What was health class like for you growing up? For me, we got separated, boys in one room, girls in another in fifth grade where we learned about what about to happen to our bodies. Then we had sex education in sixth grade science and then again in seventh grade health class. As if that was not enough, we had it again in ninth grade health class. Finally, we finished our sex education in tenth grade biology. But let’s talk about something that no one warned us about all those years in health class; how your hormones and gut health start texting each other constantly the moment you hit perimenopause. It’s like they’re in a group chat that is sometimes supportive, sometimes petty, and occasionally, completely out of sync. If you’ve ever wondered why your digestion suddenly feels like a drama queen, or your moods are more up and down than a rollercoaster, your hormones and gut health may be the ones stirring the pot.
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The Gut-Hormone Connection: A Love Story
First, a little science…your gut isn’t just the place where tacos go to rest. It’s actually considered your “second brain” and is home to trillions of microbes. These little critters (aka your gut microbiome) do more than help you digest. They also play a starring roll in hormone regulation. The hormones included are estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, insulin, and even serotonin. Now enter perimenopause. That delightful stage of life where hormone levels begin to shift like tectonic plates. Estrogen starts to fluctuate, and your gut microbes, especially ones in the estrobolome (collection of gut bacteria that help metabolize estrogen) get thrown off. When your gut isn’t balanced, hormones can’t be metabolized properly, and chaos can ensue.
Signs Your Hormones and Gut Health May be Feuding
- Bloating or constipation (even if you are eating a fantastic diet)
- Sudden food sensitivities (why oh why does cheese betray us?)
- Mood swings or anxiety (they tend to show up unexpectedly)
- Fatigue and brain fog (where did I put my keys? And my sanity?)
- Weight Changes (you may notice you’re getting a little thick around the middle)
How to Be the Peacemaker Between Your Gut and Hormones
Let’s be honest, no one wants to count macros or meditate on a mountaintop for balance. Here are realistic and very doable ways to support this dynamic duo:
Feed Your Microbes
Say it with me…fiber is your friend. Think fruits, veggies, chia seeds, lentils…all foods that help your gut bacteria thrive and assist in hormone detox. They also keep you fuller for longer. So, bonus!
Balance Blood Sugar
When your blood sugar spikes and crashes, it messes with insulin and cortisol…two key hormonal players. Add protein to your meals and snacks, skip the ultra-processed stuff when you can, and think “stable, not perfect”.
Take Probiotics (and Prebiotics) Seriously
Both probiotics and prebiotics can help replenish the gut flora that keep estrogen levels in check. I recently started incorporating the Plexus Triplex system into my daily routine and I am feeling so much better. I start my day with the Plexus Slim Microbiome Activating (aka the “Pink Drink”). This prebiotic drink helps promote the growth of beneficial gut microbes. The next part of my morning regime is to take two Plexus Bio Cleanse. These help gently cleanse the gastrointestinal tract of unwanted microbes. You won’t be making a mad dash for the bathroom. It’s not THAT kind of cleanse. At the same time, it is also helping our immune function. Finally, I end my day with one Plexus Probio 5 probiotic. This probiotic helps promote healthy bacteria, while also helps keep intestinal yeast in balance. All together, these three products have changed my life for the better. I would love to help it change yours too, Just drop me a comment.
Support Your Liver
The liver is your hormone detox headquarters. Drink water, eat cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower, and limit alcohol. This allows your liver to do its job like the queen it is. If you would like to support your liver even further, give Plexus Restore a try. This product helps your liver to detoxify heavy metals and environmental toxins, while also supporting your digestion.
Reduce Chronic Stress
I know. I know. This is easier said than done sometimes. However, chronic stress hijacks your gut and spikes your cortisol, throwing your whole system out of balance. Try movement you love, a gratitude journal, or just saying “no” more often (yes, that counts). My favorite way to reduce stress is to go to the gym. I am currently watching the show The Night Agent anytime I am on the treadmill or the elliptical!
Beyond Perimenopause: Your Gut isn’t Done Yet
Even in menopause and beyond, your gut continues to influence your hormone health, mood, and metabolism. Taking care of your gut isn’t a one and done thing. It’s a lifelong friendship worth investing in. Again, I work for Plexus and would love to show you how I am taking charge of my gut health and improving my day to day. I would love to help you too. Perimenopause and menopause are not medical crises…they’re transitions. Messy ones? Sure. But with a little support for your gut, your hormones can ride the waves instead of crashing into them.
Your hormones and gut health might not always get along, but with you at the helm? They’re in good hands! Are you feeling a little overwhelmed or unsure of where to start? Small changes matter. Start with one habit and build from there. Your future self…and your gut…will thank you.
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