I’m 49. After 20 years helping women reverse this, here’s the pattern NO ONE talks about. You’re already stressed in perimenopause. These “healthy” habits? Adding fuel to the fire. Young trainers will tell you I’m wrong. But their advice is down regulating your thyroid. 1. HIIT workouts 5-6x per week Excessive HIIT when already stressed = chronic cortisol elevation. Your HPA axis can’t recover. You’re not building fitness. You’re breaking down your body. 2. Fasted workouts Fasted workouts spike cortisol to access fuel. When already stressed, this accelerates muscle loss instead of fat loss. Without glycogen, you can’t push hard enough to build muscle. Less muscle = slower metabolism. 3. Going too low-carb Extreme low-carb for too long directly impairs thyroid function. Your body needs carbs to convert T4 into active T3. Cut too low and thyroid conversion tanks. You’re slowing your metabolism while trying to speed it up. 4. Eating 5-6 small meals daily Every time you eat, insulin ...