Press Release · Health Policy Podcast
Cynthia Thurlow Discusses The Menopause Gut and Nurse Practitioners — Health Policy Podcast
Published · Featuring Cynthia Thurlow of The Menopause Gut
Cynthia Thurlow, nurse practitioner and author of The Menopause Gut, discusses menopause, gut health, and the evolving role of nurse practitioners in healthcare
Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner and author of "The Menopause Gut," discusses the intersection of menopause, gut health, and the role of nurse practitioners in the healthcare workforce on the Health Policy Podcast. The episode addresses critical issues in women's health and the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery.
WASHINGTON — May 25, 2026 — Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner and author of "The Menopause Gut," joined the Health Policy Podcast to discuss menopause, gut health, and the significant role of nurse practitioners in the healthcare workforce. The conversation highlights the challenges women face during menopause and the importance of understanding gut health in this phase of life.
Thurlow emphasized the growing need for nurse practitioners as the healthcare system grapples with physician shortages, particularly in primary care. "I think that there’s also not enough physicians that are going into traditional, like internal family medicine, pediatrics, and so we have a bit of a void there," she said. Nurse practitioners are increasingly filling these gaps, providing essential care in underserved areas.
The discussion also delved into the importance of gut health during menopause. Thurlow noted, "I always remind people that I'm a nurse at heart first and foremost, but the wonderful thing about nursing is that it gives you a lot of different skills that you can use in different areas of your life and professionally." She highlighted the need for a holistic approach to women's health, integrating lifestyle changes and medical interventions to support overall well-being.
The Menopause Gut is a resource for women navigating the changes in gut health during perimenopause and menopause. It provides insights into the gut microbiome and offers strategies to support health during this transitional phase.
About the Health Policy Podcast
The Health Policy Podcast focuses on the intersection of energy, infrastructure, policy, and economic growth. It aims to inform listeners about current issues affecting health policy and the healthcare landscape.
About The Menopause Gut
The Menopause Gut: Balance Your Microbiome to Reclaim Your Health in Midlife and Beyond by Cynthia Thurlow NP is a guide that explains the connection between hormonal changes during menopause and gut health, offering actionable strategies to manage symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog by balancing the gut microbiome through nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle changes. Published in April 2026, the book provides practical advice on topics like hydration, fiber intake, and the impact of processed foods, empowering women to take control of their health during midlife.
About the Guest
Cynthia Thurlow — Nurse Practitioner and Author
Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, author, podcast host and international speaker specializing in intermittent fasting, metabolic health, perimenopause and women’s wellness. She earned nursing degrees from Johns Hopkins University and has more than 25 years of experience in health and wellness. Thurlow is the host of the “Everyday Wellness” podcast, author of books including “Intermittent Fasting Transformation” and “The Menopause Gut,” and is known for her TEDx talk on intermittent fasting, which has received millions of views.
About the Health Policy Podcast
The Health Policy Podcast hosts conversations on energy, infrastructure, policy and economic growth — interviewing the operators, regulators, and innovators powering America's grid, gas, nuclear, and industrial future. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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