Hormone Harmony: Why Burnout, Autoimmunity & Perimenopause Are Deeply Connected
by Kay Kaur
“I feel exhausted but wired. I’ve done the labs, but no one can explain why my hormones and energy feel so out of sync…” you’re not imagining it.
Emerging research now confirms that chronic stress plays a major role in immune system dysregulation, contributing to both autoimmunity and hormone imbalance. Chronic psychological stress increases inflammation and impairs immune regulation — a key driver in autoimmune disease development (Dhabhar, 2023).
This stress also disrupts your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the very system responsible for regulating cortisol, thyroid hormone output, and oestrogen/progesterone balance (Godbout & Glaser, 2006).
In short: burnout inflames your immune system and scrambles your hormone signals.
The perimenopausal years bring their own storm — and for those with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, lupus, or Sjögren’s, that storm often becomes a tsunami.
That’s because sex hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone regulate immune tolerance — particularly in the gut and brain. As oestrogen declines during perimenopause, its immune-modulating effects weaken, which can worsen autoimmune flares (Cutolo et al., 2022).
A 2022 review in Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology confirmed that falling oestrogen levels directly influence immune reactivity, cytokine expression, and tissue inflammation — especially in individuals already managing an autoimmune diagnosis (Cutolo et al., 2022).
🔄 Estrogen levels drop → gut permeability increases
🔄 Cortisol stays high → immune cells become desensitised
🔄 Autoimmune markers spike → fatigue, flares, and brain fog intensify
🔄 Liver detox slows → hormone recycling becomes inefficient
🔄 Mitochondria (your energy engines) weaken → fatigue becomes chronic.
This is why so many people feel like everything is happening at once — it is. It’s not a coincidence. It’s a communication breakdown between your hormones, gut, brain, and immune system.
I support clients through a science-backed protocol that calms the immune system and supports healthy hormone communication.
Reduced bile flow, poor microbial diversity, and a leaky gut all influence hormone metabolism and immune tolerance. Supporting detoxification pathways is essential for oestrogen balance and inflammation reduction (Plottel & Blaser, 2011).
Tools like somatic work, breath regulation, and mindset reprogramming (through NLP/RTT) help reset the HPA axis, which lowers inflammation and helps recalibrate cortisol — a key hormone influencing thyroid and sex hormone output (Charmandari et al., 2005).
Micronutrient repletion (like magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and amino acids) supports hormone synthesis, neurotransmitter balance, and mitochondrial function — all vital for clear thinking, restful sleep, and steady energy (Pizzorno et al., 2016).
Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, autoimmune burnout, or hormone shifts, healing is possible. But it doesn’t come from chasing symptoms — it comes from realigning your internal systems so they can talk to each other again.
If this resonates, here’s what to do next:
Kay Kaur.
Functional Nutritionist & Health Coach Gut & Autoimmune Specialist for High Achievers.
This isn’t just a design refresh. It’s a whole new chapter reflecting the transformation I guide clients through — restoring clarity, confidence, and calm at the root level.
What’s new:
A clear breakdown of my gut and hormone coaching packages
Easy discovery call booking
A refined pathway for clients seeking help with autoimmune burnout, perimenopause, and hormone harmony
A dedicated space to explore root-cause solutions backed by science
🔗 Take a peek at the new website – I’d love to know what you think!
Dhabhar FS. (2023). Stress-induced immune dysregulation: implications for autoimmunity and health. Frontiers in Immunology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1170953
Cutolo M, et al. (2022). Sex hormones and autoimmunity: an update on the link in perimenopausal individuals. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-022-08976-0
Charmandari E, et al. (2005). Neuroendocrinology of stress: clinical implications. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tem.2004.11.002
Plottel CS, Blaser MJ. (2011). Microbiome and metabolism: the gut-brain-endocrine axis. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2011.78
Godbout JP, Glaser R. (2006). Stress-induced immune dysregulation: implications for autoimmune disease. Brain Behav Immun. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2005.08.009
Pizzorno J, et al. (2016). The Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Autoimmune Meal Guide
The autoimmune protocol (AIP) is a food-based approach that helps to restore your gut and reduce the inflammation created by autoimmune conditions. The food plan has been designed to give your body time off from many daily food stressors, helping to support the regulation of the immune system and hopefully reduce your symptoms.
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Did you know that eating a variety of whole foods can directly reduce inflammation and improve gut health?
Research shows that polyphenols in plant foods, such as berries and spices, support the gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Your 14-Day Gut Reset
Wanting to reset and give your gut a little respite? Forget starving yourself from key nutrients and macro nutrients; realign with my ultimate gut reset programme to help you feel your best without starvation or restriction. This isn’t a typical detox; it’s a carefully curated plan with meals designed to balance your hormones, stabilise blood sugar, and support liver function.