Tired, Bloated & 'Not Yourself'? Your Gut, Thyroid & Perimenopause Explained

If you feel like you've aged 10 years overnight – more bloating, heavier brain fog, stubborn weight and a nervous system that swings between wired and wiped – you are far from alone. What many women don't realise is that gut health, thyroid function and perimenopausal hormone shifts are deeply connected, and when they wobble together, energy is often the first thing to go.

Why everyone's talking gut, hormones and fatigue

Right now, women's wellness conversations are shifting away from "just lose weight" towards "how do I actually feel energised enough to live my life?". On social media, "hot girl stomach problems" has become shorthand for the bloating, IBS‑like symptoms and gut discomfort so many women experience – especially in their 20s to 40s. At the same time, perimenopause and thyroid health are finally being taken seriously rather than dismissed as "just getting older".

In clinic, this looks like women arriving with the same cluster of complaints: exhaustion, unsettled digestion, unpredictable cycles, anxiety, sleep issues and weight that no longer responds to what used to work. Often, they've been told their tests are "normal" or handed a one‑size‑fits‑all solution that doesn't address the full picture.

The gut–thyroid–hormone triangle (and why it matters)

Your gut, thyroid and sex hormones talk to each other constantly. When one is out, the others often follow. For example, low or poorly managed thyroid function has been linked with a higher risk of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which can drive bloating, irregular bowels and nutrient deficiencies that further impact energy. Shifts in oestrogen and progesterone through perimenopause can slow or speed up gut motility, adding constipation, diarrhoea or "IBS" into the mix.

On top of that, chronic stress, poor sleep and blood sugar swings can pour petrol on the fire, leaving you more inflamed, more depleted and more sensitive to foods you previously tolerated. It's no wonder so many women describe feeling "puffy, tired and stuck" despite doing their best with diet and exercise.

Signs your trio might be asking for help

You don't need to tick every box, but these patterns can hint that your gut, thyroid and hormones are all involved:

• Persistent fatigue that doesn't match your bloods or your lifestyle.

• Bloating, constipation, diarrhoea or alternating bowels, often worse around your cycle.

• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite "doing all the right things".

• Hair thinning, dry skin, feeling cold easily or brain fog that makes simple tasks feel harder.

• Heavier, irregular or more symptomatic periods, night sweats, anxiety or sleep disruption in your late 30s to 50s.

These symptoms are not "just in your head" and they're not something you have to simply push through. They're messages from your body that something upstream needs attention.

Where smart testing beats guesswork

In this situation, guesswork is exhausting and expensive. Targeted testing helps identify which links in the chain need the most support. This might include a thorough thyroid panel (not just TSH), nutrient status such as iron and vitamin D, and selected gut investigations where appropriate, especially if SIBO or significant IBS‑type symptoms are on the table.

From a naturopathic perspective, test results don't just label what's "wrong" – they guide a plan that matches your body, your life season and your goals. For some women, the priority will be calming gut inflammation and restoring regular bowel movements; for others, it might be supporting thyroid function, stabilising blood sugar and smoothing out peri-menopausal swings.

What to Do Next

If you're recognising yourself in these patterns, here are three steps you can take right now:

1. Track your patterns: Keep a simple journal for one week noting your energy levels, digestive symptoms, and how they relate to your menstrual cycle (if still cycling). Look for connections you might have missed.

2. Support your foundations: Focus on consistent meals with protein, adequate sleep (even imperfect sleep counts), gentle movement, and stress management. These aren't optional extras – they're the scaffolding that holds everything else together.

3. Consider comprehensive testing: Rather than guessing which supplement to try next, targeted testing can show you exactly where your body needs support. This might include a full thyroid panel (TSH, free T3, free T4, antibodies), key nutrients (iron, vitamin D, B12), and gut investigations if appropriate.

How I Can Help

In my practice, I work with women who are tired of being told "everything is normal" when they clearly don't feel normal. Together, we:

• Review your full health picture – symptoms, history, lifestyle and existing test results

• Identify which areas need targeted testing to guide your treatment plan

• Create a personalised approach that addresses gut health, thyroid function and hormonal balance together – not as separate issues

• Support you through implementation with regular check-ins and adjustments as needed

The goal isn't just to feel "less terrible" – it's to reclaim the energy, clarity and comfort in your body that you deserve.

Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?

If you're done pushing through exhaustion and ready for answers, I'd love to help.

Book a free 15-minute discovery call to discuss your symptoms and whether naturopathic care is right for you. We'll talk about what's been happening, what you've tried, and whether working together makes sense.

Or if you're ready to get started, you can book your initial consultation here.

You don't have to figure this out alone.