The Surprising Link Between Gut Health and Perimenopause Symptoms

As women enter perimenopause, they often experience a host of unwelcome symptoms, from hot flashes and night sweats to mood swings and fatigue. What many women don’t realize is that the root of these symptoms may lie in their gut health.

Research has shown that repairing the gut is crucial for overall well-being, and this is especially true during perimenopause. By prioritising the growth of beneficial bacteria and eliminating harmful bacteria, we can maintain an appropriate balance between the two. This means that beneficial bacteria should be the priority.

In addition to promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, we also need to focus on feeding the microbiome, healing and repairing tight gap junctions, and strengthening secretory IGA for a flourishing immune system. This is crucial, as 80 to 90% of the immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract. By healing and repairing the gut, we can boost immunity and protect ourselves from illness and disease.

But gut health is not just important for physical health. It also has a significant impact on mood and mental well-being through the vagus nerve. This means that by prioritising gut health, we can improve our mood, reduce stress, and enhance our overall well-being.

In conclusion, prioritising gut health is imperative for good mood, brain health, and overall well-being, especially during perimenopause. By focusing on promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, feeding the microbiome, and repairing tight gap junctions, we can support a flourishing immune system and protect ourselves from illness and disease. So let’s make gut health a priority and take control of our well-being!

How can you expect to feel if you have bad gut health? 

If you have bad gut health during perimenopause, you may experience the following:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Mood swings and irritability
• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and constipation
• Increased inflammation and chronic pain
• Weaker immune system and increased susceptibility to infections
• Skin problems, such as acne and rashes
• Poor sleep quality and insomnia
• Cognitive impairment and brain fog
• Decreased sex drive and vaginal dryness
• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
• Increased risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

How can you expect to feel if you have good gut health? 

• Reduced likelihood of experiencing perimenopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue
• Improved overall well-being, including mood and mental health
• Stronger immune system due to 80-90% of the immune system being located in the gastrointestinal tract
• Increased ability to manage stress and reduce anxiety
• Improved brain health and cognitive function

Listen in to a recent “Let’s Talk Peri Chat” where Dr Holland goes into more detail:

Summary:

• Perimenopause can cause various symptoms that may be linked to gut health.

• Research shows repairing the gut is crucial for overall well-being, especially during perimenopause.

• Promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and eliminating harmful bacteria is important for maintaining balance in the gut.

• Feeding the microbiome, healing and repairing tight gap junctions, and strengthening secretory IGA can support a flourishing immune system.

• 80 to 90% of the immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Prioritizing gut health can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

• Research articles supporting the importance of gut health in overall well-being and its relation to mood and mental health are available.

Research:

1. “The Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease” by F. Guarner and J. R. Malagelada, published in The Lancet in 2003.
2. “Gut microbiota in health and disease” by E. K. Costello, C. L. Lauber, M. Hamady, N. Fierer, J. I. Gordon, and R. Knight, published in Nature Reviews Microbiology in 2012.
3. “Gut Microbiota, Immunity, and Disease: A Complex Relationship” by S. S. Sultana, S. Haque, and S. S. Sharma, published in Frontiers in Microbiology in 2020.
4. “Gut-brain axis and mood disorder” by H. F. Zhang, Y. T. Hu, G. F. Liu, and L. X. Wang, published in the World Journal of Psychiatry in 2021.