Recent research is revealing just how closely connected gut health is to hormonal balance, especially in women. The gut microbiome, made up of trillions of bacteria, plays a key role in regulating estrogen levels throughout all stages of life.
What Is the Estrobolome?
The estrobolome refers to certain gut bacteria that help process estrogen using enzymes like β-glucuronidase. Estrogen, produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat tissue, is usually excreted in a conjugated (inactive) form. But the estrobolome can reactivate it, allowing estrogen to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
This process is heavily influenced by diet and the overall health of your gut microbiome.
Why It Matters
A healthy gut microbiome means a healthy estrobolome, which helps keep estrogen levels balanced. If your gut bacteria are out of sync—due to stress, poor diet, or antibiotics—it can lead to too much or too little estrogen in circulation, affecting everything from mood to menstrual cycles.