We're all pretty familiar with the idea that we have bacteria in our gut called the microbiome and that a healthy gut leads to better health.

But did you know that we also have a vaginal microbiome and that it's possible to detect changes in hormone levels by monitoring the relative number of different microbes in the vagina?

My guest on the podcast today is the Joint CEO of Agile Life Sciences, Jan Rogers.

Jan is a scientist and, along with her colleagues, has developed a test that uses the vaginal microbiome, rather than the traditional measuring of hormones, to diagnose and manage the perimenopause/menopause transition.

In this fascinating episode Jan explains how the test works, how it can be used and why it is so much more reliable than current testing protocols.

Jan is currently (as of July 2022) looking for 1000 volunteers to help with their trials.  To be eligible to help you must have been assigned female at birth and be over 38 years of age.  You'll simply be asked to provide a urine sample using their testing and sampling kit, and a small number of volunteers may be asked to continue with the trial.

For further details of how to apply to be a volunteer visit https://www.menoguide.co.uk/ 

You can find out more about the work of Agile Life Sciences at www.agilelifesciences.com or follow Jan's work on LinkedIn

And don't forget if you're looking for support and help during your menopause/midlife transition come and join me in my lovely Facebook Group Your Best Midlife