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Perimenopause and Gut Health: Why Your Microbiome Matters
When we think about perimenopause, we usually think about hot flushes, periods, sleep, mood and hormones.
But what about perimenopause and gut health?
You may notice more bloating, constipation, reflux or food sensitivities. Perhaps your digestion has always been a bit difficult, but it seems to have changed as you have got older.
Perimenopause and Gut Health
Your hormones and your gut are connected.
There is growing research into the connection between our hormones and the gut microbiome. The gut contains trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms, which can influence many aspects of our health.
Oestrogen and the gut appear to influence each other. There is even a name for the collection of gut bacteria and their genes involved in oestrogen metabolism: the estrobolome.
Some gut bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. This can help reactivate oestrogen that has been processed by the liver and sent to the gut for removal, allowing some of it to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. So there is a relationship between your gut and your hormones.
As oestrogen changes during perimenopause and menopause, the gut microbiome may change too. This may have an impact on digestion, metabolism, inflammation and the way the gut communicates with the brain.
This is one reason I think it is worth looking at the gut as part of the bigger picture when supporting women through perimenopause.
It isn't just about digestion
The gut is connected to much more than digestion.
The gut and brain are constantly communicating, so it is not surprising that researchers are looking at the relationship between the microbiome, mood, sleep and brain fog.
There is also growing interest in how changes in the gut microbiome may be linked with blood sugar regulation, weight and metabolic health during menopause.
This doesn't mean that your gut is the cause of every menopause symptom. But it is an area that is becoming increasingly interesting.
So what about gut microbiome testing?
This is why I have started offering GutMap microbiome testing.
The test gives you a more personalised picture of what is happening in your gut. It looks at the different types of bacteria present and other markers that can give useful information about your gut health.
For me, one of the most useful parts is the personalised nutrition information. Rather than being told to “eat more fibre” or “look after your gut”, you can get a better idea of where you might want to make changes.
It can be particularly useful for women who like having something practical to work with.
I see it as another source of information. We look at the gut microbiome results alongside your symptoms, health history, diet and lifestyle rather than looking at the numbers in isolation.
This is part of my personalised support for women going through perimenopause and menopause. Find out more about my Natural Menopause Clinic.
What can you do for your gut?
You don't need a test to start looking after your gut.
Eating a variety of plant foods, getting enough fibre, including fermented foods if you tolerate them, exercising regularly and looking after your sleep and stress levels can all support a healthy gut microbiome.
But sometimes it is helpful to have more personalised information. This is where gut microbiome testing can be useful.
What does the test tell you?
The GutMap report gives you information about the different types of bacteria in your gut. It uses a traffic light system to show which areas may need more attention, so you can see where to focus first.
You also get personalised food recommendations based on your results, including foods to eat more of and foods that may be better to avoid. The report can also give you information about which prebiotics and probiotic strains may be most appropriate for your individual microbiome.
So rather than making lots of changes at once, you have a clearer idea of where to start.
A personal approach
This is where I think gut microbiome testing sits well alongside my homeopathy.
The test gives you personalised information about your gut and nutrition, while my homeopathic consultation looks at you as an individual, your symptoms, your health history and how you are feeling.
I can then prescribe homeopathic remedies based on your individual picture and your specific perimenopausal symptoms.
The aim is to support your perimenopause symptoms in different ways, through your diet, specific prebiotics or probiotics where appropriate, and personalised homeopathic remedies.
Could Gut Microbiome Testing be Beneficial For You?
Perimenopause can affect so many different areas of your health. If you are curious about how your gut could be connected to your perimenopause symptoms, you can book a free discovery call and we can talk about whether this approach could be useful for you.
I am always happy to hear from you.
Naziana x
I’m Naziana, a homeopath with a special focus on women’s health, hormones and midlife transitions. Through gentle, natural approaches, I support women in easing perimenopausal symptoms and regaining a sense of wellbeing.
