What if the symptoms you’ve been told are “just part of menopause” are actually rooted somewhere deeper? In this episode of Full Focus, host Heather Morgan talks with Cynthia Thurlow—a nurse practitioner, globally recognized expert in perimenopause and intermittent fasting, host of the Everyday Wellness podcast, and author of the new book The Menopause Gut. With over 25 years of clinical experience and millions of views on her TEDx talk, Cynthia brings a powerful, research-backed perspective to women’s health in midlife. She explores the often-overlooked connection between gut health, hormones, and the nervous system—and why gut may be the missing link for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Cynthia breaks down the science behind the gut microbiome as a “mini organ system,” how hormonal shifts impact everything from inflammation to metabolism, and why lifestyle changes (not just hormone replacement) are essential for thriving in this stage of life. You’ll also learn how chronic stress, sleep disruption, and even early life experiences can influence hormonal health and accelerate aging. As well as what you can do to support your body more effectively. This conversation is both eye-opening and actionable, offering a new lens on what it truly means to support women’s health from the inside out.