Struggling with weight gain, hormone imbalances, and constipation? These aren't separate issues—they're all connected, and they all start in your gut. In this episode, I'm breaking down the relationship between gut health, hormones, and weight loss that most doctors won't tell you about.
You'll learn why constipation causes estrogen to recirculate in your body, how backed-up toxins slow your metabolism, the gut-thyroid connection, and why "eat more fiber" actually makes things worse when you have gut dysbiosis.
If you're ready to stop micromanaging your hormones and start addressing the root cause, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn in This Episode
Why adding HRT on top of poor gut health is like pouring water into an overflowing bathtub
Why backed-up toxins slow your metabolism and make weight loss nearly impossible
What constipation actually is (hint: it's not just going less than once every 3 days)
Why adding more fiber makes bloating and constipation worse if you have dysbiosis
How healing your gut naturally balances hormones and supports weight loss—without dieting
Tracy's story: how she stopped HRT, healed her gut, and lost two pant sizes in 12 weeks

Key Takeaways
[04:37] Tracy's Story
My client Tracy came to me frustrated after starting HRT (testosterone pellet) and feeling worse—not sleeping, bloated, gaining weight, and reacting to all foods. Her GI-MAP revealed SIBO, low digestive enzymes, and poor hormone detoxification. Once we healed her gut, she didn't need to go back on HRT. Her energy returned, bloating disappeared, sleep improved, and she lost over two pant sizes without counting calories.

[15:15] How the Estrobolome Works

[17:42] Constipation = Estrogen Recirculation

[19:47] The Gut-Thyroid Connection

[22:08] Backed-Up Toxins Slow Metabolism

[13:15] What Constipation Actually Is

[14:15] Why "Eat More Fiber" Doesn't Work

[29:45] What to Do Instead
You don't need to micromanage hormones, count calories, or obsess over macros. You need to:
Test your gut to see what's actually going on
Create a custom protocol based on your specific results
Support digestion with the right nutrients and targeted supplements
Nourish your body with anti-inflammatory foods and blood sugar stability

Featured Offer: Complete Gut Healing Program
Available through February 28, 2025
Includes:
GI-MAP at-home stool test with prepaid shipping
PDF of your lab results (yours to keep)
Personalized video interpretation from Melissa
Custom 12-week healing protocol
21-Day Gut Reset
3 follow-up visits to track progress and adjust protocol

Investment: $899 (payment plans available, HSA/FSA accepted)
Expected Results in 12 Weeks:
Significantly decreased bloating
Regular daily bowel movements
Decreased or zero food sensitivities
Clearer skin
Easier, less painful periods
Mental clarity and more energy
Natural weight loss without dieting
How to Sign Up:
Link in show note
Link in Instagram bio: @melissa_eich
DM "GUT" on Instagram
Email: [email protected]

Resources Mentioned
Previous Episode: "Why Your Gut is Ground Zero for Healing in Midlife" Click here to listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/165-gut-health-in-perimenopause-why-healing-your-gut/id1650475536?i=1000749067193

GI-MAP Functional Stool Test
DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones)
Instagram: @melissa_eich
Email: [email protected]