In this episode of the SHE MD Podcast, host Mary Alice Haney is joined by Dr. Megan Rossi, internationally recognized as The Gut Health Doctor, to explore the powerful connection between gut health and hormones in women. Together, they uncover how the gut microbiome influences menstrual cycles, mood, fertility, and even symptoms of PCOS and endometriosis. Dr. Rossi breaks down complex science into approachable steps, sharing nutrition and lifestyle strategies to support a balanced microbiome and hormonal health. The conversation highlights how women’s gut health impacts everything from bloating and digestion to mental clarity and emotional well-being. Listeners will walk away with evidence-based insights and actionable tools to take charge of their gut and hormone health from the inside out.
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What You’ll Learn
How gut health influences women’s hormones and cycles
The link between the microbiome, mood, and metabolism
Nutrition strategies to support hormonal balance
Why gut diversity matters for women’s wellness
Practical steps to reduce bloating and improve digestion
Key Timestamps
(00:00) Introduction with Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Megan Rossi
(04:45) The science behind the gut-hormone connection
(09:30) Why women experience more digestive symptoms than men
(13:10) Hormonal changes that impact gut function
(21:25) The role of probiotics and prebiotics in balancing hormones
(28:45) How the microbiome affects mood and mental health
(43:23) Understanding bloating, constipation, and IBS
(49:11) Supplements beneficial for your microbiome
(53:27) Different protocols for women who are pregnant, peri-menopausal and menopausal
(1:01:56) Lifestyle and dietary habits to nurture your gut health
(1:12:02) Episode wrap-up and final takeaways
Key Takeaways
The gut microbiome plays a key role in regulating hormones and mood
Women’s gut health shifts with hormonal changes throughout life
Nutrition and prebiotics can naturally support hormone balance
Gut health impacts fertility, mood, and inflammation
Small, consistent changes can transform long-term well-being
Guest Bio
Dr. Megan Rossi, known globally as The Gut Health Doctor, is a world-leading gut health scientist, registered dietitian, and nutritionist. She serves as a Research Fellow at King’s College London, where she investigates nutrition-based therapies in gut health and women’s wellness. Founder of The Gut Health Doctor®, The Gut Health Clinic, and the award-winning food brand Bio&Me, Dr. Rossi bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and everyday health. She’s also the creator of SMART STRAINS®, a line of clinically proven live bacterial supplements designed to revolutionize digestive health. Through her bestselling books and global advocacy, she empowers women to take control of their gut and hormonal balance with evidence-based guidance.
Resources Mentioned / Links
🌐 Dr. Megan Rossi – The Gut Health Doctor: https://www.theguthealthdoctor.com/bio-me
🌐 SMART STRAINS® – Clinically proven live bacteria supplements: https://smartstrains.com/
🌐 Bio&Me – Gut-friendly foods by Dr. Megan Rossi: https://www.bioandme.com/
🌐 The Gut Health Clinic – Evidence-based gut nutrition care: https://www.theguthealthdoctor.com/clinic
🌐 Eat Yourself Healthy – Dr. Rossi’s bestselling book: https://www.theguthealthdoctor.com/books
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