Hormone Health Hub: Expert Insights on Testing, Balance & Better Living — menopause and insulin resistance

Menopause is one of the most significant transitions in a woman’s life, yet it remains surrounded by confusion, misinformation, and unnecessary silence. From the first signs of perimenopause to postmenopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hair loss, skin changes, and thyroid dysfunction, women deserve clear, honest, evidence-based answers. This article addresses the most frequently asked questions about menopause — covering what it is, when it happens, what causes its wide range of symptoms, and how comprehensive hormone testing can help women and their healthcare providers make informed decisions.

The gut microbiome and estrogen are more closely connected than most people realise. As estrogen declines in menopause, microbial diversity falls with it — triggering a cascade of metabolic consequences including weight gain, abdominal fat, inflammation and reduced insulin sensitivity. Dr. Kate Placzek explores the science behind the estrobolome and explains why supporting both gut health and hormone balance is essential for metabolic wellbeing in menopause.