When Linda, 52, entered menopause, she expected hot flashes and sleep disturbances—but not persistent bloating, fatigue, and a sense that something deeper was off in her body. A gut microbiome analysis revealed one more issue: an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in her small intestine.
“This is something we’re seeing more and more,” said Dr. William Davis, a cardiologist and author of “Super Gut.” “As women age—especially during and after menopause—the microbiome often shifts in harmful ways. That shift can have profound implications for inflammation, hormone metabolism, and even cancer risk.”
The Gut Microbiome: A Hidden Ecosystem With a Big Role
The gut is home to trillions of microbes—bacteria, fungi, and other organisms—that play a central role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and maintaining a healthy gut barrier.
