Unlocking Hormone Harmony: The Power of Your Estrobolome

Did you know that the trillions of microbes in your gut don’t just help you digest food—they also play a starring role in how your body handles estrogen? Meet the estrobolome: the collection of gut bacteria and their genes that metabolise, reabsorb and eliminate estrogens. When this microscopic ecosystem is healthy, your circulating estrogen levels stay in balance. But when it’s out of whack, you can see ripple effects throughout your entire hormonal system.

What Is the Estrobolome?

Every time your liver processes oestrogens, it attaches a “tag” (a conjugate) that makes them water-soluble so they can be sent into the gut for elimination. Here’s where your estrobolome steps in: certain bacteria produce the enzyme beta-glucuronidase, which removes that tag and frees the oestrogens, allowing them either to be reabsorbed back into circulation or expelled in your stool.

 (What is Beta-glucuronidase: is an enzyme that breaks down glucuronide molecules, which are produced by the body to help eliminate toxins. It’s found in various places, including the gut, where gut bacteria produce it. Beta-glucuronidase can have both beneficial and potentially harmful effects depending on the substances it breaks down.) 

How It Works: A Balancing Act

1. Metabolism – Your estrobolome’s beta-glucuronidase breaks down oestrogen conjugates into their active forms.

2. Reabsorption vs Excretion – Once freed, those active hormones can take one of two paths:

   * Reabsorbed into the bloodstream, boosting your overall oestrogen levels.
   * Eliminated via your faeces, reducing excess estrogen.

When your estrobolome is diverse and balanced, it helps you eliminate surplus oestrogen while retaining the amount you need for healthy bodily functions.

Why It Matters for Your Health

Research links alterations in the estrobolome with:

• Hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and endometrial cancer

• Endometriosis, where oestrogen activity drives lesion growth

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), often marked by oestrogen–progesterone imbalance

A disrupted estrobolome can lead to oestrogen dominance—where too much active oestrogen lingers—contributing to mood swings, irregular cycles, weight challenges and other systemic inflammation.

5 Ways to Support Your Estrobolome

1. Diversity on Your Plate
   – Aim for at least 30 different plant foods per week (vegetables, fruits, pulses, nuts, seeds).

    

2. Fermented Foods
   – Regularly include kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi or kombucha to introduce beneficial microbes. (Note: not too much, as this is overused now – use as a condiment)

    

3. Prebiotic Fibres
   – Foods like onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus and green bananas feed your good bacteria.

    

4. Limit Antibiotic Overuse
   – While sometimes necessary, antibiotics can temporarily wipe out key estrobolome species—follow up with targeted probiotics and prebiotic foods.

Mindful Lifestyle
– Chronic stress and poor sleep disrupt gut integrity. Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep, daily movement, and stress-reduction practices like meditation or gentle yoga.  Best to be in bed by 10 pm. 

Bottom Line:

Your gut microbiome isn’t just about digestion—it’s a hormone-regulating powerhouse. By nourishing the estrobolome, you’re giving your body the tools it needs to maintain healthy oestrogen levels, support balanced cycles, and reduce the risk of hormone-driven disorders.  This is one of the reasons many women are suffering from menopause. 

Contact reception: Please reach out to us if you think this could be your issue—let’s chat about your symptoms, identify the root cause, and create a personalised plan to restore your hormonal balance.