It feels unfair — foods you tolerated your whole life suddenly cause bloating, cramps, or nausea. But there’s a physiological reason: declining estrogen affects gut motility and microbiome diversity. Studies show that women in perimenopause experience a 30–40% reduction in certain beneficial gut bacteria, altering digestion. This can lead to temporary intolerance to dairy, high-fat foods, or even caffeine. The goal isn’t to cut everything out forever — it’s to stabilize the gut environment. Small adjustments like probiotics, fiber, warm meals, and slow eating help digestion recalibrate. If symptoms persist, testing for SIBO or celiac disease is worth considering — both peak in midlife women. Your body isn’t betraying you — it’s recalibrating. #Health #WomensHealth #GutHealth