About this episode

Cynthia Thurlow discusses how changes in the gut microbiome during midlife can affect women's health, particularly regarding infections and hormonal changes.

Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. I’ve been getting many questions about viruses, bacterial vaginosis, and recurrent infections. So, today, I’m stepping a little outside our usual topics to explore how changes in the gut microbiome can directly influence the vaginal microbiome. Join me as I clarify what actually happens in the body during perimenopause and menopause, and explain why those shifts matter more than most women realize. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Three changes that occur simultaneously during perimenopause and menopause, and how those changes increase our susceptibility to viruses like herpes. Why declining estrogen weakens the vaginal microbiome How gut microbiome changes in midlife affect the ability to recycle estrogen via the estrobolome Why the gut barrier becomes less stable and more permeable during perimenopause and menopause, and how that can trigger immune responses and low-grade inflammation How hormonal fluctuations can trigger viral outbreaks and increase the likelihood of shingles What research shows about hormone replacement therapy and lower rates and recurrence of severe herpes simplex infections Why bacterial vaginosis is becoming more…

People in this episode

Host: Cynthia Thurlow

Topics covered

• midlife health
• gut microbiome
• vaginal microbiome
• perimenopause
• menopause
• immune health

Keywords

• midlife infections
• gut microbiome
• vaginal microbiome
• perimenopause
• menopause
• immune response
• hormonal fluctuations
• bacterial vaginosis
• herpes
• shingles

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Everyday Wellness™, estrobolome, hormone replacement therapy, bacterial vaginosis, herpes simplex

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