Know Your Flow podcast
In this episode, Stef and Rocsi explore the relationship between thyroid health, menstrual cycles, ovulation, fertility and autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s. Rocsi shares her own experience of misdiagnosis, cysts, burnout and thyroid dysfunction, alongside the questions she learned to ask about her health.
In This Episode, We Discuss
- How thyroid dysfunction can be associated with changes in ovulation and menstrual regularity
- Why some thyroid symptoms can overlap with symptoms seen in PMOS/PCOS
- The relationship between thyroid hormones and the reproductive system
- Symptoms associated with underactive and overactive thyroid conditions
- Diagnosis, testing and how to prepare for conversations with a clinician
- Rocsi’s perspective on stress, nutrition, energy availability and gut health
- Why persistent symptoms deserve proper medical assessment
“I was told again and again that everything was ‘normal’ but my body didn’t feel normal.”Rocsi
Episode Takeaways
Thyroid health and ovulation can be connected
Thyroid hormones form part of the wider endocrine system that supports menstrual and reproductive function. Thyroid disorders can be associated with irregular cycles, changes in ovulation and fertility difficulties, which is why persistent symptoms should be assessed rather than dismissed.
Symptoms can overlap with other hormonal conditions
Irregular periods, weight changes and other symptoms can have more than one possible cause. Rocsi discusses her own path to diagnosis and why looking beyond a single symptom or ultrasound result mattered in her case.
Testing should be clinically guided
The episode discusses thyroid testing in detail. In practice, clinicians choose which tests are appropriate based on symptoms, medical history, examination and local guidance. TSH is commonly used, with additional thyroid tests or antibody testing considered when clinically indicated. There is no single universal panel that every person needs.
Lifestyle is part of the conversation, not a substitute for treatment
Rocsi also talks about stress, nutrition, gut health and energy availability from her own experience. These factors may be relevant to overall wellbeing, but they do not replace assessment, diagnosis or treatment of a thyroid disorder.
Cycle changes are information worth investigating
If periods become irregular, ovulation appears to change, or other thyroid-related symptoms develop, tracking patterns can provide useful context for a healthcare appointment. Basal body temperature tracking can help some people understand cycle patterns, but it cannot diagnose thyroid disease.
Clinical Context
This podcast is a conversation about Rocsi’s lived experience and perspective, not a universal diagnostic protocol. Symptoms such as persistent fatigue, significant weight change, palpitations, heat or cold intolerance, irregular or absent periods, fertility difficulties or suspected thyroid disease should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. The tests and treatment that are appropriate depend on the individual.
Episode Chapters
Episode Summary
Stef and Rocsi explore how thyroid health can intersect with menstrual cycles and fertility, while Rocsi shares the frustration of searching for answers when symptoms did not fit neatly into one explanation. The conversation combines lived experience, self-advocacy and practical questions to take into a healthcare appointment, with a reminder that ongoing symptoms deserve proper clinical assessment.
Listen & Subscribe
Listen to Know Your Flow by femme on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
