Are we missing the most important piece of the menopause puzzle by focusing only on hormones?

In this episode of the IRH Clinician's Corner, Margaret Floyd Barry is joined by Cynthia Thurlow—nurse practitioner, TEDx speaker, and internationally recognized expert on women's metabolic health and menopause.

Together, they dive into the groundbreaking concepts behind Cynthia Thurlow's latest book, The Menopause Gut, exploring the complex interplay between hormones, the gut microbiome, and the immune system during perimenopause and beyond. Through personal stories and clinical insights, they unpack why midlife brings such profound shifts in women's health, why common approaches often fail, and what innovative strategies practitioners can use to better support clients through hormonal transitions.

Inside this episode, we explore:

• Why declining estrogen affects far more than hot flashes
• The hidden connection between the gut, hormones, and immune system
• How Cynthia's personal health crisis transformed her clinical perspective
• Practical strategies for supporting women through perimenopause
• Why stress and trauma deserve a place in every menopause conversation
• Clinical pearls that can immediately improve client care

The Clinician's Corner is brought to you by the Institute of Restorative Health.

Want to learn more?

Gut cases are some of the most complex you'll see in practice. The symptom picture is rarely straightforward, and knowing where to start makes a real difference in how quickly clients move.

Grab the free quick reference guide covering the 5 essential considerations for full digestive healing, including common symptom presentations, correlated lab markers on the GI-MAP stool test, and therapeutic considerations to help you build a clearer clinical picture.

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Upcoming Event: PCOS has a new official name: Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. The science isn't new. Functional practitioners have understood the metabolic and hormonal complexity of these cases for years. The name just finally says so.

On August 12th, Margaret Floyd Barry and Sara Fields are hosting a free live session on what this means for your practice. What shifts in how you assess and talk with female clients. What stays the same. Live Q&A at the end.

Free. 60 minutes. Register here!

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Connect with Cynthia Thurlow:

Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthiathurlowofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cynthiathurlow

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-wellness-midlife-hormones-menopause-and/id1435214303

To buy her new book, The Menopause Gut, visit: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/the-menopause-gut

Timestamps:

00:00 Health crisis and hospitalization

07:25 Understanding the gut's broader impacts

14:58 Understanding long-term effects of contraceptives

17:36 Discussing oral contraceptives and health risks

24:34 Hormonal changes and immune system effects

29:46 Menopause and microbiome changes

36:03 Improving sleep with lifestyle changes

37:45 Discussing microbiome testing benefits

44:07 Balancing hormones and mental health

51:38 Sponsor acknowledgments and health tools

57:29 Discussing responsible product usage

01:01:12 Working with middle-aged women Speaker bio:

Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, two-time TEDx speaker, and internationally recognized expert in perimenopause, menopause, and women's metabolic health. She is the host of the top-rated Everyday Wellness podcast, CEO and founder of the Everyday Wellness Project, and author of The Menopause Gut: Balance Your Microbiome to Reclaim Your Health in Midlife and Beyond.

With over 25 years of clinical experience and a TEDx talk surpassing 15 million views, Cynthia is dedicated to translating cutting-edge research on the gut-hormone axis and women's longevity into practical strategies that empower women to thrive in midlife and beyond.

Keywords: functional health practitioners, perimenopause, menopause, women's metabolic health, gut health, gut microbiome, estrobolome, estrogen, progesterone, immune system, hormone replacement therapy, HRT, autoimmune conditions, gut permeability, digestive function, bile acids, beta glucuronidase, inflammation, neurotransmitters, oral contraceptives, chronic disease, microbiome testing, adverse childhood events, trauma, sleep hygiene, stress management, GLP1s, constipation, urinary tract infections, vaginal estrogen

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in the IRH Clinician's Corner series are those of the individual speakers and interviewees, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute of Restorative Health, LLC. The Institute of Restorative Health, LLC does not specifically endorse or approve of any of the information or opinions expressed in the IRH Clinician's Corner series. The information and opinions expressed in the IRH Clinician's Corner series are for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you have any medical concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional. The Institute of Restorative Health, LLC is not liable for any damages or injuries that may result from the use of the information or opinions expressed in the IRH Clinician's Corner series. By viewing or listening to this information, you agree to hold the Institute of Restorative Health, LLC harmless from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with your participation. Thank you for your understanding.