The Menopause Gut: Why Bloating, Digestion, and Metabolism Change in Midlife with Cynthia Thurlow
Why are you feeling more bloated, struggling with digestion, or noticing changes in your metabolism when your usual habits haven’t changed? During perimenopause and menopause, symptoms that seem unrelated may be part of a bigger conversation about hormones and gut health. What should you pay attention to, and where should you start?
In this episode of the As A Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford welcomes Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner, metabolic health expert, and author of The Menopause Gut. Cynthia explains how hormonal shifts can influence digestion and the gut microbiome, and how gut health intersects with inflammation and estrogen metabolism. She shares practical ways to support your gut, what to consider before trying probiotics or fasting, and why persistent bloating or changes in bowel habits deserve medical evaluation.
The Menopause Gut: Why Bloating, Digestion, and Metabolism Change in Midlife with Cynthia Thurlow
IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 The Menopause Gut with Cynthia Thurlow
04:56 How Do Perimenopause and Menopause Affect Digestion?
07:39 What Is Leaky Gut? 11:07 Can Hormonal Changes and Stress Slow Digestion?
14:51 How Does Gallbladder Removal Affect Digestion? 16:24 How Does Fiber Support Your Gut Microbiome?
18:46 What Are Signs of Poor Gut Health?
20:41 Bloating After Meals vs. All-Day Bloating: What’s the Difference?
23:13 How Does Alcohol Affect Gut Health and Estrogen?
25:45 How Can You Support Gut Health With PMOS (Formerly PCOS) or Endometriosis?
29:52 Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You in Perimenopause?
34:09 How Do Fermented Foods Support Gut Health?
35:14 Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: Do You Need Supplements?
36:34 Do You Need Gut Microbiome Testing?
37:25 How Can You Increase Fiber Without More Bloating?
39:32 What Is Resistant Starch? 41:40 Can GLP-1 Medications Reduce Inflammation?
43:30 Does Hormone Therapy Affect Gut Health?
45:40 How Can You Support Gut Health in Menopause?
46:46 The Menopause Gut Book and Where to Find Cynthia
Guest Resources:
Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_
Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777129/the-menopause-gut-by-cynthia-thurlow-np/
AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk
Host Resources:
Order The Fertility Formula! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book
Newsletter: nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter
Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd
Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD
Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility
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This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.
ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:
Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.
Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.