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Gut Health in Perimenopause: Why Testing is a Game Changer


Perimenopause brings big changes—hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain, and digestion issues often show up out of nowhere. But here’s something most women don’t hear from their doctor: your gut health plays a major role in how you experience perimenopause.


Many of the symptoms we chalk up to “hormones” are actually being amplified—or even caused—by what’s happening in the gut.


Here’s why:

Hormones and Your Microbiome: A Two-Way Street

Your gut microbiome doesn’t just help you digest food. It helps you:

  • Metabolize estrogen through something called the estrobolome, a group of bacteria that influence estrogen balance

  • Manage inflammation—a major driver of hot flashes, joint pain, and fatigue

  • Regulate mood through serotonin production (70–90% of it is made in the gut!)

  • Support detox pathways, including how your body eliminates excess hormones


During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels start to fluctuate. These shifts affect the gut, leading to slowed motility (hello constipation), changes in microbial balance, and increased intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut).


The Gut-Hormone Symptom Loop

When your gut isn’t functioning optimally, your symptoms may include:

  • New food sensitivities or intolerances

  • More bloating and gas

  • Brain fog and anxiety

  • Poor sleep quality

  • Worsening PMS or irregular cycles


These are not just hormonal issues. They are gut-hormone feedback loop issues.



Why Stool Testing is a Game Changer

A comprehensive stool test lets us take a deep look at:

  • Your microbiome diversity (including estrogen-metabolizing bacteria)

  • Inflammatory markers and immune activity

  • Digestive enzyme output and nutrient absorption

  • Signs of leaky gut or dysbiosis


Armed with that data, we can create a targeted plan to:

  • Rebuild microbial balance

  • Support detox pathways and hormone clearance

  • Reduce inflammation and gut permeability

  • Optimize digestion and energy


You Don’t Have to Settle for “This is Just Midlife”

Too often, women are told their symptoms are just part of aging. But the truth is: many of those symptoms are signals—and your gut may be the missing link.

If you’re in perimenopause and feeling bloated, moody, or off in a way that doesn’t make sense, it’s time to stop guessing.


Ready to Personalize Your Gut Health Plan?

As a certified gut health nutritionist, I offer personalized consultations, gut microbiome testing, and holistic strategies to help you feel better from the inside out.


Or reach out to learn more about my programs for gut inflammation, microbiome support, and digestive health. www.taniamercuri.com


To your healing,

Tania Mercuri

CNP, NNCP, RNT Nutritionist for Gut Health & Midlife



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