Heal Your Gut and Master Menopause with Cynthia Thurlow

Heal Your Gut and Master Menopause with Cynthia Thurlow

From Well Beyond 40 by JJ Virgin

April 22, 2026 · 56 min · Season 3 · Episode 861

About this episode

Cynthia Thurlow discusses the connection between gut health and menopause, exploring how hormonal shifts impact women's health during this transition.

What if the key to a better night's sleep isn't just a pill, but better gut health? I am so thrilled to welcome my dear friend Cynthia Thurlow, a brilliant nurse practitioner and expert in intermittent fasting, back to the studio to dive into the often-ignored connection between our hormones and the gut microbiome. In this episode, we explore why perimenopause and menopause aren't just about hot flashes, but involve a dynamic shift in our metabolism and immune health driven by our gut. We’re pulling back the curtain on how lifestyle habits, fiber, and even past trauma play a massive role in how you feel as you navigate this life transition. What you’ll learn: (00:00) Declining estrogen levels contribute to brain fog, memory issues, and irritability in women. (05:46) Why Cynthia felt compelled to write about the missing link between menopause and the gut microbiome. (07:00) Hormonal shifts change your metabolism, immune system, and the way your body extracts calories from food. (10:58) Cynthia discusses the controversy surrounding fiber and why it is a critical signaling molecule for insulin sensitivity and inflammation. (16:42) The importance of urolithin A and why only a small…

People in this episode

Host: JJ Virgin

Guest: Cynthia Thurlow

Topics covered

  • gut health
  • menopause
  • hormones
  • metabolism
  • immune health
  • lifestyle habits

Keywords

  • gut microbiome
  • perimenopause
  • hot flashes
  • fiber
  • urolithin A
  • elimination diet
  • childhood trauma

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: intermittent fasting

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