Understanding Gut Health During Menopause - #89

Menopause is getting the spotlight it deserves. Gut health is not far behind. The science is clear, women’s gut microbiomes change during peri-menopause and look a lot like men’s gut microbiomes. During menopause, women experience a laundry list of physiological hormonal changes. How do these changes impact gut health—and how does gut health, in turn, influence the menopause experience?

The balance of estrogen and progesterone shifts, leading to changes in the gut microbiome. This fragile ecosystem of bacteria in your digestive tract plays a crucial role in digestion and regulating hormones, supporting the immune system, and even affecting mental health. As estrogen levels take a massive dip, the diversity of gut bacteria can decrease, leading to issues like bloating, weight gain, brain fog, increased anxiety, sleep issues, and even increased inflammation.

This episode explores how maintaining a healthy gut can ease some of the common symptoms of menopause. Practical strategies for supporting your gut health through diet, lifestyle changes, and possibly even supplements are offered to you. Whether you’re currently navigating menopause or preparing for it, understanding the connection between gut health and hormonal balance is key to thriving during this transition.

We cover the following:

-how hormones affect the gut microbiome

-why menopausal women lose microbial diversity and what to do about it

-why Akkermansia is a superstar and its relationship to weight loss, appetite, and blood glucose regulation

-bone health and Osteoporosis

-what the estrobolome is and how to support it

-travel constipation

-optimal nutrition for gut health

Kara Siedman is back to talk about menopause and gut health. You may have listened to our previous podcast on stool testing and the importance of personalizing your gut health protocol. Kara is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Senior Manager of Scientific Communications at Pendulum. Throughout her career, Kara has worked across diverse healthcare settings, from inpatient care to launching multiple outpatient programs in both diabetes management and gastroenterology. Her expertise lies in integrating functional and integrative approaches, particularly in the fields of gastroenterology and metabolic health.

Before joining Pendulum, Kara worked in the microbiome field, sharing scientific insights and research with healthcare practitioners. She guided the practical use of various bacterial strains and microbiome-focused therapies in clinical practice, fueling her passion for translating complex research into actionable guidance for healthcare providers.

Medical Disclaimer:

By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.

Stay connected:

Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness

Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products

Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:

https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness

Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Increase Your Protein in 5 Easy Steps and your free Protein Powder Recipe Ebook.

Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:

https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations

To order Pendulum products and receive 20% off every order, create your Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness