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

More episodes of Well Beyond 40

• Why Dr. Jayne Morgan Says Women Miss Heart Risks · April 29, 2026 · 54 min
• Why 10 Minutes of Exercise Is Enough · April 27, 2026 · 17 min
• The Healing Power of Methylene Blue · April 24, 2026 · 14 min
• Fitness Expert On Most Powerful Predictors on Healthspan · April 20, 2026 · 24 min
• Dr. Scott Sherr on Mitochondria, Stress, and Midlife Fatigue · April 17, 2026 · 14 min
• Dr. Jason Fung Explains Why You Are Always Hungry · April 15, 2026 · 49 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Well Beyond 40 podcast page.