Why So Many Women Are Suddenly Sensitive to Common Foods in Perimenopause

You didn’t change your diet. You didn’t suddenly become a picky eater. But now, common trigger foods like eggs, cow’s milk, soy, wheat, gluten-containing grains, nuts (including peanuts and almonds), and even some fruits can leave you feeling bloated, nauseous, fatigued, itchy, or just off.

If you're in your late 30s to mid‑50s, this may be perimenopause. It is not your imagination. Still, it’s important to get tested by a doctor who specializes in food allergies or intolerances to rule out anything serious. Seek emergency care right away if you ever experience swelling or trouble breathing.

In my early 40's I ate eggs almost every weekend before realizing they made me nauseous. This past weekend, I had a cookie and some bread made with organic bread flour, and ended up two pounds heavier, bloated, and lethargic for two days. My past blood tests did confirm a mild egg allergy, but nothing showed up for gluten or flour. It’s frustrating and confusing. I’ve noticed that when I visited Italy, I could eat bread with no problems. I suspect pesticides might be involved since they’re now known to disrupt gut microbiome and hormonal balance.

What Research Shows

• Pesticide exposure may worsen gut and hormone imbalances: Studies have linked common pesticides to disrupted gut microbiota and interference with estrogen pathways. A 2023 review in International Journal of Molecular Sciences found chronic dietary pesticide exposure alters gut microbiota and damages the gut barrier 
• Hormone shifts affect gut integrity: As estrogen drops, gut permeability increases and inflammation rises.
• Perimenopause and Autoimmunity: Hormones, Gut Health, and Immune Disruption: As estrogen levels drop, changes in gut bacteria and barrier function can make the body more reactive to foods.
• Histamine metabolism is disrupted: Estrogen boosts histamine release while inhibiting DAO, the enzyme that breaks it down.
• Common trigger foods become harder to digest: Stuff like gluten, dairy, nuts, and eggs may be more reactive when gut lining and immune tolerance change.

What You Can Do About New Food Sensitivities

Start with a food journal. Track what you eat and how you feel after each meal. You may start to notice patterns and identify triggers. Then, get tested by a doctor who specializes in food allergies or intolerances to rule out anything serious.

Some women find relief through elimination diets, gut-healing nutrition, or by working with a practitioner who understands the connection between hormones and digestion.

For ideas that are gentle on your gut, visit Menotopia’s new Recipes section. I just launched it with a gluten-free, egg-free pancake recipe emailed to the community last week.

If you have a recipe that works for you, share it. And if you try one of the recipes posted, let us know how it turned out and how it made you feel. Let’s grow Menotopia together—through food, shared experience, and collective stories.