Modern Menopause by Parlor Games

Bloating, Constipation & Gut Issues in Menopause. Could Hormones be the Culprit?

Has your stomach suddenly gone completely sideways — even though you haven't changed a thing? You're not imagining it. In this episode of Modern Menopause, co-hosts Morven and Dr. Robyn Kutka dig into one of the most overlooked (and most embarrassing) symptoms of perimenopause and menopause: digestive issues. They break down why hormonal shifts can cause bloating, constipation, acid reflux, changes in how quickly you feel full, and more — and why so many women (and their doctors) chalk it up to IBS, SIBO, or a bad meal instead of looking at the hormonal root cause. In this episode: * Why declining estrogen and progesterone can disrupt your gut motility, inflammation, and permeability * The surprising connection between estrogen, serotonin, and your digestive system * Why over 90% of your neurotransmitters are made in your gut — and what that means for menopause symptoms * How the gut microbiome and hormones influence each other * The role of thyroid hormones and cortisol in digestive health * Menopause belly vs. bloating — what's the real difference? * What questions to ask your doctor, and when to look at hormones instead of just treating symptoms * What tests are available beyond the standard workup Learn more about Parlor Games [https://www.parlor-games.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=copy&utm_campaign=ep9]. Submit your question for a future podcast. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDQWntoAASYANohE2TXNQt4sjUOnu3wZYn8jvIWvr7Oiky7w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104919348610703045642] The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

DHEA Explained: Energy, Brain Fog, Libido & Menopause Support

What exactly is DHEA—and why are so many women suddenly hearing about it during perimenopause and menopause? In this episode of Modern Menopause by Parlor Games, hosts Dr. Robyn Kutka and Morven break down what DHEA actually does in the body, how it relates to estrogen and testosterone, and why it’s become a growing topic in women’s hormone conversations. They dive into: * The difference between DHEA and testosterone * Whether women should test hormone levels before using DHEA * Listener questions about hair loss, Saw Palmetto, cancer concerns, and dosing Learn more about Parlor Games [https://www.parlor-games.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=copy&utm_campaign=ep8]. Submit your question [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDQWntoAASYANohE2TXNQt4sjUOnu3wZYn8jvIWvr7Oiky7w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104919348610703045642] for a future podcast. The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

The “Black Hole” in Women’s Health—Why So Many Feel Overlooked?

Why do so many women feel like something is off—only to be told everything looks “normal”? In this episode of Modern Menopause, Dr Robyn Kutka and Morven explore why women in perimenopause and menopause often feel dismissed when they seek answers about their health. From limitations in standard testing to gaps in medical education, we unpack the factors that can leave women without clear direction—even when they don’t feel like themselves. We also discuss how symptoms can overlap across hormones, nutrition, stress, and lifestyle factors—and why a broader, more individualized approach may help provide better clarity. If you’ve ever felt like your concerns weren’t fully addressed, this episode offers context, perspective, and practical ways to think about your next steps. Learn more about Parlor Games. [https://www.parlor-games.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=copy&utm_campaign=ep7] Submit your question for a future podcast here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDQWntoAASYANohE2TXNQt4sjUOnu3wZYn8jvIWvr7Oiky7w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104919348610703045642]. The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

Blood vs Saliva Hormone Testing: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever been told your lab results are “normal” but still don’t feel like yourself, you’re not alone. In this episode, Dr Robyn Kutka and Morven explore the differences between blood testing and saliva testing for hormones—and why the results may not always reflect how you’re actually feeling. They discuss how common testing methods work, what they measure, and some of the limitations to be aware of—especially during perimenopause and menopause, when hormone levels can fluctuate. Learn more about Parlor Games [https://www.parlor-games.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=copy&utm_campaign=ep6] Submit your question for a future podcast. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDQWntoAASYANohE2TXNQt4sjUOnu3wZYn8jvIWvr7Oiky7w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104919348610703045642] The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.

Vaginal Changes After 40? What Women Should Know About Dryness, Discomfort & More

Vaginal dryness, discomfort, changes in tissue, increased UTIs—these are topics many women experience but rarely talk about. In this episode of Modern Menopause, we explore the physical changes that can happen to vaginal and vulvar tissues over time, especially during perimenopause and menopause. From shifts in moisture and elasticity to pelvic floor changes and discomfort during intimacy, your co-hosts Morven and Dr Robyn Kutka break down what may be happening in the body—and why. Learn more about Parlor Games. [https://www.parlor-games.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=copy&utm_campaign=ep5] Submit your question for a future podcast here. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDQWntoAASYANohE2TXNQt4sjUOnu3wZYn8jvIWvr7Oiky7w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104919348610703045642] The information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.