The Estrobolome: Your Gut’s Secret to Hormone Balance
Ever heard of the Estrobolome? ( Also known as Oestrobolome)
If not, you're not alone—but this little-known part of your gut could be the key to keeping your hormones in check. The Estrobolome is a collection of gut bacteria that plays a huge role in managing circulating oestrogen levels, which are crucial for everything from your mood, energy levels and your menstrual cycle.
What Exactly is the Estrobolome?
The Estrobolome is a collection of gut bacteria that specialise in processing estrogens, the key hormones that influence many aspects of a woman’s health. When your liver sends these hormones to the gut for disposal, the Estrobolome influences whether they are flushed out or reactivated, sending them back into circulation. This balance is crucial—too much oestrogen and you might experience symptoms like bloating, mood swings, or heavy periods.
When your Estrobolome is balanced, it helps maintain the right levels of estrogen, keeping your body and mind in harmony.
How Does the Estrobolome Affect Your Hormones?
Oestrogen Overload: If your Estrobolome is a bit too active, it can lead to higher oestrogen levels than your body needs. This can cause heavy periods, PMS, weight gain, and health conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids and may also increase your risk of breast cancer.
How to Support Your Estrobolome for Better Hormone Health
Keeping your Estrobolome happy is key to maintaining hormone balance. Here’s how you can do it:
Eat Well: Load up on fibre-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains. These help your gut process and eliminate excess hormones. Plus, a diverse diet full of plant foods includes a range of prebiotic fibres that feeds your gut’s good bacteria.
Manage Stress: Stress can wreak havoc on your gut, including your Estrobolome. Practice stress-relief techniques like yoga, meditation, or simply taking a walk in nature to help keep your gut (and your hormones) happy. Specific herbal medicines that support the nervous system and improve resilience to stress can also help.
Minimise Antibiotic Use and Toxins: While antibiotics can be lifesaving, they can also disrupt your gut bacteria. Try to avoid unnecessary antibiotics and reduce exposure to environmental toxins by choosing organic foods when possible and avoiding plastics.
Support Your Liver: Since your liver and Estrobolome work together to manage oestrogen, eating liver-friendly foods like leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, beetroot, and turmeric can support your liver detoxification capacity.
Probiotic helpers: A good quality probiotic supplement can play a supporting role in your Estrobolome function and keep it in balance. If you don’t experience any issues with histamine intolerance, adding some fermented foods to your diet, like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, will all help to support a healthy gut ecosystem.
The Bottom Line
The Estrobolome may be a little-known part of your gut health, but it plays an important role in keeping your hormones balanced. By taking care of your gut and supporting this important group of bacteria, you can maintain a healthy hormonal balance and feel at your best.