Leaky Gut, Brain Fog & Autoimmune Risk in Menopause with Cynthia Thurlow
What if the missing piece to your menopause symptoms isn't your hormones—but your gut? If you've been struggling with bloating, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, constipation, inflammation, weight changes, or food sensitivities during perimenopause or menopause, this episode will completely change the way you think about women's health. Brigid sits down with nurse practitioner, bestselling author, and host of the Everyday Wellness Podcast, Cynthia Thurlow, to explore why the gut microbiome may be one of the most overlooked drivers of hormonal health. Together they unpack how declining estrogen affects your gut, why chronic stress and modern lifestyles can worsen inflammation, and the simple nutrition and lifestyle strategies that help support your microbiome through every stage of midlife. Whether you're navigating perimenopause, menopause, or simply want to protect your long-term health, this conversation is packed with practical, science-backed insights rooted in functional nutrition and the belief that food truly is medicine. What You’ll Learn In This Episode: Why gut health becomes increasingly important during perimenopause and menopause How estrogen influences the gut microbiome What the estrobolome is and why it matters for hormone health The connection between leaky gut, inflammation, and autoimmune disease Why gut health affects mood, anxiety, brain fog, and cognitive function How the vagus nerve connects your gut and brain Why blood sugar balance supports both gut and hormone health Foods and lifestyle habits that damage the microbiome How fiber, polyphenols, and plant diversity improve gut health Why protein alone isn't enough for healthy aging Practical strategies for reducing toxin exposure The role of gluten, alcohol, stress, and sleep in chronic inflammation Simple daily habits to improve gut health and support longevity Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Cynthia Thurlow and the focus on women's gut health 01:25 Why gut health is crucial during menopause 02:25 Hormonal changes and their impact on the microbiome 04:03 Effects of antibiotics and toxins on gut health 06:23 Blood sugar, inflammation, and gut health 09:15 Gut-brain connection and neurological symptoms 12:30 Leaky gut and its role in autoimmune disease 16:14 Autoimmune conditions and microbiome health 17:42 Lifestyle factors affecting gut health in midlife women 21:03 Changing lifestyle and diet as hormones decline 23:19 Estrobilum and estrogen detoxification 27:16 Toxin exposure and microbiome health 34:27 Supporting microbiome diversity during menopause 38:22 The importance of fiber and plant diversity 43:15 Supplements and practical tips for gut health 47:06 Foods to avoid and inflammatory triggers 50:38 The impact of gluten and leaky gut 55:25 Stress management and vagus nerve stimulation 58:36 Reflections on lifestyle changes and menopause 01:00:17 Resources and ways to connect with Cynthia Thurlow Resources & Links: + Watch the full episode on YouTube + Cynthia’s Website + Cynthia’s Instagram + Cynthia’s Facebook + Cynthia’s Twitter/X + Cynthia’s Youtube + Cynthia’s Podcast + Cynthia’s Substack + Join The Being Collective + Brigid’s Website + Brigid’s Instagram If this episode helped you better understand the powerful connection between your gut and your hormones, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this conversation with a woman who deserves to feel her best. Every review helps us reach more women with science-backed strategies rooted in functional nutrition and food as medicine.