Menopausal women often endure much more than hot flushes and brain fog (Image: Getty Images)
Menopause is often associated with hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings, but there are other symptoms that can have an equally frustrating impact on everyday life. For menopause coach Claire Hattrick, 59, from Hampshire, digestive problems became so uncomfortable that even getting dressed could be a struggle.
Bloating and trapped wind left her feeling uncomfortable in her own body, while constipation and diarrhoea added to her difficulties. Claire recalled feeling as though her tummy button was going to explode and joked that she could ‘fart from the top of the stairs to the bottom’.
The symptoms left her reaching for elasticated clothing instead of her usual jeans, as she struggled to find something comfortable to wear. But after years of digestive discomfort, Claire says she noticed a difference when she introduced DRV+’s Gut Works supplement into her daily routine.
Gut Works usually costs £32.99 for a month’s supply, but shoppers can get a bigger discount on their first subscription order with the code DRVPLUS50. The 15% subscription saving reduces the price to £28.04, but the introductory offer brings it down further to £16.27. That works out at around 55p a day, compared with the usual subscription cost of around 93p a day.
Claire, 59, said her digestive problems became ‘so uncomfortable’ (Image: DRV )
What’s in Gut Works?
DRV+’s Gut Works is a vegan supplement designed to support gut health, combining six strains of live bacteria with two types of fibre: prebiotic inulin, derived from chicory root, and psyllium husk.
Each capsule contains 50 billion live bacteria (known as colony-forming units, or CFU, at the time of manufacture). The formula includes strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG, Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 and Lactobacillus plantarum PPLP-217. The brand says identifying the specific strains is important because research into probiotics can relate to individual strains rather than probiotics as a whole.
The supplement also contains 100mg of inulin and 50mg of psyllium husk, both sources of fibre. It’s designed to be taken once a day, away from hot food and drinks, as heat can affect the live bacterial cultures.
Gut Works is free from added sugar, gluten, wheat, soya, lactose and dairy, as well as artificial flavours, colours and preservatives. It also received a Star Buy award from BBC Good Food in 2025.
Claire, who now works as The Executive Menopause Coach, says she spent years struggling with menopause symptoms before receiving the support she needed. Alongside joint pain and severe sleep disruption, she began experiencing digestive problems that made everyday activities uncomfortable.
“You can’t do your jeans up because you’re so bloated,” she explained. “You’re looking through your wardrobe thinking, well, I can’t get into that. I’ve got to wear something elasticated, or gym stuff.”
The menopause coach says she began noticing a difference in her digestive comfort within a few weeks of taking Gut Works and has continued using it ever since. “I noticed it straight away, literally within two or three weeks,” she said. “I thought, I can go out and not have to worry about a cup of tea with milk going straight through me.”
Claire says she now feels more comfortable wearing her usual clothes and no longer experiences the same level of bloating.
“You can’t do your jeans up because you’re so bloated,” she said (Image: DRV )
How much does Gut Works cost?
New customers can use the code DRVPLUS50 on the DRV+ website to save on their first subscription order. The introductory offer is available on the one-pouch subscription, with the following options also available:
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One pouch every 30 days: £16.27 for the introductory offer, compared with the usual subscription price of £28.04 (normally £32.99 without the subscription saving).
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Two pouches every 60 days: £54.10, down from £65.98.
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Three pouches every 90 days: £79.18, down from £98.97.
After the first three payments, the subscription returns to its standard price, with the usual 15% subscription saving applied (£28.04 instead of £32.99).
Customers can also choose a one-time purchase of a 60-day supply for £31.34 or a 30-day supply for £32.99. The discount code cannot be applied to one-time purchases.
The offer is limited to new customers purchasing through the DRV+ website and cannot be combined with other promotions. Subscriptions can be skipped, changed or cancelled. The brand also offers free delivery and a 60-day money-back guarantee, subject to its terms.
The supplement should be taken daily for at least 60 days. (Image: DRV )
Alternatives to Gut Works
For shoppers looking for other options, Holland & Barrett sells Friendly Bacteria 50 Billion 30 Capsules for £29.99. These contain 50 billion live friendly bacteria per capsule and are suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Another option is the Jerms Daily Gut, Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Support powder, available from Boots for £32.99. This price is for a one-month supply. The powder is designed to support everyday digestive comfort and is formulated to ‘complement normal gut function’.
While Claire says Gut Works has helped her feel more comfortable, results from supplements can vary from person to person.
Gut Works is a food supplement, not a medicine or a replacement for medical treatment. Anyone experiencing persistent or worsening bloating, abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits should speak to a healthcare professional.
Shoppers can find out more about DRV+’s Gut Works supplement and use the code DRVPLUS50 to access the introductory subscription offer, subject to the brand’s terms.
What do shoppers say about Gut Works?
Some customers have praised Gut Works for helping them manage digestive discomfort, although experiences vary. One shopper aged 45 to 54 said they had been taking the supplement for a year and found it made a noticeable difference.
“I’ve been using Gut works for the past year and I have found it incredibly beneficial. It’s easy to take, and I noticed positive effects within a short time of starting.
“Compared to another product I tried previously, Gut works has been significantly more effective for me. Its simplicity and fast acting nature make it a standout choice for anyone looking to support their digestive heath. I highly recommend it those seeking reliable gut heath support.”
Another reviewer in the same age group said they noticed a change after just a couple of weeks, adding: “After about 2 weeks I started to notice a difference. I could eat foods that previously made me bloat and I started regular and satisfying visits to the bathroom. Now, after 3 months and taking the pills regularly, I’m feeling much better.”
A third shopper aged 45 to 54 described the supplements as “Nothing short of a miracle”, adding: “this has really changed my life. After 20 years of discomfort and numerous visits to specialists, these little supplements have worked their magic. It took four short weeks to make a difference.”
However, not everyone was completely convinced, with one reviewer praising the results but questioning whether the cost was sustainable. They said: “It has had a positive effect on bloating and general digestion. One capsule daily is so easy, but it’s on the pricey side, so may not be sustainable.”
Another positive review came from a shopper aged 65 and over, who said the supplement had helped them establish a more regular routine. They wrote: “I have been taking this product for a couple of months now, and have found it extremely helpful in regulating my bowel habits, as before I was irregular, but now it has become very settled. I can whole heartily say it’s down to taking this supplement once a day, so for me is well worth keeping up with.”
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