Women’s Health Unwrapped
Episode 153:
The connection between hormones and digestive health
Have you started feeling more bloated, sensitive to certain foods, or just “off” in your body?
“You’re not a lost cause — you’re just not getting the full picture yet. We’re told to treat each symptom separately, but no one stops to ask or consider what if it’s all connected?”
— Nicola Farndell
“Oestrogen isn’t just about your cycle — it touches every cell in your body, including your digestive system. When it drops, the lining of the gut can weaken, stomach acid may decrease, and bile production can slow. That’s why so many women suddenly notice bloating, reflux or food sensitivities in midlife — it’s not random, it’s hormonal.”
— Cindy Dupuie
In this episode of Women’s Health Unwrapped:
In this deeply insightful episode I sit down with Cindy Dupuie, a functional health practitioner and midlife woman herself, to explore the real reason why your digestion might feel completely different in perimenopause and beyond.
We unpack the complex, but often ignored, connection between hormonal shifts and your gut health, explaining how changes in oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol can ripple through your body in unexpected ways.
This isn’t about symptoms in isolation. It’s about how they shape your identity, and how understanding your body gives you back your power. Whether you’re already navigating midlife changes or just starting to notice subtle shifts, this episode will help you connect the dots, understand what your body is asking for, and take steps to feel more like yourself again.
In this episode we’re unwrapping:
Why digestive issues often start before menopause and ramp up as hormones shift.
The critical role of stomach acid and bile (and why they matter more than you think).
What your skin, mood, and bloating might be telling you about your gut.
How cortisol and stress disrupt digestion — and what to do about it.
The surprising link between your gut microbiome and hormonal balance.
What Cindy wishes every woman knew about functional testing and symptom mapping.
Daily practices to support digestion naturally — no supplements or lab work required.
About Cindy Dupuie:
Cindy is a Functional Medicine practitioner with over 17 years of experience helping people move from feeling “sick and tired” to thriving. In the past five years, she’s focused her work on perimenopause, menopause, and HRT, combining her clinical expertise with her own lived experience to guide women through this stage of life with clarity and confidence.
Her passion for supporting women in their Pause years comes from what she’s witnessed in her clients, her contemporaries, and her own journey — from early menopause at 43 to navigating different forms of HRT. This perspective allows her to meet women with both deep knowledge and genuine empathy.
Alongside her telehealth practice, Cindy offers courses, lab assessments, and still finds time to teach hot yoga. At the heart of her work is one clear mission: empowering women to become their own best healthcare advocates.
Connect with Cindy:
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Struggling with bloating, brain fog or just feeling out of sync?
Your digestion might be telling you something about your hormones.
Small shifts can bring more balance — like slowing down before meals, choosing foods that really nourish you, or adding one daily ritual that steadies your body and mind.
Take the Midlife Reset Quiz to:
💛 Spot your biggest drains on energy and wellbeing right now.
💛 Choose one simple ritual to support your digestion and balance.
💛 Start feeling more comfortable and more like yourself again.
It takes just 2 minutes — and gives you one clear next step.
✨ Take the Midlife Reset Quiz today and discover the right small step for you.
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