The Forties Formula with Amanda & Jasmin
- Joanna Brownlow
- Sep 22
- 1 min read
The Forties Formula Podcast – Gut, Stress & Hormone Balance
In this episode of The Forties Formula, we dive into the powerful connection between gut health, stress, and hormones.
Bloating, disrupted sleep, anxious thoughts, heavy cycles — these aren’t random symptoms. They’re signals that your body’s systems are out of sync. Stress shifts us out of “rest and digest,” lowering stomach acid, slowing nutrient absorption, and straining our gut. Over time, this ripple touches our hormones: cortisol, progesterone, estrogen, thyroid, and insulin — all part of one delicate conversation.
Your gut also produces most of your serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter that supports mood, sleep, and digestion. When digestion slows, or stress runs high, it shows up not only in how your body feels, but also in how you think and cope.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why bloating and digestive issues may be rooted in low stomach acid and stress.
How constant cortisol spikes from stress or intense workouts can drain hormone reserves.
The role your gut plays in producing serotonin and regulating both mood and bowel rhythms.
Health begins with awareness. By listening to your body’s signals and supporting the gut– hormone connection, you create space for more energy, steadier moods, and better sleep.