Your gut and your hormones may seem like two separate worlds at first glance, but they are much more closely linked than you think. If you suffer from mood swings, fatigue, a bloated belly or a disturbed cycle, it is quite possible that those symptoms are not only hormonal, but also originate from your gut. In this blog, we explain to you exactly how it is, and what you can do to support your hormones via your gut as well.
What do your bowels have to do with your hormones?
Your intestines are an important communication center in your body. Inside the intestinal wall are millions of nerve cells (called the enteric nervous system) that constantly exchange signals with your brain as well as your endocrine system.
But it goes beyond communication alone:
● Your gut also produces its own hormones and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin (your "happiness hormone").
● Your liver and intestines work together to break down and dispose of used hormones (such as estrogen).
● Your gut flora (the bacteria that live in your intestines) affect inflammation levels, your blood sugar and even your cycle.
The estrogen-gut link: what is the "estroboloma"?
One of the most fascinating connections between your gut and hormones is the estrobolome: a specific collection of gut bacteria responsible for the metabolism of estrogen.
When your body produces estrogen, after use, this hormone is converted to an inactive form through the liver and excreted into the intestines. There, the estrobolome comes into action. The bacteria in this group make enzymes, such as β-glucuronidase, that can determine whether this estrogen is excreted through the stool or instead is reactivated and reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.
When your gut microbiome is healthy, this process runs smoothly. But if there is dysbiosis (an imbalance in your gut microbiome), the estrobiome can become overactive. That means too much estrogen is reabsorbed into your body, which can lead to hormonal symptoms such as:
● Severe or prolonged menstrual periods
● Sensitive or painful breasts
● Headache or migraine
● Irritability or mood swings
● Weight gain around hips and abdomen
So a healthy gut flora, and a properly functioning estrobolome, is essential for the elimination of excess estrogen and a healthy hormone balance.
How can you support your gut?
There are many ways to improve your gut health, such as:
1. Eat varied and high in fiber
Think vegetables, fruits and legumes. These feed the "good" bacteria and provide more diversity in your microbiome.
2. Choose fermented products more often
Sauerkraut, pickles, kombucha and kefir contain live bacteria (probiotics) that strengthen your gut flora.
3. Limit artificial sweeteners
Sweeteners such as aspartame can stimulate the growth of harmful bacteria. Rather, choose natural alternatives or omit sweet as much as possible.
4. Add prebiotic foods
Dietary fiber from banana, artichoke, asparagus, oats and apple, among others, feeds healthy bacteria.
5. Eat polyphenols
Green tea, olive oil, berries and dark chocolate contain polyphenols that stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria.
Get insight into your gut health with a comprehensive gut examination
Would you like to literally take a look inside your gut? With our comprehensive colonoscopy you receive a stool test that you can take yourself at home, in complete privacy.
In the lab, your sample is then examined for such things as the diversity of your gut bacteria, presence of yeasts and fungi, inflammatory markers, digestive capacity and immune activity in the gut.
You will receive a clear report and personal advice from one of our therapists. This will not only give you insight, but also practical tools to improve your gut health in a natural way. Make an appointment here
Summary
Your hormones and gut are inextricably linked. If you really want to get to the root of your hormonal symptoms, your gut health shouldn't be missing from the picture. Whether it's mood swings, menstrual complaints or bloating, your gut often plays a bigger role than you think. Support your gut flora with the right diet, lifestyle and consider a comprehensive gut exam to target your symptoms.
