Many women experience disrupted cortisol rhythms during perimenopause, which can leave you feeling exhausted in the morning but strangely alert late at night.
You might feel overwhelmed by things that never used to bother you, wake up at 2–4am with a racing mind, or feel like your resilience to stress has suddenly disappeared.
In this episode, Francesca explains what cortisol actually does in the body and why the common idea of simply having “high cortisol” or “low cortisol” is often misleading.
In reality, many women in midlife experience cortisol rhythm dysregulation, where cortisol is released at the wrong times of day, creating that classic feeling of being tired but wired.
Francesca also explores how cortisol interacts with other hormone systems including progesterone, thyroid health, digestion and blood sugar regulation, and why stress can suddenly feel much harder to handle during perimenopause.
Most importantly, she shares simple lifestyle strategies that help regulate cortisol rhythms and support your nervous system during midlife.
In this episode we discuss
- What cortisol actually does in the body
- The daily cortisol rhythm your body is designed to follow
- Why stress suddenly feels different in your 40s
- The role of progesterone and ovulation in stress resilience
- Why many women feel tired but wired during perimenopause
- The difference between high cortisol, low cortisol and HPA-axis dysregulation
- The connection between cortisol and thyroid health
- How stress can affect digestion and gut function
- Simple lifestyle strategies that support healthy cortisol rhythms
Mentioned in the episode:
- In this episode I discuss cortisol and the stress response, as well as supportive herbs and nutrients for stress support.
- In this episode I discuss autoimmunity (including Hashimotos) and perimenopause
Take the Free Perimenopause Quiz! Find your perimenopause stage, uncover your priority health pillars, and get instant steps to feel better, all in one free quiz, here.
Join the Midlife Thrive Membership here!
Other Resources & Support
- Download my free Perimenopause Blueprint Guide
- Watch the Thriving Through Perimenopause Masterclass
- Explore 1:1 personalised support
- Listen to more episodes about perimenopause hormones and midlife health on the Empowered Perimenopause Podcast.
- Mira Hormone Tracking At-Home Testing Kit: 20% Off Discount Code: 2FRANLIPAROTI20
All available via my website, or feel free to email or DM me on Instagram if you’re unsure what support you need.
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