Health & Wellness
Megan McBride, DO, is a family physician with a passion for lifestyle medicine and the powerful role everyday choices play in keeping patients of all ages healthy.
She has a special interest in women’s health and provides thoughtful, individualized care across all stages of life – from reproductive health and family planning to menopause and beyond.
To establish care with Dr. McBride, please call Memorial Primary Care | Jerome at (614) 881-3490.
Meet your gut microbiome
Gut Microbiome: The community of a trillion tiny organisms (mostly bacteria) that live inside your gut.
Healthy Gut (Eubiosis): When your gut microbiome is balanced, your healthy bacteria plays defense against unhealthy bacteria, assists with digestion, regulates your hormones, and helps your body work well.
Unhealthy Gut (Dysbiosis): When the balance of your gut microbiome is disrupted and you have more unhealthy bacteria than healthy bacteria.
An unhealthy gut can contribute to a variety of health problems that don’t always appear as gut issues, including: inflammation, mood or behavioral conditions, and hormone imbalances, due to the interconnectivity of our guts.
Learn its role in hormone regulation
The gut microbiome helps regulate and recycle estrogen (one of the most important hormones in your body). When your gut is unhealthy, your estrogen levels may rise or fall significantly.
If your estrogen levels become too high or too low, you may struggle with conditions, like:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Certain gynecological cancers
- Fertility challenges
Understand how it communicates with your vaginal microbiome
Your gut and vagina contain much of the same bacteria – allowing a balanced gut microbiome to help support the health of your vagina and prevent infections like bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections.
Make note of its milestones
Each of our microbiomes are unique, constantly evolving, and influenced by many external factors – however, there are key milestones over our lifespans that impact our gut health.
Menstruation:
During your cycles, your gut bacteria can be influenced by hormonal fluctuations, and vice versa.
Common symptoms around your period:
- Bloating
- Changes in your bowel habits
Pregnancy:
When you’re pregnant, significant changes occur within your gut microbiome.
Common symptoms during pregnancy:
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Gas
Post-menopause:
After menopause, declining estrogen levels can alter both your gut and vaginal bacteria.
Common symptoms after menopause:
- Bone health concerns
- Digestive changes
- Vaginal dryness
Help it stay happy and healthy
- Eat a variety of fiber-rich foods and fermented foods
- Exercise regularly
- Get enough sleep
- Limit processed foods and added sugars
- Manage stress
- Stay hydrated
- Use antibiotics only when necessary
A note about using probiotics:
You’ve probably heard about probiotic supplements for gut health. While some probiotics show promise, the science is still evolving. Not all probiotics are the same, and what works for some may not work for others. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplements.
Know what to look out for, even if it doesn’t seem like a “gut issue”
Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent bloating, gas, or changes in bowel habits
- Irregular or painful periods
- Recurrent vaginal infections
- Unexplained fatigue or mood changes
Your PCP can help determine if your gut health is playing a role and discuss whether dietary changes, probiotics, or other treatments may be right for you.
Become a patient of Dr. McBride’s and work towards your health goals together – she’s accepting new patients at Memorial Primary Care | Jerome. Schedule an appointment with her by calling (614) 881-3490.
