The Microbiome and Estrogen:

What’s the Connection?

Understanding how our microbiome influences our health has become a very important topic, and for good reason. Research has begun to highlight its role in areas such as immune function and neurotransmitter production. But what about estrogen? Cue the estrobolome. The estrobolome refers to a collection of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract that have the enzymatic capability to metabolize and modulate estrogen.

So what does that mean?

Estrogen metabolism first begins in the liver where it undergoes two important phases that results in the formation of inactive estrogen metabolites. From the liver, these inactive metabolites are released into the gastrointestinal tract in order to be excreted from the body. Certain bacteria with beta-glucuronidase enzymatic activity have the ability to re-activate those estrogen metabolites, allowing for them to be re-absorbed into circulation and to act on estrogen receptors.

Why can this become a problem?

A healthy gut microbiome produces the right amount of beta-glucuronidase to support estrogen metabolism and modulation. Estrogen is very important for reproductive health, cardiovascular health, mood, and healthy bones. But too much of one thing is never a good idea. Dysbiosis within the microbiome can contribute to increased levels of beta-glucuronidase activity, resulting in alterations in estrogen metabolism. Higher levels of estrogen can contribute to health concerns such as irregular menstrual bleeding, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, infertility, and estrogen dependent cancers.

Supporting a healthy microbiome can have a profound impact on our hormones. If you are interested in learning more about how to support your microbiome as means to support healthy hormones, let’s work together! You can book a consult through the booking link on my website.

Although these recommendations are a general guideline, every person’s dietary needs are unique. We can work together to create dietary plan that is attainable and sustainable for you.