Menopause & Gut Health: The Hidden Link Between Progesterone, Anxiety & the Microbiome

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In this episode, Cynthia Thurlow joins host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton to explore the estrobolome and its role in metabolizing estrogen and progesterone, stress and cortisol as a driver of hormone imbalance, and DUTCH Test patterns that can signal gut dysfunction. 

Cynthia and Dr. Jaclyn also discuss: 

• How gut health can impact hormone metabolism, not just digestion 
• The many roles of progesterone, including GABA signaling, myelin maintenance, and neuroplasticity 
• Cyclical symptom tracking to determine hormonal versus non-hormonal anxiety 
• The differences between bioidentical hormone therapy, oral contraceptives, and synthetic progestins 
• Simple daily habits to support gut and hormone health 

Show Notes 

Check out Cynthia Thurlow’s book, The Menopause Gut, and follow her on Instagram @cynthia_thurlow_! 

Discover easy at-home collection for patients with DUTCH Direct. 

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