You’re absorbing more calories than you think—here’s why.

You eat clean(ish). You take your probiotics. You even know what kefir is.

But still?

😬 You’re bloated after everything—even “healthy” meals.
🧠 Your brain feels like it’s buffering… constantly.
😴 And your mood? Somewhere between “meh” and “somebody hold me.”

You’ve tried cutting gluten. Skipping dairy. Eating more fibre.

Yet your gut still feels like it’s got a grudge against you.

So what gives?

🌿 Midlife Is When Your Microbiome Starts Calling the Shots

Inside your gut lives a rainforest 🌱—an ecosystem of trillions of microbes that influence digestion, hormones, energy, immunity, and mood.

For most of your life, it ran smoothly.

But now?

⏳ Digestion’s off
⚡ Energy dips by 3pm
🍫 Cravings feel louder than your willpower

You didn’t change. Your hormones did.

And those shifts ripple through your entire gut ecosystem.

🔍 The Hormone-Microbiome Connection No One Talks About

Picture this:

You walk into your kitchen in the morning.
It should feel familiar—calm, clean, functional.

But something’s off.
A weird smell.
Sticky counters.
The vibe just… isn’t right.

That’s your gut in midlife.

Oestrogen and progesterone—your gut’s silent stabilisers—have stepped away.

🌸 Oestrogen: The Gardener of Your Inner Rainforest

Oestrogen supports microbial diversity, strengthens the gut lining, and keeps inflammation in check.

When it drops?

🔻 Your microbial diversity declines
🔻 The gut barrier weakens
🔻 Bloating, food sensitivity, and inflammation rise

Foods that once felt fine now leave you foggy, puffy, or craving sugar.

🕊️ Progesterone: The Hormone That Brings the Calm

Progesterone helps regulate stress, stabilise digestion, and support calming microbes like Lactobacillus reuteri.

When it fades?

⚠️ Cravings spike
⚠️ Cortisol climbs
⚠️ You feel wired, on edge, and exhausted

This isn’t in your head.
It’s in your microbiome—and your hormones are behind it.  

🔥 The Real Missing Link? Butyrate.

Butyrate (say it: byoo-tuh-rate) is a short-chain fatty acid produced when your gut microbes digest the right types of fibre.

It’s small—but mighty:

💪 Repairs the gut lining
🧠 Clears brain fog
😴 Supports deep, restorative sleep
🔥 Enhances insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism

Here’s the part no one tells you:
Low butyrate = more calories absorbed from the same meal.

Yes, really.

🧬 Your body isn’t “broken.”
It’s adapting to a lower-functioning gut microbiome.

⚡ You store more fat
⚡ Inflammation rises
⚡ Energy crashes
⚡ Cortisol stays elevated

It’s not about eating less or pushing harder. It’s about restoring the ecosystem that regulates everything.

🧭 What Can You Actually Do About It?

You don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need to support your inner rainforest with consistency and care. 

✅ 1. Feed Your Gut the Right Kind of Fibre

Think of fibre as fertiliser for your microbiome.

These foods help your butyrate-producing microbes thrive:

🥦 Broccoli
🧅 Leeks
🌿 Asparagus
🌱 Artichokes
🎃 Cooked (then cooled) pumpkin or sweet potato

🧪 Research shows women who eat these prebiotic-rich veggies have higher butyrate levels, better insulin response, and lower inflammation.

✅ 2. Gently Reintroduce Microbial Diversity

No pills required—just a few traditional fermented foods can work wonders:

🥬 Sauerkraut
🥣 Miso
🌶 Kimchi
🥛 Kefir or natural yoghurt (if tolerated)

✨ Start small. Let your gut adjust gradually.
This isn’t about trends—it’s ancestral, intuitive healing.

✅ 3. Rebuild the Rhythm (Not Just the Diet)

Even the perfect meal plan won’t fix a gut running on stress hormones.

Begin with:

🌅 Morning light
🧘‍♀️ Breathing before meals
🌳 Walking barefoot
😴 Prioritising deep, consistent sleep

This is the rhythm that allows your gut to repair and regenerate.

💛 You’re Not Lazy, Broken, or Failing

You’re absorbing more. Craving more. Feeling more.

Because your gut is trying to adapt to a new hormonal reality—without the support it needs.

Now, you can give it that support.

💬 Ready to Finally Feel Like You Again? 

Let’s be honest—this isn’t just about bloating or cravings.
It’s about feeling safe and steady in your own body again.

And if you’re:

• ✅ Done with guessing 
• ✅ Open to expert, personalised support
• ✅ And in a place where you’re ready to honour your body, your time, and your energy with intentional support…

📞 Then this is your invitation to apply for a free 1:1 consultation (60 minutes, just you and me).

Together, we’ll map out what your gut, hormones, and nervous system are asking for—and explore if my deeper coaching program is the right fit for you.

This work is deep and transformational—and it requires more than interest. It’s for women who are ready to take aligned action and are resourced to invest in lasting change. If that’s you, I’d be honoured to support your next steps.

Victoria O’Sullivan