The FIT Woman Podcast Episode 15: Gut Health, Hormones & Midlife

Midlife brings powerful hormonal shifts—and for many women, those changes show up first in the gut. In this episode, Tania Gustafson sits down with Dr. Anna Toker, board-certified colorectal surgeon and gut health educator, to unpack the critical connection between digestive health, hormones, metabolism, and overall wellness during midlife.

With over 30 years of experience as both a microbiologist and surgeon, Dr. Toker brings a unique perspective to digestive health — one that goes far beyond symptom management. She explains why so many women experience digestive disruption during perimenopause and menopause, how hormonal shifts impact the gut and microbiome, and what women can do now to support long-term health and vitality.

Together, Tania and Dr. Toker cut through confusion and normalize conversations around digestion, hormones, and metabolism, giving women practical education instead of dismissal or quick fixes.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why gut health is foundational to hormone balance in midlife
• How estrogen changes affect digestion, bloating, and inflammation
• The connection between gut health, blood sugar, and stubborn midlife weight
• Why digestive symptoms are often ignored — and why they shouldn’t be
• How stress and the nervous system directly impact the gut
• Simple nutrition and lifestyle shifts that support digestive health
• When symptoms are common vs. when they’re warning signs
• Why gut health is about prevention, not just treatment

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve been dealing with unexplained digestive changes, low energy, or feeling “off” in midlife and want science-backed clarity instead of guesswork.

Key Takeaways

Gut health and hormones are deeply connected.
Digestive symptoms are signals — not something to push through.
Midlife requires smarter support, not restriction or extremes.
Blood sugar balance plays a major role in gut and metabolic health.
Education is one of the most powerful tools for long-term wellness.

About the Guest

Dr. Anna Toker is a board-certified colorectal surgeon at Methodist Hospital, known for her excellent outcomes in robotic colorectal surgery and her passion for digestive wellness education. With more than 30 years of experience as a microbiologist and surgeon, Dr. Toker is dedicated to helping people understand how nutrition and gut health impact overall wellness and long-term health.

She is the founder of Gut Check, an online email subscription offering weekly educational content, videos, emergency broadcasts on timely digestive topics, and live Q&A sessions. Dr. Toker also serves on medical advisory boards for innovative wellness companies and is a sought-after voice in gut health education across social media.

Connect with Dr. Anna Toker

Website: https://drannatoker.com/
Instagram: @drannatoker
Gut Check Program: https://drannatoker.com/gut-check-signup

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for tuning in to the FIT Woman Podcast. Remember, nothing thrives in a deficit — not your body, not your hormones, and not your mindset. You deserve to feel strong, energized, and confident through every stage of life.

If you’re ready to ditch the diets and deprivation and finally take back control of your health, hormones, weight and happiness, watch my free video at fuelignitethrive.com. It’s the perfect next step to fueling your body, igniting your metabolism and your mind, so you can step into midlife with confidence, and thrive.

Because healthy is happy, strong is the new sexy, and the rest of your life truly can be the best of your life.

Hugs,
Tania

For daily tips and inspiration, follow Tania on social:  FB  |  IG  |   YouTube