Why Gut Changes Can Destroy Your Muscles in Perimenopause with Dr. Christine Maren

Dr. Christine Maren, a medical doctor and certified functional
medicine practitioner specializing in women’s health, shares her
expertise on gut health, hormones, and the complex interplay
between digestion and the menopausal transition. In this episode,
she explains the differences in gut diversity between men and
women, explores how shifts in estrogen and progesterone affect
the gut, and discusses why sensitivity to alcohol, caffeine, and
certain foods often increases during perimenopause. Dr. Maren
also delves into the benefits of strength training,
detoxification, dietary fibre, and critically examines the use of
birth control pills for perimenopausal symptoms, advocating for
more holistic approaches.


Episode Overview:
(0:00) Intro/Teaser
(4:00) Gut Health and Perimenopause Transition
(14:00) Histamine, Detoxification, and Midlife Changes
(19:00) Estrogen Detoxification and Gut Health
(32:00) Resilience and Fibre in Midlife
(40:00) Carbohydrates, Gut Health, and Thyroid
(50:00) Resilience and Hormone Balance in Women
(53:00) The Importance of Good Carbohydrates
(57:00) Strength Training, Confidence, and Birth Control
(1:04:00) Birth Control Risks in Perimenopause
(1:15:00) BONUS: After-Party with Dr. Stephanie


Resources mentioned in this episode can be found at
https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep443


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P.S. When you're ready, here are two ways Dr. Stephanie can help
you:


Subscribe: The Mini
Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most
actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in
midlife.


Build Muscle: LIFT — My
progressive strength training program designed for women in
midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real
results.


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