THE IMPORTANCE OF GUT HEALTH FOR HORMONE BALANCE
When gut health isn't optimal, hormones can become imbalanced. For instance there is new research showing that the microbiome plays a big role in estrogen regulation.
In women, estrogens help regulate body fat, are essential to female reproductive function, cardiovascular health, bone health, and brain function (including memory).
Some studies indicate that poor gut health increases the risk of estrogen-related conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids and even breast cancer. This is when the term estrogen dominance might be used.
So how does exactly your Gut Microbes Influence Estrogen Levels ?
The estrobolome is the bacteria in the gut that can metabolise estrogen and also affects estrogen levels in our body.
When you have’ used up’ estrogen the estrogen will get to the liver to be conjugated which means turned into a non toxic substances.
Conjugated estrogens are then excreted in bile, urine, and feces
Microbes that make up the estrobolome produce an enzyme beta-glucuronidase-that can uncouples already “packaged up” Estrogens ready for elimination - from an inactive form back into an active form.
When the gut microbiome is healthy, the estrobolome is producing optimal levels of betaglucuronidase – too much and estrogen levels become imbalanced.
Basically If there is dysbiosis in the Gut ( an imbalance between pathogenic and beneficial bacteria) and an excess of bacteria that produce betaglucuronidase, this reverts estrogen back into its unconjugated active form and it is then absorbed back into the bloodstream resulting in estrogen dominance. Elevated betaglucuronidase levels are associated with conditions including:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome
Estrogen-related cancers (breast and prostate)
Endometriosis
Infertility
Mood disturbance
Heart disease
We need a healthy and diverse microbiome that produces just the right amount of beta-glucuronidase to maintain estrogen homeostasis.
What Factors Disrupt the Estrobolome?
Multiple use of antibiotics, PPI’s and the oral contraceptive pill have been found to alter the gut microbiota and therefore estrogen levels.
What can help?
Dietary factors that may have a positive impact on the estrobolome:
A diet rich in Prebiotic foods that promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria. such as , asparagus, garlic, onions, chicory and banana.
Dietary fibre such as beans, vegetables, nuts seeds and wholegrains.
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale are helpful in regulating beneficial gut bacteria, supplying fibre to keep the gut healthy and supporting healthy detoxification of hormones including estrogen.
Please book in a Free discovery call to discuss how I can help you achieve hormonal balance