Hormonal imbalances are incredibly common, affecting everything from mood and energy to weight and fertility. What many people don't realise is that the gut plays a central role in hormone production, metabolism, and elimination. Understanding this connection opens up new possibilities for addressing hormonal issues at their root.
The Estrobolome: Your Gut's Hormone Regulator
One of the most important discoveries in gut-hormone research is the estrobolome — a collection of gut bacteria that metabolise oestrogen. These bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which influences how much oestrogen is eliminated from the body versus reabsorbed.
When the estrobolome is balanced:
When the estrobolome is imbalanced:
How Gut Health Affects Different Hormones
Oestrogen
As mentioned, the gut directly influences oestrogen levels through the estrobolome. Gut dysbiosis can lead to either oestrogen excess (if too much is reabsorbed) or oestrogen deficiency (if it's eliminated too quickly).
Thyroid Hormones
Your gut plays a crucial role in thyroid function:
Cortisol
The gut-brain axis means that gut health directly impacts stress hormone regulation:
Insulin
Your gut bacteria influence blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity:
Signs Your Hormones May Be Affected by Gut Issues
Supporting Hormone Balance Through Gut Health
Balance the estrobolome — Eating plenty of fibre supports healthy oestrogen elimination. Cruciferous vegetables are particularly beneficial.
Reduce gut inflammation — Inflammation anywhere in the body affects hormone balance. Identifying and removing gut irritants is crucial.
Support liver function — Your liver processes hormones for elimination. When the gut is unhealthy, liver function is often compromised.
Address dysbiosis — Testing can identify specific bacterial imbalances affecting hormone metabolism.
Manage blood sugar — Stable blood sugar supports healthy cortisol and insulin levels, which in turn affect other hormones.
The Importance of Testing
If you suspect gut issues are affecting your hormones, comprehensive testing can provide answers:
The Bottom Line
Hormonal health and gut health are intimately connected. If you've been struggling with hormonal symptoms despite conventional treatments, addressing your gut health may be the missing piece. A functional approach that considers both systems together often yields the best results.