Gut health and hormones: how the microbiome shapes women's wellbeing

Hormones form a vital part of every stage of a woman’s life, from puberty to menopause and beyond. Research highlights that women are underrepresented in clinical trials, leading to a lack of understanding of how women’s health differs from men’s.

A whopping 80% of women will experience hormone imbalances,¹ emphasising the need for a greater understanding when it comes to women’s hormonal health!

Women are more prone to conditions such as anxiety, autoimmune diseases, reproductive disorders, and musculoskeletal issues. Experiences that affect women, such as pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause, are increasingly being linked to gut health.

The gut microbiome and women’s health

Growing evidence suggests that gut microbiota play a significant role in the reproductive endocrine system throughout a woman’s life, with gut microbial β-glucuronidase (gmGUS) essential for regulating oestrogen metabolism. Oestrogen levels influence the composition and diversity of the gut bacteria. Research suggests that gmGUS could be a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of oestrogen-related diseases.²

Studies indicate that female sex hormones impact microbiota composition and probiotics can help maintain reproductive health. Some bacterial strains, specifically Lactobacillus strains, have been shown to prevent the recurrence of UTIs (urinary tract infections) and bacterial vaginosis.³ Research on PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) patients found increased levels of Streptococcus and Escherichia-Shigella bacteria compared to those without the condition. Akkermansia, which helps to support energy metabolism and glucose metabolism, was found in lower amounts in women with PCOS.

Researchers found that gut bacteria produce a derivative of progesterone, also known as allopregnanolone. This was found in significantly higher amounts during the third trimester of pregnancy. They linked lower levels of allopregnanolone to postpartum depression, amongst other mood disorders. Findings of this study suggest that gut bacteria contribute to allopregnanolone production during pregnancy.⁴

What is the estrobolome?

The estrobolome is a group of gut bacteria that play a key role in metabolising oestrogen. These bacteria help regulate oestrogen levels by ensuring it’s properly processed and excreted. When the gut microbiome is out of balance, oestrogen can build up or become deficient, contributing to conditions like PCOS, endometriosis and menopausal symptoms.⁵

Imagine your gut as an ocean where hormones must move freely. If that ocean is polluted with inflammation and toxins, communication between hormones breaks down. This is why gut health is foundational to hormone balance. Simply taking supplements won’t be effective if your gut is unhealthy.

How your gut is linked to hormones

An imbalanced microbiome increases inflammation, making it harder for hormones to function properly. Stress, toxins, and processed foods all contribute to this imbalance.

The gut plays a crucial role in absorbing nutrients required for hormone production. If gut health is compromised, nutrients aren’t efficiently absorbed, which means even the best diet or supplements won’t have their full effect.

Oestrogen is processed in the liver and eliminated through the gut. If gut bacteria are imbalanced oestrogen can be reabsorbed into the body instead of being excreted. This can lead to oestrogen dominance, contributing to conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, and hormonal imbalances. It can place additional strain on the liver, making it harder for the body to detoxify other toxins.

Top tips for supporting gut and hormonal health

Fibre is required to feed good gut bugs. It can also help to remove excess oestrogen from the body.
Avoid processed foods or more specifically ultra processed foods, as these can negatively affect the gut microbiome.
Ensure your diet contains probiotics by consuming fermented foods.
Manage your stress levels – chronic stress can negatively impact gut bacteria and increase inflammation, which in turn disrupts hormone regulation.
Try to avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals, as these can interfere with hormones, often found in plastics, personal care products and fragranced products.⁶
Good sleep quality is necessary for the regulation of hormones and to maintain a healthy microbiome.
Support your liver! You can help your liver by staying hydrated, reducing your toxic load, and by eating liver-supporting foods.