The menopause can bring on many physical changes, but the importance of proper nutrition in helping to regulate them is only now becoming better understood. Joanna Lyall, Nutritional therapist and founder of The Better Menopause, explains
What are the stages of the menopause?
Menopause unfolds in three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause. Perimenopause is the transition phase and begins years before reaching menopause. Perimenopause is marked by irregular menstrual cycles and fluctuating hormone levels, and this can start to happen from the of age of 35 onwards – with the perimenopause period lasting anything from around 4-10 years.
Actual menopause is reached on the day a woman hasn’t had a menstrual period for 12- consecutive months, the average age for women to reach natural menopause in the UK is 51.
After this day you are then post-menopausal, during this phase menopausal symptoms ease, however health risks associated with lower hormone levels emerge such as our bone, heart and brain health.
What are the main symptoms of the menopause?
There are in fact over 48 symptoms of menopause – everyone is individual and so there really isn’t a one size fits all experience when it comes to the symptoms – there are some more commonly reported symptoms which include:
- Mood swings and increased anxiety
- Irregular periods
- Night sweats and hot flushes
- Weight gain
- Bloating
- Sleep disturbances
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased libido
- Dry skin
- Hair thinning or loss
- Memory lapses or difficulty concentrating
- Joint and muscle aches
What is the connection between menopause and gut health?
We all know the important role our gut – often referred to as our second brain – plays in so many vital processes throughout our bodies. From our digestion to our metabolism to our brain and heart health, to hormone regulation, the list is endless.
During perimenopause fluctuating hormone levels cause disruption to your gut microbiome, and this in turn can impact the health of your gut lining – but why does this matter?
Quite simply these changes mean your gut cannot function as optimally as it should, and this interrupts the many the vital processes it is responsible for daily – it’s this disruption that leads to many of the unwanted symptoms experienced during menopause.
What is the estrobolome?
The estrobolome refers to a group of bacteria in our gut that helps process oestrogen, combining elements of the word’s “estro” and “bolome.” Essentially, these bacteria are crucial for managing oestrogen levels in our bodies. During a woman’s monthly cycle, oestrogen levels naturally fluctuate, aiding in the efficiency of gut enzymes that support digestive health. However, as women approach perimenopause and menopause, these oestrogen levels become less stable, leading to a decrease in enzyme production.
This change can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the estrobolome, contributing to a range of menopause symptoms such as IBS, bloating, hot flushes, weight gain, anxiety, brain fog, low energy, mood swings, vaginal pain, dryness, and urinary tract infections. These symptoms are partly due to the altered types of bacteria present. Research indicates that by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria and maintaining a healthy estrobolome, can help to ease the symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause significantly.
What are the ingredients of The Better Gut? How do they work?
The Better Gut is the first probiotic to be specifically formulated to help support the gut health of women during perimenopause and post menopause – there are thousands of bacteria out there – so myself alongside a gastroenterologist and specialist menopause doctor researched the most effective bacteria to help alleviate menopausal symptoms based on scientific evidence in doing so – from these 6 strains of bacteria were identified from the bacterial species below:
1. Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) known for improving digestive issues, including IBS, and protecting the lining of your gut, can also help to
- reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes and night sweats.
- improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- reduce vaginal dryness and inflammation.
- reduce the risk of anxiety and depression.
- improve gut wall permeability.
2. Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- improve mood swings
- treats IBS
- the frequency and severity of hot flushes and night sweats
- support the immune system by promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria
- reduce vaginal dryness and inflammation
- reduce risk of osteoporosis
3. Lactobacillus acidophilus
- reduce inflammation and bloating
- prevent vaginal and urinary tract infection
4. Bifidobacterium lactis
- reduce hot flushes and night sweats.
- improve vaginal health.
- treat IBS and constipation.
- reduce risk of osteoporosis
- boost mood.
- improve sleep quality.
- reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
5. Lactobacillus reuteri
- hot flushes and night sweats
- vaginal infections
- urinary tract infections
- mood swings
- poor sleep quality
- osteoporosis risk
6. Bifidobacterium bifidum
- reducing the severity and frequency of hot flushes and night sweats
- improving gut health by reducing inflammation and improving bowel regularity
- improving vaginal health
- lowering the risk of osteoporosis
- boosting the immune system
Importantly, each strain is formulated together at a high potency of 50 billion CFU into just one daily capsule. Conveniently, the capsules are individually blister sealed, meaning unlike other probiotics they do not need to be refrigerated and so travel friendly. If you are taking HRT The Better Gut is also safe to take alongside.
What medical and scientific studies support the product?
Each of the strains of bacteria are backed by scientific studies, you find those studies here
What’s the story behind The Better Menopause?
The Better Menopause emerged from my personal journey through perimenopause. As a nutritional therapist, I was surprised by my own perimenopause symptoms and began to delve deeper into the role of gut health and its significant impact during this transition. My research revealed the deep connection between our hormones and gut microbiome.
After trying to find a suitable probiotic for my needs I quickly realised there wasn’t a high-quality tailored probiotic to optimise the gut health of women during perimenopause and beyond available and so I set about creating one which turned out to be our flagship product, The Better Gut, launched in July 2023. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous customers sharing 5-star reviews and testimonials on how it has significantly alleviated their symptoms.
Moving forward, The Better Menopause will maintain its focus on gut health in midlife, recognising its pivotal role during perimenopause. However, our vision expands to creating a trusted community anchored in science-led research, offering advice and support for women navigating perimenopause and beyond. Our commitment extends to providing insights and solutions that empower women through this transition, ensuring they have access to comprehensive resources and a supportive network every step of the way.
Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes, The Better Gut is suitable for vegans – it is also dairy and gluten free.
How much does it cost?
We have a number of options available, a single one-time purchase containing 30 capsules is £52, we also have subscription options which give a saving on a 30 day, 90 day and 180 day recurring supply.
Where can I find out more about The Better Menopause?
You can visit www.thebettermenopause.com for more information, you can also follow us on social media by searching for @thebettermenopause
If you would like to try The Better Gut for yourself, please use the code KHAN15 at the checkout for 15% off your first purchase.
