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Why does menopause gut health become a central player in midlife?
How does it impact everything from aging and hormones to brain, bone, and immune health?
In this episode, our guest shares the science behind the gut microbiome during perimenopause and menopause, why symptoms like bloating and food sensitivities increase, and what women can do to take back control of their menopause gut health.
My Guest:
Cynthia Thurlow is a globally recognized expert in nutrition & intermittent fasting, highly sought after speaker, and the CEO and founder of Everyday Wellness Project. She’s been a nurse practitioner for 20+ years, is a 2x TEDx speaker: her 2nd talk on intermittent fasting has been viewed over 7 million times. She has been featured on ABC, FOX5, KTLA, CW and in Medium and Entrepreneur. Cynthia was recently listed in Yahoo Finance as one of the “21 founders changing the way we do business.” She’s also the host of Everyday Wellness Podcast, which was listed as “20 podcasts that will help you grow in 2020” by Entrepreneur magazine, and in Business Insider “21 podcasts to expand your mind in 2021.”
The Menopause Gut Feels Different and What to Do Now
Questions We Answer in This Episode:
- [00:04:50] What prompted you to write this book about gut health in menopause?
- [00:08:50] Why was writing this book so much harder than your first?
- [00:13:10] How does gut health actually impact the way we age?
- [00:16:50] What’s happening in the gut during menopause that causes symptoms?
- [00:22:10] How important is stool testing versus just guessing with diet and supplements?
- [00:25:50] Is constipation normal in midlife, and what’s really causing it?
- [00:28:20] How does intermittent fasting impact gut health and should women still do it?
Gut Health Is Not Just Digestion
- Gut impacts:
- Brain health
- Bone health
- Immune system
- Aging process overall
- Gut is a communication hub for the entire body
How the Gut Influences Aging
- Nothing in the body operates in isolation
- Gut microbiome communicates with every system
- Hormonal changes directly affect gut integrity
- Estrogen helps maintain gut lining
Hormones, Gut Changes & Symptoms
- Declining estrogen leads to:
- Increased inflammation
- “Leaky gut”
- Food sensitivities
- Digestive issues
- Common symptoms:
- Bloating
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Reduced food tolerance
Microbiome Changes in Menopause
- Reduced diversity in gut bacteria
- Lower production of beneficial compounds (short-chain fatty acids)
- Increased oxidative stress and inflammation
- Changes in estrogen metabolism (estrobolome)
Stool Testing & Personalization
- “Test, don’t guess” approach
- Stool testing can:
- Identify infections (e.g., H. pylori)
- Detect dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria)
- Importance of working with experienced practitioners
The Menopause Gut Is Missing Link Behind Bloating, Weight Gain, and Fatigue
Constipation Is Not Normal
- Many women normalize poor digestion
- Gut issues often signal deeper imbalances
- Psychological and nervous system factors can influence digestion
Fasting & Gut Health
- Intermittent fasting can help—but isn’t for everyone
- Context matters:
- Sleep quality
- Stress levels
- Workout intensity
- Fasting should be strategic, not extreme
Muscle, Protein & Midlife Strategy
- Priority shifts to:
- Building muscle
- Supporting metabolism
- Wider eating windows may be beneficial
- Importance of adequate protein intake
Connect with Cynthia:
- Website – Cynthia Thurlow
- Instagram – @cynthia_thurlow_
- YouTube – @cynthiathurlow
Other Episodes You Might Like:
- Previous Episode – Muscle Loss on the Shot: Worth the Risk?
- Next Episode – Roadblocks Women Experience When They’re Doing “All The Things”
- More Like This – An Intermittent Fasting Update with Cynthia Thurlow
Resources:
- Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra. Leave this session with insight into exactly what to do right now to make small changes, smart decisions about your exercise time and energy.
- Use Flipping 50 Scorecard & Guide to measure what matters with an easy at-home self-assessment test you can do in minutes.
