Could unresolved childhood stress be affecting your hormones today? I’m joined by nurse practitioner and author Cynthia Thurlow to dive deep into why high-performing women often struggle during perimenopause despite "doing everything right". We explore the fascinating connection between childhood trauma, the nervous system, and the "estrobolome," your gut’s crucial estrogen-processing center. Join us as we discuss how to shed the mask of people-pleasing and implement simple lifestyle changes to reclaim your health and vitality in midlife. 00:00 Why high-performing women still struggle with weight, energy, and digestion. 00:16 How childhood trauma and chronic stress resurface during perimenopause. 01:28 What chronic cortisol does to muscle, immunity, and gut health. 03:12 How “little t” trauma shapes long-term health and behavior patterns. 05:07 The fastest ways to restore balance through sleep and stress management. 06:01 Why eating less frequently can support metabolic and gut health. 07:57 How the estrobolome controls estrogen processing in the body. 11:04 Why advocating for your own health is essential in midlife. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/eRfVXm70gwU Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/menopausegut Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices