Many women in their 40s begin to notice changes in their body and start asking an important question: Is this perimenopause… or could it be my thyroid?
The truth is that symptoms of thyroid dysfunction (such as under active thyroid) and perimenopause often overlap. Fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, poor sleep, hair thinning and unexplained weight gain can all occur in both conditions. This overlap can leave many women confused about what is really driving their symptoms.
In this episode of the Empowered Perimenopause Podcast, Francesca explores the relationship between thyroid health and hormonal changes in midlife. She explains why thyroid problems often begin to emerge during perimenopause, how thyroid hormones work in the body, and why women are significantly more likely than men to develop thyroid disorders.
Francesca also discusses the important connection between progesterone and thyroid function, explaining how declining progesterone during perimenopause can affect thyroid hormone sensitivity, and how sluggish thyroid function can in turn reduce ovulation and progesterone production.
You’ll also learn why standard thyroid testing can sometimes miss underlying dysfunction, and the key lifestyle foundations that support both thyroid health and hormone balance during midlife.
This episode will help you better understand what might be happening in your body and give you practical steps to support your energy, metabolism and hormonal health.
In this episode we discuss
- Why thyroid symptoms and perimenopause symptoms overlap
- How the thyroid gland works and its role in metabolism
- Why women are 5–8 times more likely to develop thyroid disease
- Why thyroid issues often appear during hormonal transitions
- The connection between progesterone and thyroid function
- How stress can affect thyroid hormone conversion
- Signs that thyroid dysfunction may be contributing to your symptoms
- Why standard thyroid testing may not always tell the full story
- Functional medicine ranges for key thyroid markers
- Lifestyle strategies to support thyroid health during perimenopause
- The role of blood sugar balance, circadian rhythm and stress regulation
- Nutrients required for thyroid hormone production and activation
- The gut–thyroid connection and its role in immune health
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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