Menopause is a natural stage of life, yet it often comes with uncomfortable symptoms that can leave you feeling exhausted, bloated, and not quite yourself. We are here to help you understand the connection between hormonal changes, energy levels, and gut health so that you can take proactive steps to feel more vibrant and balanced.
Menopause: a time of change, not crisis
It’s important to remember that menopause is not a health crisis – it’s a natural transition that every woman goes through. As biologist, psychologist and author of ‘A Woman’s Book of Life’, Joan Borysenko beautifully puts it, menopause is ‘the midlife metamorphosis: authenticity, power, and the emergence of the guardian’.
This is a very treasured book of mine; it was published in 1996 and is no longer in print, but its messages still resonate today. ‘A Woman’s Book of Life’ teaches women how to align with the physical changes that occur at every stage of life in order to maximise health and wellbeing. It starts with growth of early childhood, moving through hormonal ups and downs, the possibility of childbearing, and growing older – and how all these stages are powerful keys to unlocking a woman’s potential. I love how she tells the reader how those notorious temperature changes in menopause are not hot flushes, they’re power surges, and how she delves deeper into the biopsychospiritual reality of the move into ‘authentic power’ at midlife. This is a book for any woman, of any generation.
Here at Just For Tummies, we are passionate that women should be well informed so that they can be proactive as they navigate menopause (or any life stage) with greater ease and vitality.
Hormonal changes and fatigue
One of the most common struggles during menopause is persistent fatigue. As oestrogen levels decline, your sleep patterns can become disrupted, making it harder to fall or stay asleep. The result? You wake up feeling unrefreshed and find yourself battling through the day with low energy.
But the impact of sleep loss goes far beyond just feeling tired. Countless studies show that chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to a wide range of short- and long-term health issues, including:
- Tiredness, poor concentration, and memory lapses
- Mood changes, anxiety, and irritability
- Weakened immune function, making you more prone to illness
- Increased risk of accidents due to impaired alertness
- Higher likelihood of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes
- Weight gain and difficulty managing blood sugar levels
- Greater susceptibility to mental health disorders and cognitive decline
Additionally, the hormonal fluctuations of menopause can put extra strain on your adrenal glands, which produce the stress hormone cortisol. When cortisol levels are chronically elevated due to ongoing stress, it can leave you feeling depleted and emotionally drained. This stress-fatigue cycle can be difficult to break without intentional lifestyle changes.
Tip: Prioritise quality sleep by creating a calming bedtime routine. Try reducing screen time before bed, keeping your sleep schedule consistent, and using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or gentle stretches.
The gut-brain connection
You may be surprised to learn that menopause doesn’t just affect your hormones – it also impacts your gut health, which in turn influences your mood and overall wellbeing. This is due to the gut-brain axis, a communication network between your digestive system and brain.
When your gut microbiome (the trillions of bacteria in your intestines) becomes imbalanced, it can lead to:
- Bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea
- Increased inflammation, which may worsen symptoms like hot flushes (aka power surges)
- Mood changes, as gut health plays a key role in regulating mood and anxiety.
Tip: Support your gut health by adding probiotic-rich foods (like yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut) and prebiotic foods (such as garlic, onions, and bananas) to your diet. These promote a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion and enhancing mood stability.
You’re not alone!
Menopause can be a challenging time, but with the right knowledge and support, you can take charge of your health and wellbeing.
Want to learn more about natural menopause support?
You can also download our free Menopause and Gut Health Guide and discover our new best-selling supplement, Menopause Plus, all natural, all-in-one menopause support – in one capsule! If you would like to know more about our full range of digestive, gut and women’s health products, please get in touch.
