In this deeply insightful episode I sit down with Cindy Dupuie, a functional health practitioner and midlife woman herself, to explore the real reason why your digestion might feel completely different in perimenopause and beyond.

We unpack the complex, but often ignored, connection between hormonal shifts and your gut health, explaining how changes in oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol can ripple through your body in unexpected ways.

This isn’t about symptoms in isolation. It’s about how they shape your identity, and how understanding your body gives you back your power. Whether you’re already navigating midlife changes or just starting to notice subtle shifts, this episode will help you connect the dots, understand what your body is asking for, and take steps to feel more like yourself again.

In this episode we’re unwrapping:

• Why digestive issues often start before menopause and ramp up as hormones shift.

• The critical role of stomach acid and bile (and why they matter more than you think).

• What your skin, mood, and bloating might be telling you about your gut.

• How cortisol and stress disrupt digestion — and what to do about it.

• The surprising link between your gut microbiome and hormonal balance.

• What Cindy wishes every woman knew about functional testing and symptom mapping.

• Daily practices to support digestion naturally — no supplements or lab work required.

About Cindy Dupuie:

Cindy is a Functional Medicine practitioner with over 17 years of experience helping people move from feeling “sick and tired” to thriving. In the past five years, she’s focused her work on perimenopause, menopause, and HRT, combining her clinical expertise with her own lived experience to guide women through this stage of life with clarity and confidence.

Her passion for supporting women in their Pause years comes from what she’s witnessed in her clients, her contemporaries, and her own journey — from early menopause at 43 to navigating different forms of HRT. This perspective allows her to meet women with both deep knowledge and genuine empathy.

Alongside her telehealth practice, Cindy offers courses, lab assessments, and still finds time to teach hot yoga. At the heart of her work is one clear mission: empowering women to become their own best healthcare advocates.

Connect with Cindy:

Website

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About Life Now Coaching with Nicola:

We unwrap what healthy living really means, helping you cut through the confusion and overwhelm to build sustainable, healthy habits that actually fit your life. We’re here to strip back the noise and show you why prioritising your health is the key to the happy, vibrant life you’re striving for.

We specialise in supporting women in midlife to take control of their wellbeing and menopause journey using our RESET plan focused on: Mindset, Movement, Nutrition, Sleep, and Stress. Because when you feel strong, capable, and in control, everything changes.

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