Balancing these two worlds requires constant attention and adaptation, making it a significant part of their daily reality. This balancing act, while rewarding, can also be overwhelming, leaving little room for personal downtime.

The struggle is not just about managing time, but also about identity. How do high-achieving women define themselves when their professional accomplishments bring recognition, yet their family roles require emotional investment and caregiving? The roles often compete for attention and energy, creating tension. Yet, for many women, these competing demands are an intrinsic part of their lives and sense of purpose.

As more women assume leadership positions, the conversation around work-family balance continues to evolve. The question no longer centers on whether women can succeed in both arenas, but how they can sustain their success without compromising their health and well-being. This topic remains a cornerstone of the ongoing dialogue about achieving both personal fulfillment and career success.

The Invisible Pressures Women Face

Society often celebrates professional achievement, but it also imposes expectations that women should simultaneously excel in family life. These societal pressures can create an invisible weight that high-achieving women must bear. Even in dual-income households, women tend to carry the mental load of planning, organizing, and anticipating family needs. This unseen labor is a common experience for many women, adding complexity to their already demanding careers.

Despite shared responsibilities, women are often the ones who organize family schedules, maintain the household, and anticipate the emotional needs of their loved ones. This “invisible work” is rarely recognized in the workplace but contributes significantly to the pressure many women feel. It’s a contributing factor to why the juggling act can feel like a constant cycle with little room for rest or relaxation.

These expectations can result in high-achieving women feeling they must constantly excel in both their professional and personal lives. They may feel guilt when focusing too much on one aspect, whether it’s their career or family. This dynamic underscores the importance of acknowledging and understanding the complexity of balancing work and family responsibilities, as these pressures can take a toll on overall well-being.

Strategies for Managing Competing Demands

Despite these challenges, high-achieving women develop various strategies to manage the demands of both work and family. One essential approach is setting clear boundaries between work and home life. By establishing designated times for each domain, women can better manage expectations and reduce feelings of overwhelm. These boundaries help maintain focus and clarity in both areas of life.

Effective communication is another key strategy. Women often find that discussing their needs with family members and employers helps manage expectations and fosters understanding. This open dialogue allows for realistic planning and lessens the possibility of burnout. By ensuring everyone is on the same page, women can navigate their roles more smoothly, even in high-pressure environments.

Support networks play a significant role in helping high-achieving women sustain their balance. Peer groups, mentors, and professional organizations provide safe spaces for women to share experiences, offer advice, and find encouragement. These communities create a sense of solidarity, reminding women they are not alone in their struggles. The support from others in similar situations strengthens resilience and provides practical insights into managing competing demands.

The Impact on Workplaces and Communities

The balancing act faced by high-achieving women has broader implications for the workplace and community. When companies support work-family balance, they see better employee retention, higher productivity, and a more inclusive work environment. Providing flexibility, such as remote work options or family-friendly policies, can significantly improve job satisfaction and workplace loyalty.

Without this support, however, women may feel forced to leave the workforce or reduce their hours, limiting their ability to advance in their careers. This attrition can also affect the diversity of leadership roles, reducing the representation of women at the top levels of business and other industries. By fostering an environment that prioritizes work-life balance, workplaces can benefit from a more diverse and engaged workforce.

Beyond the workplace, communities are affected when women struggle to balance their professional and personal lives. High-achieving women contribute significantly to the strength of community networks, whether through volunteer work, local leadership roles, or involvement in schools and healthcare. When these women are supported in balancing their responsibilities, they can engage more fully in both professional and personal spheres, benefiting their communities in the long run.

Redefining Success for High-Achieving Women

As the conversation around work-family balance continues, the definition of success for high-achieving women is evolving. Traditionally, success has been measured by career milestones, but this narrow view is changing. Success can now be defined as the ability to sustain both career and family while maintaining personal well-being. This shift acknowledges the reality of modern life and the resilience needed to navigate both professional and personal responsibilities.

For high-achieving women, finding a sustainable rhythm between career and family is key. Rather than striving for perfection in both areas, success is about managing expectations, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed. Achieving balance does not require sacrificing one’s career for family or vice versa, but rather integrating both in a way that honors personal well-being.

The future will likely see continued progress toward creating environments—both in the workplace and at home—that support high-achieving women in their pursuit of balance. As more women take on leadership roles, their contributions and experiences will continue to shape the way society defines success and work-life integration. The question remains: how can we all create environments that support this balance, ensuring that women’s contributions are valued across all aspects of life?