How Estrogen Affects the Lower Esophageal Sphincter

Have you started noticing that your digestion feels… different lately? Maybe the bloating hits harder, reflux showed up out of nowhere, or your "regular" schedule isn't so regular anymore. It's not random, your hormones play a huge role in how your gut behaves.

In this episode of Hello Hormones, I'm connecting the dots between perimenopause, menopause, and your digestive system, from the bacteria in your mouth all the way down to your intestines. I'll cover how shifting estrogen and progesterone levels can loosen the valve that causes reflux, thin the gut's protective layer, and make your immune system a little jumpier than usual.

And of course, we'll talk about what to do about it: seeing your dentist, chewing your food (seriously), mixing up what you eat, and knowing when to test or try hormone therapy. Feeling good in your gut is absolutely possible again!

What's Discussed:

(00:00) When Your Hormones Hijack Your Gut (04:24) The Mouth–Gut Connection You've Never Heard Of (08:32) How Hormones Can Trigger "Leaky Gut" (13:04) The Simple Fix: Chew, Chill, and Change Your Food (19:55) Can Hormone Therapy Help Your Digestion? Thank You To Our Sponsors:

• Lab Test Checklist: If you're in perimenopause or menopause and sick of hearing "your labs look normal" when you know you don't feel normal, I made this for you. My free Lab Test Checklist walks you through the exact tests that actually matter for your hormones, metabolism, and overall health. Grab it now at drcarriejones.com/learn.
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• LVLUP: Bloating, mood swings, and stubborn belly weight aren't always "just hormones." Your gut plays a huge role in how estrogen and cortisol work — and Ultimate GI Repair helps support both. Head to lvluphealth.com and use code DRCARRIE for 15% off.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause

LETS CONNECT:

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter IG: dr.carriejones

TikTok: @drcarriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones