Our digestive system doesn’t stay the same throughout our lives. From childhood and adolescence to adulthood and old age, the way our gut functions– and our relationship with food– can change as we get older. And for women, menopause can add another big layer to the digestive plot.

On this episode, host Cynthia McFadden and gastroenterologist Dr. Mark Pimentel explore how digestion changes across the lifespan. Then, menopause researcher and nutritionist Andrea Donsky explains what happens to digestion during perimenopause and menopause, and what we know about the role of food and lifestyle during this stage of life. Plus, Dr. Pimentel shares fascinating new research into what changes in the gut microbiome may tell us about the final stage of life.