Hormones play an essential role in regulating many processes in the body, including metabolism, mood, reproduction and energy levels. While hormones are produced by glands within the endocrine system, growing research suggests that the gut microbiome may also influence hormone regulation.
Scientists are increasingly exploring the relationship between gut bacteria, inflammation and hormone metabolism. This interaction between the gut microbiome and the endocrine system is often referred to as the gut–hormone axis.
Understanding this connection may help explain how supporting gut health could influence hormonal balance and overall wellbeing.
Founder Insight
Hanna Sillitoe first became interested in the connection between gut health and the wider body while recovering from severe psoriasis. During this time she began exploring research into the microbiome and its influence on inflammation, immunity and overall health.
This experience sparked a long-standing interest in the role of the gut microbiome in regulating processes throughout the body, including hormonal balance.
What Is the Gut–Hormone Axis?
The gut–hormone axis describes the relationship between the gut microbiome and the endocrine system, which produces and regulates hormones.
The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms that live within the digestive system. These microbes interact with many systems throughout the body, including immune cells, metabolic pathways and hormone signalling.
Researchers have discovered that certain gut bacteria can influence how hormones are produced, metabolised and recycled within the body.
Because hormones regulate many essential functions, scientists are increasingly exploring how microbiome balance may influence hormonal health.
The Gut Connection
Microbiome and hormone metabolism
Certain gut bacteria help break down and metabolise hormones within the digestive system. This process can influence how hormones circulate within the body.
The estrobolome
One important group of gut bacteria known as the estrobolome plays a role in metabolising oestrogen. These microbes influence how oestrogen is processed and recycled within the body.
Immune regulation
The microbiome interacts closely with immune cells, helping regulate inflammation throughout the body. Because inflammation can influence hormonal signalling, microbiome balance may affect hormone regulation.
Metabolic signalling
Gut microbes also influence metabolic pathways involved in insulin sensitivity, appetite regulation and energy balance.
What Research Shows
Interest in the gut–hormone axis has grown significantly in recent years.
Research suggests:
• Gut bacteria may influence how hormones are metabolised and recycled in the body
• Microbiome diversity may play a role in metabolic and hormonal balance
• Certain microbes influence oestrogen metabolism through the estrobolome
• Inflammation linked to microbiome imbalance may influence hormone signalling
Although research is still developing, these findings highlight the growing interest in how microbiome balance may influence hormonal health.
Sources
Baker JM et al. The role of the microbiome in endocrine function. Endocrine Reviews.
Plottel CS & Blaser MJ. The microbiome and estrogen metabolism. Cell Host & Microbe.
Supporting the Microbiome
Healthy microbiome diversity may support many systems throughout the body.
Eat diverse plant foods
Plant diversity helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Increase fibre intake
Fibre provides fuel for microbes that produce beneficial compounds.
Include fermented foods
Fermented foods contain naturally occurring microorganisms.
Maintain healthy lifestyle habits
Sleep, stress levels and exercise all influence microbiome balance.
Consider probiotic support
Some people choose probiotics to help support microbiome diversity.
Common Questions
Can gut health affect hormones?
Emerging research suggests the microbiome may influence hormone metabolism and immune regulation.
What is the estrobolome?
The estrobolome refers to gut bacteria involved in oestrogen metabolism.
Can probiotics affect hormones?
Scientists are investigating how probiotics may influence microbiome balance and hormone signalling.
Conclusion
The relationship between the microbiome and hormonal health is an exciting and rapidly developing area of research. Scientists are increasingly exploring how gut bacteria may influence hormone metabolism, inflammation and immune signalling.
Supporting a healthy and diverse microbiome may therefore play a role in maintaining overall hormonal balance and wellbeing.
Some people choose to support their microbiome with probiotics — live cultures designed to help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Learn more about our Multi-Strain Biotic.