Could something as simple as increasing fibre intake improve menopause symptoms? Recent research has highlighted the importance of carbohydrate quality — especially the amount of fibre and whole grains in your diet — for improving menopause symptoms and quality of life.

It’s estimated that approximately 1.1 billion women will have entered menopause by 2025 and quality of life matters – as women can reach menopause with a third of their life ahead of them.

We know menopause often comes with unwanted changes such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, nervousness, anxiety, mood shifts, bone and joint issues, decreased desire, changes in eating habits, weight gain (and more) – and these factors can impact on the quality of life for women ¹

While hormone levels are the driving force behind many of these symptoms, your diet can play a significant role in menopause symptoms.

The Study: How Carbohydrate Quality Affects Menopausal Health

A large study of over 600 postmenopausal women explored how the Carbohydrate Quality Index (CQI) — a measure that considers fibre intake, whole grain consumption, and glycaemic index — relates to menopausal symptoms and quality of life.²

Women who scored highest on this index (ate most fibre and whole grains, and fewer refined carbs) had:

Fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms

Better overall quality of life

Lower glycaemic index diets (steady blood sugar)

Higher fibre intake

In contrast, women who consumed more refined grains, sugary foods, and low-fibre carbohydrates experienced more intense symptoms, including mood changes, sleep disruption, and fatigue.

These findings are consistent with previous studies showing that whole grains and unprocessed, fibre-rich foods are linked with fewer hot flushes, better energy levels, and improved mental wellbeing during menopause.

A previous study ³ found that:

Higher consumption of vegetables was associated with lower intensity of vasomotor (hot flushes) symptoms, sleep disorders and better quality of life.

Intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with more intense vasomotor and sexual symptoms.

Intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages and sausage were related to greater intensity of somatic symptoms and worse memory.

Why Fibre Matters So Much During Menopause

1. Supports Hormonal Balance and Blood Sugar

As oestrogen levels drop during menopause, blood sugar regulation becomes less efficient — leading to cravings, energy dips, and fat gain around the abdomen.

Fibre slows digestion and helps stabilise blood sugar levels, reducing insulin spikes and the hormonal fluctuations that can worsen menopausal symptoms.

2. Promotes Healthy Weight and Reduces Belly Fat

Menopause often brings a shift in body fat distribution, with more fat stored around the the meno belly.

Studies show that high-fibre diets help with appetite control, reduce calorie intake naturally, and support a healthy metabolism.

Soluble fibre (found in glucomannan, oats, flaxseeds) forms a gel-like substance in the gut, helping you feel full for longer — which can support healthy weight management during menopause.

3. Improves Gut Health and Mood

Your gut microbiome plays a key role in hormone metabolism, inflammation, and even mood regulation.

Fibre acts as fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that support gut integrity and reduce inflammation. Emerging evidence also links a healthy gut with better mood and cognitive function — crucial for women navigating the emotional changes of menopause.

4. Protects Heart and Bone Health

After menopause, declining oestrogen levels can increase the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

Fibre helps lower cholesterol levels, improve blood pressure, and may even support bone density. One study reported that women with higher fibre intake had greater bone mineral density, potentially reducing the risk of fractures and bone loss.⁴

The Glycaemic Index Connection

The study also highlighted that low glycaemic index (GI) diets — those rich in whole grains, pulses, fruits, and vegetables — were linked to fewer menopausal symptoms.

High-GI foods such as white bread, rice, pastries, and sugary drinks cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. Over time, this can worsen hot flushes, mood swings, and fatigue.

A low-GI, high-fibre diet keeps blood sugar levels steady, promoting hormonal stability and reducing stress on the body — key factors for a smoother menopausal transition.

Fibre, Mood, and Mental Wellbeing

Interestingly, the research found that women with better carbohydrate quality (i.e., more fibre and whole grains) reported fewer psychological symptoms, including irritability and low mood.

This may be due to fibre’s positive effects on:

Blood sugar balance (preventing mood dips)

Gut-brain communication via the vagus nerve

Lower inflammation, which has been linked to depression and anxiety

Together, these effects help women feel more emotionally balanced and resilient during menopause.

Food Sources of Fibre for Menopausal Health

Aim for at least 25–30 grams of fibre per day from a variety of foods. Great sources include:

Whole grains: oats, barley, brown rice, quinoa

Legumes: chickpeas, lentils, black beans

Fruits: apples, pears, berries, oranges

Vegetables: broccoli, carrots, leafy greens

Seeds: flaxseed, chia, psyllium husk

If you struggle to reach your fibre goals through diet alone, a high-quality fibre supplement can be a simple and effective way to bridge the gap — especially one that’s gentle on digestion and clinically proven to support gut and hormonal health.

Why Fibre Supplements Can Help

Even with the best intentions, most women only consume around half the recommended daily fibre.

Fibre supplements can make it easier to meet your needs — particularly during menopause when digestive comfort and hormonal balance are key priorities.

Look for supplements that:

Contain soluble fibres like psyllium husk or inulin

Are low-FODMAP if you have IBS symptoms

Can be easily mixed into water, smoothies, or breakfast bowls

Regular use can help:

Regulate digestion and reduce bloating

Support steady energy and appetite control

Improve cholesterol and blood sugar balance

Promote a healthier gut microbiome

The Takeaway: Fibre is Fundamental for Menopausal Wellness

This study reinforces what many women’s health experts have long suspected — it’s not just how many carbohydrates you eat, but the quality of them that determines how you feel during menopause.

Reduce the severity of hot flushes and mood swings

Improve energy, sleep, and digestion

Support heart, bone, and gut health

Enhance overall quality of life

If dietary changes alone aren’t enough, adding a daily fibre supplement can be a game-changer — a simple step with big benefits for your hormonal health and long-term wellbeing.

Practical Tips:

1.Start gradually. Increase your fibre intake over 1–2 weeks

2.Drink plenty of water to help your body adjust smoothly

You might also be interested in..

Fibre – Sources:

1. Health-related quality of life among menopausal women: A cross-sectional study from Pokhara, Nepal – PMC ↩︎
2. The impact of carbohydrate quality index on menopausal symptoms and quality of life in postmenopausal women | BMC Women’s Health | Full Text ↩︎
3. Life habits of postmenopausal women: Association of menopause symptom intensity and food consumption by degree of food processing – PubMed ↩︎
4. How do carbohydrate quality indices influence on bone mass density in postmenopausal women? A case-control study – PubMed ↩︎

The impact of carbohydrate quality index on menopausal symptoms and quality of life in postmenopausal women | BMC Women’s Health | Full Text