Gut Health and Menopause: A Whole-Body Perspective

About this event

Understand how hormones, the gut microbiome, metabolism, sleep and stress interact during menopause, and what this means at work.

This science-led webinar explores menopause as a whole-body transition and examines the relationship between hormonal change, the gut microbiome and wider health. Dr Berit Nordstrand will explain how falling and fluctuating oestrogen levels can influence the gut microbiome, gut barrier, immune regulation and inflammatory signalling, including the role of the estrobolome in oestrogen metabolism.

The session will consider why digestive symptoms, sleep disruption, fluctuating energy, brain fog, mood changes and reduced stress tolerance may occur together during perimenopause and menopause, alongside the longer-term relevance of hormonal changes to metabolic, cardiovascular, bone and brain health. It will also consider how HR professionals can create a workplace culture in which women are supported without being defined by their symptoms.

Attendees can expect to gain:
• A clearer understanding of the relationship between oestrogen, the gut microbiome and whole-body health.
• Insight into why multiple physical and cognitive symptoms can occur together during perimenopause and menopause.
• An understanding of how nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress regulation and recovery can complement appropriate clinical assessment and treatment.
• Practical perspective on creating more informed and supportive workplace environments.

Key takeaway: Menopause is not an isolated reproductive event. Hormones, the microbiome, metabolism, sleep and stress interact, and understanding these connections can help employers offer more informed support.

About the speaker:

Dr Berit Nordstrand

Dr Berit Nordstrand is a physician, author and entrepreneur who qualified in medicine at NTNU in Trondheim in 1991. She later specialised in clinical pharmacology and toxicology and in addiction medicine, working clinically as a medical doctor until 2015. During her clinical career, Berit worked within the interdisciplinary substance use disorder treatment service at St Olavs University Hospital’s specialist addiction clinic. Here, she integrated lifestyle medicine into conventional care, incorporating nutrition, physical activity, sleep and daily routines alongside established medical approaches. Her work also included educating doctors, nurses and patients, and lecturing on how lifestyle factors can contribute to health and recovery. Berit has since become a leading communicator on nutrition and lifestyle health, translating complex medical knowledge into practical, accessible guidance through her books, media work and the GutWise 12-step method.

Please note:

• Participants will receive their joining details 24 hours before the webinar, along with a reminder one hour before the session begins.
• The session may be recorded and shared afterwards.
• The chat function will be used to engage with participants.
• If there is an external speaker, their views will be their own and may not necessarily reflect those of the CIPD.
• If any reasonable adjustments are required, participants are encouraged to make this known and assistance will be provided.