As a holistic health coach, I’ve seen protein take center stage in women’s wellness conversations — and for good reason.
It stabilizes blood sugar, supports muscle maintenance and aids hormone production, especially during perimenopause, when estrogen and progesterone fluctuations can throw everything off.
Protein undoubtedly is vital, helping curb mood swings, reduce cravings and sustain energy amid hormonal shifts.
Yet, while protein gets the glory, fiber is its quiet, indispensable ally. Often overlooked, fiber plays a critical role in hormone harmony, particularly as women age and our bodies demand more support to thrive.
In perimenopause, typically beginning in our late 30s to mid 50s, hormonal changes create a ripple effect. Estrogen levels ebb and flow, progesterone declines and cortisol — the stress hormone — can surge. This imbalance contributes to symptoms like hot flashes, bloating, weight gain, brain fog and anxiety.
Fiber steps in as a regulator. Soluble fiber — found in oats, flaxseeds and apples — binds to excess estrogen in the gut, facilitating its elimination and preventing estrogen dominance, which can exacerbate heavy periods, breast tenderness and mood instability. Insoluble fiber — from vegetables like broccoli — promotes regular digestion, reducing inflammation that amplifies hormonal disruptions.
Fiber’s benefits extend to blood sugar management, a cornerstone of hormone health. By slowing carbohydrate absorption, it prevents the spikes and crashes that trigger cortisol release and worsen insulin resistance — a common issue in aging women that leads to fatigue and stubborn fat accumulation.
Research from the North American Menopause Society highlights that diets with 25-30 grams of fiber daily are associated with improved insulin sensitivity and fewer hot flashes. As we age, our gut microbiome evolves, and fiber nourishes beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, supporting serotonin for better mood and sleep. Without adequate fiber, constipation can trap hormones, recirculating them and intensifying symptoms.
The key is reaching 25-35 grams daily, increasing gradually to avoid discomfort.
Prioritize nutrient-dense sources: berries (raspberries offer 8 grams per cup), avocados (5 grams each), chia or flaxseeds (5–10 grams per tablespoon), leafy greens, and nuts. A breakfast smoothie with spinach, berries, chia, and protein powder can deliver 10–15 grams, while a lunch of grilled chicken with broccoli and quinoa adds another 10. Meals become acts of self-care, not restriction.
As women, we deserve to age with vitality, not resignation. While protein builds, fiber balances, creating synergy for lasting hormone health. Embrace both, and watch symptoms ease as your body finds its rhythm again.
Bri Edwards is a holistic health coach at Healthy Foundations in Dubuque.
