108. Hormones, Stress & Weight Gain: How the HPATG Axis Impacts Metabolism, Fatigue & Perimenopause Symptoms

Struggling with fatigue, brain fog, weight loss resistance, or unpredictable digestion? It might not just be stress—it could be your hormones working against you. If you've ever wondered why perimenopause seems to zap your energy or why your metabolism feels sluggish despite your best efforts, this episode is for you. In today's episode of A Little Bit Healthier , we're kicking off the Hormone Series by breaking down the HPA-TG Axis—your body's command center for hormone balance. This system influences everything from stress regulation to metabolism, thyroid function, and reproductive health. Yet, most of us were never taught how it all works or what we can do to support it. I'll walk you through the missing links between your hormones, gut health, and energy levels—and why chronic stress might be sabotaging your thyroid and metabolism without you realizing it. What You'll Learn in This Episode: What the HPA-TG Axis is and why it holds the key to hormone balance, metabolism, and digestion The surprising way stress impacts your thyroid, leading to fatigue, sluggish metabolism, and weight gain How high insulin levels can trigger hormone imbalances, making perimenopause symptoms worse The simple lifestyle shifts that can help regulate cortisol, balance blood sugar, and support digestion for better energy When your hormones are in sync, your body thrives. When they're out of balance, you feel exhausted, struggle to lose weight, deal with bloating, and experience mood swings that seem impossible to control. We'll cover why cortisol is stealing your progesterone, how insulin resistance contributes to weight gain and PCOS, and what you can do to start regaining control over your energy, metabolism, and gut health. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review so we can reach more women ready to take back control of their health. Are you struggling with bloating, IBS, constipation, fatigue, brain fog, or hormone imbalance? Get expert guidance on gut health, hormone balance, detox, nervous system regulation, weight loss resistance, and upleveling your health. Join the Women's Wellness Collective, your go-to community for real solutions to boost energy, balance hormones, improve digestion, and more. Get 1/2 off your first month with code HEALTH at www.megmill.com/collective. WellPower is a free health magazine by Dr. Meg Mill, packed with expert insights, in-depth articles, and practical tips on hormone balance, gut health, and metabolic wellness for women in perimenopause and beyond. Get your free copy at https://go.megmill.com/wellpower and start optimizing your health today! Get clarity on your hormones with The Hormone Fixer—a free checklist to help you identify imbalances and take the first steps toward better health. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/hormonefixer. Let's connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill . Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women in perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you're dealing with exhaustion, low energy, digestive discomfort, or hormone imbalances, you'll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it's addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend. If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too! Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza