The Perimenopause Gutsy Talk podcast

Why Your Gut Feels Worse in Perimenopause

Christel Lyell Episode 2

Understanding Midlife Bloating, Constipation & Food Reactions

Do you feel like your gut suddenly turned on you in your 40s or 50s?

Maybe foods you’ve always tolerated now leave you bloated, your bowels are unpredictable, or you’re constantly uncomfortable—especially around your cycle or after stress.

In this short but powerful episode of Gutsy Talk, gut health dietitian Christel Lyell explains why gut symptoms often get worse in perimenopause—and what’s actually going on inside your body.

You’ll learn:

  • Why declining estrogen slows digestion and alters gut motility
  • How the gut-brain connection becomes more sensitive in midlife
  • What you can do now to feel more in control

If you've been wondering, “Is this just me?”—this episode is your answer. It's not just you. And you're not alone.

⏱️ Highlights:

  • [01:20] Why gut changes are so common in perimenopause
  • [03:45] How estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol affect digestion
  • [07:00] The gut-brain-stress loop (and why it’s worse now)
  • [09:20] Gentle next steps you can take today


💛 Resources:

📄 Download you Free Gut and Mood Tracker

🎧 Next up: Episode 3 – What You Can Actually Do to Improve Your Midlife Gut Health

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🎵 Music Credit:

“Exciting Corporate” by ElevateMusica