Gut health and hormones
If you are struggling with Endometriosis or you’re perimenopausal… you must keep reading.
You might not make the connection between your gut symptoms and your hormones but the research is showing they are very much related!
One of the most common systems that are impacted in both menopause and Endo is the gut, and for many of my patients struggling with hormonal imbalances, their gut symptoms flare up with their hormone fluctuations.
In one study, Japanese researchers found a particular bacterial overgrowth in the gut was directly linked to pelvic bacteria and inflammation in endometriosis patients.
So how does gut health impact hormones?
Gut health and hormones are closely interconnected and can influence each other in several ways. The gut, specifically the gastrointestinal tract, plays a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and the elimination of waste from the body. It is also home to trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiota, which have a profound impact on overall health, including hormonal balance.
Here are some key points to understand the relationship between gut health and hormones:
Gut microbiota and hormone production: The gut microbiota help produce certain hormones, such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are involved in mood regulation, stress response, and overall well-being. Imbalances in the gut microbiota composition can affect the production and availability of these hormones, potentially leading to mood disorders, anxiety, and other hormonal imbalances.
Gut hormones and appetite regulation: The gut produces several hormones, including ghrelin, leptin, and peptide YY, which regulate appetite and satiety. These hormones signal the brain when we're hungry or full. An imbalance in these hormones can contribute to overeating, weight gain, and metabolic disorders.
Gut health and estrogen metabolism: Estrogen, a hormone predominantly associated with reproductive functions, can be metabolised in the gut. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in this process. An unhealthy gut environment can affect estrogen metabolism, increasing or decreasing estrogen levels. Imbalances in estrogen can impact menstrual cycles fertility, and contribute to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.
Gut inflammation and hormonal disruption: A disrupted gut barrier, also known as "leaky gut," can lead to chronic inflammation in the gut. This inflammation can trigger an immune response and affect hormonal balance. Chronic inflammation can interfere with hormone production, leading to conditions like adrenal insufficiency, thyroid disorders, or insulin resistance.
Stress, gut health, and hormones: Stress can significantly impact gut health and hormone regulation. When stressed, the body releases cortisol, known as the "stress hormone," which can affect gut motility, increase intestinal permeability, and disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. These changes in the gut can, in turn, affect hormone production and lead to further stress-related issues.
To maintain a healthy gut and hormonal balance, it is important to prioritize a nutritious diet, rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics. Remember, with probiotics, different strains are required for different purposes in the gut, so it is very helpful to get specific and individualised advice on the right probiotic for you! This is where a naturopath can really support you.
Consider having a microbiome test done… while it is an additional expense I commonly run these in my naturopathic clinic. The insights are very useful in the longer-term management of hormonal issues. If you’ve had long-term constipation or bloating you may be harbouring a pathogen in your gut that you’re completely unaware of. This pathogenic overgrowth may lead to a high level of inflammation and further disruption in both your gut health and hormonal state.
Regular exercise, stress management techniques, and adequate sleep also contribute to overall gut health and hormonal well-being. If you suspect any significant gut or hormonal issues, it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to book yourself in for a complementary 15-minute call below, I look forward to speaking to you soon.