What does your gut have to do with your mood, energy, stress, and hormones? A lot more than you might think.

In this HER+ Expert Roundtable, we’re unpacking the fascinating connection between the gut, brain, and hormones, and why what’s happening in your digestive system can show up in ways you might not expect. From bloating and constipation to brain fog, mood changes, hormone metabolism, and stress, your gut is constantly communicating with the rest of your body.

Our experts explore how digestion influences hormone clearance, why gut bacteria diversity matters, how estrogen and progesterone interact with the digestive system, and why your nervous system plays such an important role in how well you digest and absorb nutrients.

We’ll also look beyond food and digestion to explore the connection between digesting what we eat and processing what we feel, including how stress and emotions can influence the gut and, in turn, how the gut can influence our emotional well-being.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How your gut, hormones, and brain communicate—and why that connection matters for mood, energy, and stress.

• Why gut bacteria diversity and regular digestion can play an important role in hormone metabolism, particularly estrogen clearance.

• How stress, the nervous system, and digestive health work together—and why supporting your “rest and digest” state may matter more than you realize.

If you’ve ever wondered why digestive issues seem to show up alongside hormonal or emotional changes, this conversation will help you start connecting the dots—and understanding that your symptoms may be telling you more than you think.

🎧 Tune in and explore more expert resources inside the HER+ Health Collective community.

Featured HER+ Experts:

• Dr. Elizabeth Sierakowski MD, ABFM, ABOIM, ABAARM, triple board certified in family medicine, integrative medicine, and functional medicine, Essential Health

• Katherine Rose, Integrative Health Practitioner, Personal Trainer - Reclaimable

• Annie Penrose, M.Ed, RD, LDN, Nutrition Therapist - Lutz, Alexander & Associates

• Taruja Borker, Ayurvedic Wellness Advisor, Educator, Yoga Instructor - Good Gut Alchemy

Episode Notes and Resources:

FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness

HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

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HER+ You Tube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@herhealthcollective4278