Perimenopause can bring lots of changes to a woman's body. It's super important to understand these changes so that we can feel empowered and in control of this time of our lives.

Perimenopause = the transition years leading up to menopause
Menopause = a point in time when a woman hasn't had a period in 12 months.

During perimenopause, our hormone levels are changing, and these changes can also affect our gut microbiome.

So, what's a gut microbiome?

Well, it's like a community of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses that live in different parts of our body like our skin, intestines, and even our respiratory and urogenital tracts. They all work together in harmony within our bodies. Now, when it comes to the lead up to menopause (perimenopause), there's something called dysbiosis that can happen in our microbiome.

This means there's a reduction in the diversity of microbes and a loss of beneficial bacteria. These imbalances and changes in the composition of the microbiome can lead to disorders and diseases that are related to menopause. Things like osteoporosis, breast cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, periodontitis, and cardiometabolic diseases can all be influenced by these changes. No thanks.

But to the good news! Taking care of our gut biome, which is the community of microbes in our intestines, can actually help reduce the severity of perimenopause symptoms or even get rid of them altogether. It's like giving our bodies a helping hand.

The Benefits of Perimenopausal Women Supplementing with Probiotics.

Probiotics are like friendly bacteria that can help improve our gut health and provide several potential benefits during perimenopause.

Let's break it down:

Improved Gut Health:

Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in our gut. This is important because the hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can sometimes mess up this natural balance, leading to issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea. By promoting a diverse and balanced gut microbiota, probiotics can help alleviate these symptoms and support overall digestive health.

Hormonal Balance: Perimenopause involves a decline in estrogen levels, which can cause hot flushes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Some studies suggest that probiotics might have a positive effect on estrogen metabolism, which could help maintain hormonal balance. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship.

Bone Health: Lower estrogen levels during perimenopause increase the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis. But certain strains of probiotics, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have been shown to enhance calcium absorption and improve bone health. This is especially important during perimenopause when estrogen levels decline.

Mood and Mental Wellbeing: Hormonal changes during perimenopause can also impact our mood and overall mental well-being. Interestingly, the gut microbiota can influence brain function through something called the gut-brain axis.

Probiotics have been shown to affect the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which plays a role in regulating our mood. So, by supporting a healthy gut microbiota, probiotics may help improve our mood and overall mental wellbeing during perimenopause.

Happy Fanny: Lower estrogen levels can cause changes in the vaginal environment, leading to dryness, itching, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections. But probiotics, especially certain strains of Lactobacilli, can promote vaginal health by producing lactic acid and maintaining an acidic pH. This helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, making our lady parts happier and reducing the risk of infections.

Weight Management: Weight gain and changes in body can be better managed when your gut biome is in shape.

Support Good Gut Health in Perimenopause with SheBANG!

Our Peri Chai Latte contains both collagen and magnesium which can do wonders for your gut biome in keeping it healthy.

Collagen is like a superhero for your gut.

Collagen is a protein that's found in your skin, hair, nails, and even your gut lining. It's like the glue that holds everything together. When it comes to your gut, collagen can help repair and strengthen the lining, which is super important for a healthy digestive system.

You see, the lining of your gut acts as a barrier, preventing harmful substances from entering your body. But sometimes, due to factors like stress, poor diet, or certain medications, this lining can become damaged. That's where collagen comes to the rescue! By adding collagen to your diet, you can actually help heal and seal the gut lining, making it stronger and more resistant to damage. This can lead to better digestion, reduced inflammation, and an overall healthier gut.

Our Peri Chai Latte also includes magnesium, another gut-friendly hero. Magnesium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including maintaining a healthy gut biome. It's like a little miracle worker for your digestive system.

One of the key things magnesium does is help regulate muscle contractions in your intestines. You know those annoying bouts of constipation or diarrhoea? Well, magnesium can help keep things moving smoothly by promoting regular bowel movements without the harsh side effects.

But that's not all! Magnesium also has a calming effect on your gut. It can help relax the muscles in your digestive tract, reducing spasms and cramps. So, if you often experience tummy troubles like bloating or abdominal pain, magnesium might just be your new best friend.

Oh, and did we mention that magnesium also supports the growth of good bacteria in your gut? Yep, it's like a fertiliser for those friendly microbes that help keep your digestive system in tip-top shape. By nourishing the good guys and keeping them happy, magnesium can contribute to a healthy gut biome and all the benefits that come with it.

Bottom line? Collagen and magnesium are two fantastic allies when it comes to promoting a healthy gut biome. They can help repair and strengthen your gut lining, regulate digestion, reduce inflammation, and support the growth of good bacteria. It's like giving your gut a big hug in perimenopause and saying, "You're awesome, let's keep things running smoothly!"

June 20, 2023 — Angela Greely

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