01/23/2026
You may have already noticed that your stomach feels tighter on certain days, or that a meal that sat well with you last week now leaves you feeling bloated by dinner. It's easy to attribute this to "gut issues" or think you need to cut something from your diet.
However, what if that discomfort is not just about what you're eating, but also about when and how you eat, as well as how your hormonal levels affect your body’s ability to digest food?
Hormones and digestion are not separate systems; they constantly influence each other. If you’re experiencing discomfort, such as constipation, brain fog, or inflammation, it’s worth considering factors that may be affecting your digestion upstream.
Here are a few areas to start paying attention to:
1. Progesterone and Slower Motility
During the second half of your menstrual cycle, known as the luteal phase, progesterone levels increase, which can cause a slowdown in digestion. As a result, meals may take longer to digest, and you might feel full more quickly or for a longer period. This is a normal part of your cycle and not a flaw. However, it may be beneficial to adjust your portion sizes or select foods that are easier to digest on days when your digestion feels slower. For example, consider opting for cooked greens instead of raw salads.
2. Cortisol and Digestive Disruption
When stress persists, cortisol levels remain elevated. High cortisol can redirect blood flow away from the digestive system, which may lead to symptoms such as bloating after hurried lunches or a decreased appetite during particularly stressful weeks. These effects are not just emotional; the underlying physical mechanisms are very real.
3. Blood Sugar Swings and Gut Sensitivity
Low blood sugar, particularly when meals are skipped or unbalanced, can increase gut reactivity. Have you ever noticed your stomach gurgles more when you're anxious and undernourished? The nervous system doesn't feel safe enough to prioritize digestion, so it doesn't.
4. Estrogen and Bile Flow
Estrogen is involved in the production of bile, which is essential for breaking down fats. When estrogen levels drop too low or fluctuate significantly, bile flow can slow down. This change can lead to nausea, gas, or pale stools. It's essential to recognize that these symptoms are not isolated; they are interconnected.
Digestion is not just a mechanical process; it is also a relational one. The hormones that influence your sleep, cycles, and cravings also affect how your body receives and processes food. Therefore, when digestion feels off, it’s important to consider not only “What did I eat?” but also “What has been happening in my life lately?”
Sometimes, the gut reacts directly to food. At other times, it may respond to the pace, pressure, or stress that your body has not yet fully acknowledged.