Gut Health…

Gut Microbiome & Menopause…

Most women believe symptoms like brain fog, bloating, fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain are just part of menopause.  

But many of these symptoms are actually linked to gut imbalances.  

The gut microbiome plays a key role in hormone balance, metabolism, and overall health in menopause.  

What is the gut microbiome…  

The gut microbiome is made up of over 100 trillion microbes that live in the digestive system, mostly in the colon.  

Why does this matter? Because your gut bacteria control:  

  • Digestion and nutrient absorption  

  • Inflammation levels  

  • Stress and anxiety regulation  

  • Mood and cravings  

  • Metabolism and fat storage

  • Hormone balance  

  • Brain function  

How the gut microbiome affects your health… 

Digestion and nutrient absorption:  

  • Gut bacteria help break down food and absorb nutrients from your diet and supplements  

  • This supports hormone production, fat storage, and energy levels  

Gut and immune system connection:  

  • 70-80% of your immune system is located in the gut  

  • A compromised gut weakens the immune response and increases inflammation  

Gut and brain connection: 

  • Your gut influences mood, focus, and stress levels through the gut-brain axis

  • Serotonin (90% made in the gut) regulates mood, sleep, and digestion  

  • GABA helps reduce stress and anxiety  

  • Dopamine influences motivation and pleasure  

  • An imbalanced gut is linked to anxiety, depression, brain fog, and memory issues  

Gut and metabolism: 

  • Gut bacteria control how the body stores fat, burns energy, and regulates appetite  

  • An imbalanced gut microbiome makes weight loss harder  

Gut and hormonal balance: 

  • The gut helps regulate estrogen, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and appetite hormones  

  • Gut imbalances can lead to cravings, mood swings, and stubborn belly fat  

Gut and inflammation:  

  • A damaged gut lining (leaky gut) allows toxins into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation  

  • Chronic inflammation leads to weight gain, joint pain, bloating, and energy crashes  

Gut and liver interaction: 

  • The gut affects liver detoxification pathways  

  • A healthy gut supports the liver in detoxifying hormones and reducing toxin buildup  

The gut microbiome in menopause:  

  • During menopause, all women experience a natural decline in gut microbiome diversity.  

This decrease in gut bacteria weakens key health functions, leading to:  

  • Higher inflammation  

  • Weaker metabolism and easier weight gain  

  • Increased cravings and blood sugar swings  

  • Lower mood, anxiety, and brain fog  

  • More digestive issues like bloating and constipation