Midlife and the perimenopausal transition can bring a range of changes, including shifts in mood and cognitive function. Emerging research is exploring the intricate relationship between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis, and its potential role in these experiences.
Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has gained attention for its potential benefits, and some early studies are investigating its influence on both gut health and neurological pathways. This article will explore the concept of the gut-brain axis in perimenopause and the limited, early evidence regarding lion’s mane’s potential interactions within this complex system.
Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis in Midlife
The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system involving the central nervous system, the enteric nervous system, and the gut microbiota. This complex network allows the gut and brain to influence each other’s function, impacting everything from digestion to mood and cognitive processes.
During perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen, can impact this axis. Estrogen plays a role in the pathogenesis of perimenopausal depression [1]. The neuroendocrine system’s changes during perimenopause are also implicated in perimenopausal depression [2]. Furthermore, the gut microbiota can influence the gut-brain axis, and an inflammatory perspective suggests a mechanism for microbiota-gut-brain involvement in perimenopausal depression [3]. The estrogen-gut microbiota axis is also being explored for its insights into the pathogenesis and potential therapies for perimenopausal depression [4].
Lion’s Mane and Gut Health: Early Insights
Some research suggests that lion’s mane mushroom may have an influence on gut health. For example, a study involving cynomolgus monkeys indicated that polysaccharides derived from Hericium erinaceus mycelium might help alleviate ulcerative colitis and modulate gut microbiota [5]. Another study explored gut microbiota profiling in aged dogs after they consumed pet food containing Hericium erinaceus [6].
Recent insights also highlight Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides in relation to gastrointestinal health, gut microbiota, and microbial metabolites, suggesting potential overall health benefits [7]. While these studies are not in humans or specifically in perimenopausal women, they provide early indications of lion’s mane’s potential interaction with the gut environment.
Exploring Lion’s Mane’s Influence on the Brain
Beyond the gut, lion’s mane is also being investigated for its potential effects on the brain. A systematic review published in 2025 discusses the benefits, side effects, and uses of Hericium erinaceus as a supplement [8].
In a study on elderly mice, Hericium erinaceus extract demonstrated beneficial effects on the gut-neuroinflammaging-cognitive axis [9]. This suggests a potential link between the mushroom’s influence on the gut and its effects on brain function and inflammation. Further research is needed to understand if these observations translate to human health, particularly in the context of perimenopause.
Connecting the Dots: Lion’s Mane and the Gut-Brain Axis
The concept of the gut-brain axis provides a framework for understanding how interventions impacting the gut might also influence brain health. Given the early evidence suggesting lion’s mane’s potential effects on gut microbiota [PMID 36443636, PMID 36287790, PMID 40339863] and its observed influence on the gut-neuroinflammaging-cognitive axis in animal models [9], researchers are beginning to explore its role in modulating the gut-brain connection.
A study published in 2025 explored the biotransformation of Ganoderma lucidum and Hericium erinaceus for ex vivo gut-brain axis modulation and mood-related outcomes in humans, looking at CREB/BDNF signaling and microbiota-driven synergies [10]. While this is an early exploration, it highlights the scientific interest in how lion’s mane might interact with this vital communication system, potentially offering a new perspective for supporting well-being during perimenopause.
References
- The Role and Mechanism of Estrogen in Perimenopausal Depression. Current neuropharmacology, 2026
- Neuroendocrine pathogenesis of perimenopausal depression. Frontiers in psychiatry, 2023
- Mechanism of Microbiota-Gut-Brain in Perimenopausal Depression: An Inflammatory Perspective. Expert reviews in molecular medicine, 2025
- Pathogenesis and potential therapies for perimenopausal depression: Insights from the estrogen-gut microbiota axis. Frontiers in neuroendocrinology, 2026
- Hericium erinaceus mycelium-Derived Polysaccharide Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis and Modulates Gut Microbiota in Cynomolgus Monkeys. Molecular nutrition & food research, 2023
- Gut microbiota profiling in aged dogs after feeding pet food contained Hericium erinaceus. Journal of animal science and technology, 2022
- Recent insights into Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides: Gastrointestinal, gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, overall health and structure-function correlation. International journal of biological macromolecules, 2025
- Benefits, side effects, and uses of Hericium erinaceus as a supplement: a systematic review. Frontiers in nutrition, 2025
- Hericium erinaceus Extract Exerts Beneficial Effects on Gut-Neuroinflammaging-Cognitive Axis in Elderly Mice. Biology, 2023
- Biotransformation of Ganoderma lucidum and Hericium erinaceus for ex vivo gut-brain axis modulation and mood-related outcomes in humans: CREB/BDNF signaling and microbiota-driven synergies. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2025
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