05/03/2026
Curious to know how stress, hormones and age affect your gut health and digestion? ⬇️⬇️
1️⃣ High-stress or busy seasons of life
I’m looking at you Mums 👀 When stress is ongoing, the nervous system down-regulates digestion. This can reduce stomach acid and digestive enzyme production, making it harder to break down food and absorb nutrients like iron, B12, and protein. Bloating, reflux, or discomfort can follow (even with “healthy” meals).
2️⃣ Hormonal transitions (cycle changes, coming off the pill, fertility journeys)
Oestrogen and progesterone influence gut motility and microbiome balance. Fluctuations can slow or speed digestion, contributing to constipation and/or loose stools. The oral contraceptive pill has also been show to affect the gut microbiome.
3️⃣ Pregnancy and postpartum
Rising progesterone slows gut transit time, while shifts in gut bacteria and immune activity can change digestion and absorption. Support needs are very different here. Many women in the post-partum phase can be quite nutrient deplete which will ultimately affect the gut.
4️⃣ Perimenopause and menopause
Lower oestrogen levels are linked with reduced gut motility and microbiome diversity. This can affect digestion, inflammation, and nutrient absorption, especially calcium, magnesium and B vitamins.
5️⃣ General ageing
As we age, the digestive system naturally changes. We see slower motility, decreased microbiome diversity and a reduction in stomach acid and digestive enzymes.
This is why gut health isn’t about just one protocol or permanent dietary recommendations‼️
As a Naturopath, I always consider your age and where you’re at in life when creating your treatment plan. Someone preparing for pregnancy will have very different recommendations to someone who is going through perimenopause.
If you’d like personalised support, I have appointments available every Tues, Wed and Thurs (online and in Capel, WA). Booking link in the comments below ☺️
