Did you know that the gastrointestinal tract harbors more than 500 different bacterial species? From your stomach to your colon is a complex microbial ecosystem responsible for a host of metabolic processes including food metabolism, neurotransmitter formation, and immune system modulation. This bacterial microenvironment can be influenced by genetics, diet, alcohol intake, environmental exposures, pathogens, stress, inflammation, and medications (especially antibiotics).
Of particular importance in the GI microbiome is something called the ‘estrobolome’, defined as “the aggregate of enteric bacterial genes whose products are capable of metabolizing estrogens.”
The Influence of the Estrobolome on Estrogen
It is vital for the body to produce and release estrogens, but also to appropriately metabolize and eliminate them. Estrogens are produced primarily in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and adipose tissue and their levels are tightly monitored by the brain via feedback loops. Estrogens are excreted in urine or in bile through feces. But, during the latter elimination process, the gut estrobolome can exert effects which reverse the excretion course and cause estrogen to effectively be reabsorbed back into circulation.
Reabsorption of estrogen can lead to irregular cycles, infertility, increased risk of certain cancers, and symptoms falling into a category known as “estrogen dominance.” Women who experience cycles with heavy bleeding, tender breasts, weight gain, hair loss, mood swings, or insomnia may have these symptoms due to their inability to adequately remove estrogen from their system.
How Do I Know if I’m Properly Detoxifying Estrogen?
Laboratory testing can reveal physiological patterns relating to improper detoxification, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis, as well as the specific metabolic pathways estrogen and its metabolites proceed through. Testing and interpretation allow for accurate determination of dysfunctional processes and proper treatment.
Gut health and hormone health can be greatly helped by functional medicine. We can help you get to the root cause of your symptoms and help you feel so much better. If you’re interested in learning more about testing, please call 952-949-0676 to schedule an appointment or phone consultation with Dr. Kassie, a functional medicine doctor who specializes in hormones and gut health in Eden Prairie.
