S6 Ep. 25: Understanding the Gut Microbiome: A Missing Piece in Women’s Hormonal Health with Star Edwards

What if the reason you still feel “off” — despite eating well, managing stress, and taking supplements — lies deeper than hormones alone? In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, Teresa Kenney and Jamie Rathjen sit down with Star Edwards, MS, RD, LD, a Registered Dietitian specializing in Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy. Star has a deep passion for the rapidly evolving science of the gut microbiome and works to help healthcare practitioners better understand how microbiome testing and restoration strategies can support patient care. Star’s work bridges the gap between emerging microbiome research and practical clinical application. With experience spanning functional medicine testing, provider education, public speaking, and product development, she brings a unique perspective on how clinicians can incorporate microbiome insights into everyday practice. During this conversation, Star explains why the gut microbiome plays such a critical role in whole-body health. The trillions of microbes living in the gut influence digestion, immune function, metabolism, hormone balance, and even mood and sleep. Disruptions in the microbial ecosystem — sometimes called dysbiosis — have been linked to a wide range of chronic conditions, including metabolic disorders, inflammatory conditions, and hormonal imbalance. One of the challenges clinicians face is understanding how to accurately measure the microbiome and translate that information into meaningful action for patients. Star discusses the role of advanced microbiome testing and how newer technologies are helping practitioners gain deeper insights into microbial communities and their functions. In this episode, we also explore the work of Tiny Health, a health technology company focused on microbiome testing across all stages of life. Their testing platform uses shotgun metagenomic sequencing, considered a gold-standard method in microbiome research, which analyzes microbial DNA to identify bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other organisms present in the gut or vaginal microbiome. This technology can screen for more than 120,000 microbes and provide strain-level insights into the microbiome ecosystem. Star shares how microbiome testing may be especially relevant for women navigating fertility challenges, hormone imbalance, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and perimenopause. Because the gut microbiome interacts closely with hormone metabolism, immune regulation, and metabolic health, improving microbial balance may help address underlying contributors to symptoms rather than simply treating them. Throughout the episode, Teresa, Jamie, and Star discuss the importance of a root-cause approach to women’s health. By combining clinical wisdom, lifestyle medicine, and emerging microbiome science, practitioners can gain a more complete understanding of the factors shaping a patient’s health. Sponsors We Heart Nutrition Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life. 20% off with code: GENIUS We’re excited to partner with Salt & Light by Sami Their thoughtfully crafted candles offer a simple way to enjoy beautiful scent at home without harsh chemicals an easy, intentional swap for women who care about what they bring into their living spaces. Hormone Genius listeners receive 10% off Use code HORMONEHAPPY at checkout Grazing Beauty Tallow Skin Care! Grazing Beauty is a small-batch, mama-inspired skincare brand specializing in grass-fed tallow products like body balms, bar soaps, and lip balm. Listeners can use the affiliate code HORMONEGENIUS at checkout for 10% off their order. grazingbeauty.com/ Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.