Hormone Imbalance and Gut Health
How Does the Gut Affect Hormones?
The gut plays a crucial role in regulating a wide range of hormones in the body, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, insulin, and thyroid hormones - all depend on a healthy gut to function properly. The gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of bacteria, is essential in producing and processing many of these hormones.
When the gut is out of balance, it can disrupt hormone production, leading to a variety of issues such as irregular menstrual cycles, low libido, fatigue, mood swings, and even conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid imbalances. A healthy digestive system is essential for maintaining hormonal health.
Hormonal Balance and Digestion
Hormonal fluctuations, such as changes in estrogen or progesterone, can affect digestion. Hormones like progesterone can slow down digestion, leading to constipation. Additionally, body fat can produce estrogen, and excess fat may contribute to hormonal imbalances. The digestive system not only helps absorb nutrients that are vital for hormone production but also plays a key role in eliminating excess or used hormones. A healthy gut ensures the body can maintain hormonal balance and prevent unwanted effects of imbalances.
The Role of Digestion in Hormonal Balance
The Liver’s Role
The liver is vital for producing cholesterol, which is needed to make hormones. If the liver is overworked - due to alcohol, medications, or poor diet - it may not process hormones properly. The liver also helps eliminate excess hormones, ensuring they don’t accumulate in the body.
The Intestine’s Role
The intestines absorb the nutrients that are needed to make hormones and also help eliminate excess hormones. A healthy gut barrier is essential for this process. If the gut is leaky - weak and more open intestinal wall, condition called leaky gut - toxins and hormones can leak into the bloodstream, causing inflammation and hormone imbalances.
Progesterone and Digestion
Progesterone - dominant in the luteal phase, just before the period and during pregnancy - can slow down digestion. This can lead to constipation, which can cause poor hormonal excretion and contribute to other hormonal issues.
the Microbiome and estrogen
The estrobolome is a specific group of bacteria found in the gut microbiome that plays a key role in regulating estrogen levels in the body. These bacteria are responsible for metabolizing and breaking down estrogens, including the estrogen that has already been processed by the liver.
Once the liver breaks down estrogen, some of it is sent to the intestines for elimination. However, the estrobolome can reactivate some of this broken-down estrogen, allowing it to re-enter the bloodstream and circulate through the body again. This reactivation process can influence estrogen levels, and an imbalance in the estrobolome could lead to either too much or too little estrogen in the system, potentially contributing to hormonal imbalances or conditions like estrogen dominance, which is linked to issues such as PMS, fibroids, endometriosis, and certain types of breast cancer.
A healthy gut microbiome, rich in beneficial bacteria, supports the estrobolome in maintaining balanced estrogen levels, promoting overall hormonal harmony and well-being.
Solutions for Supporting Hormonal and Gut Health
To support both your gut and hormonal health, try these simple strategies:
Eat a balanced diet that is easy to digest. Focus on whole, organic foods and avoid processed meals, fried foods, and heavy sauces
Include prebiotic and probiotic foods in your diet, such as artichokes, leeks, and lacto-fermented food, such as live yogurts, sourdough bread, olives, sauerkraut, kimchi, …
Limit alcohol intake to protect gut health
If you’re taking antibiotics, consider adding probiotics and prebiotics to help restore your gut flora
Chew your food well to support digestion
Avoid snacking between meals to give your digestive system time to rest
Support your stomach acid levels if needed, with the help of dietary changes
Manage stress with calming practices to prevent hormone imbalances
With my personalized support tailored to your unique needs, you can improve both gut health and hormonal balance, effectively reducing the risk of digestive and hormonal issues.