We know that maintaining a healthy gut is key for overall well-being, especially for women. Okay, we’re a little biased but it really is! A balanced gut can positively impact your health, from hormone regulation to immune support. So, we’ve created an easy guide to break down the science behind women’s health and partnered with Dr Naomi Potter, aka The Menopause Doctor, to share her expert advice.
We found that 4 in 5 women in the UK* want to know more about how their gut health can impact their overall well-being. That’s a pretty big deal – but there’s a significant lack of knowledge as 86% have never heard of the Gut-Hormone Axis.
What is the Gut-Hormone Axis?
Your period can really shake up your gut health due to changing hormone levels, especially oestrogen and progesterone. These changes can affect how often you go to the bathroom and the consistency of your stool, causing different tummy troubles throughout the cycle.
Perimenopause is the transition to menopause, often featuring irregular menstrual cycles that can last from 1 to 10 years. The frequency and length of periods might change and the flow may be heavier or lighter.
Menopause is a period of significant hormonal changes which, in turn, can impact the gut microbiome. During perimenopause and menopause, reduced oestrogen levels influence gut function and diversity.
* Yakult commissioned a survey of 2,044 female adults, aged between 18-65+ years old in the UK in May 2024.