Hormones regulate many essential processes throughout the body, including metabolism, reproduction, mood and skin health. One hormone that plays a particularly important role in women’s health is oestrogen.
In recent years, scientists have discovered that certain bacteria within the gut microbiome influence how oestrogen is metabolised and recycled in the body. These bacteria form what researchers call the estrobolome.
Understanding the estrobolome is helping researchers explore how the gut microbiome may influence hormonal balance, inflammation and overall health.
Founder Insight
Hanna Sillitoe first became interested in the connection between gut health and the wider body while exploring natural treatments for her chronic skin complaints. During this time she began exploring research into the gut microbiome and its influence on inflammation and immune responses.
This journey led to a deeper interest in how the microbiome influences many systems throughout the body, including hormone regulation and metabolic health.
What Is the Estrobolome?
The estrobolome refers to a group of gut bacteria capable of metabolising oestrogen within the digestive system.
After oestrogen is produced by the body, it is processed by the liver and released into the digestive tract. At this stage, certain gut bacteria produce enzymes that determine whether oestrogen is:
- broken down and excreted
- reabsorbed into circulation
This means that gut microbes help regulate how much oestrogen continues circulating in the body.
Because oestrogen plays an important role in many systems — including bone health, skin health, metabolism and cardiovascular function — researchers are increasingly interested in how the estrobolome may influence hormonal balance.
The Gut Connection
The Gut–Hormone Axis
The gut–hormone axis describes the interaction between the gut microbiome and the endocrine system.
The gut microbiome contains trillions of microbes that interact closely with immune cells, metabolic pathways and hormone signalling throughout the body.
Oestrogen metabolism
Certain bacteria in the estrobolome produce an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which helps break down oestrogen compounds within the digestive tract.
This process determines whether oestrogen is excreted from the body or reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
Microbiome diversity
A diverse microbiome generally contains a wide range of beneficial bacterial species. Reduced microbial diversity may influence how effectively the estrobolome functions.
Inflammation and hormone balance
Because the microbiome helps regulate immune responses, imbalances in gut bacteria may influence inflammatory pathways that interact with hormone signalling.
What Research Shows
Interest in the estrobolome has grown rapidly in recent years as scientists explore how gut microbes influence hormone metabolism.
Research findings include:
• Microbiome influence on oestrogen metabolism – Studies have identified specific gut bacteria capable of metabolising oestrogen within the digestive system.
• The estrobolome and hormone circulation – Research suggests that gut bacteria influence how oestrogen is recycled within the body.
• Microbiome diversity and hormone balance – Reduced microbiome diversity may influence oestrogen metabolism and hormone signalling.
• Links to metabolic and inflammatory health – Because oestrogen interacts with immune and metabolic pathways, the estrobolome may influence broader aspects of health.
Although research into the estrobolome is still developing, these findings highlight the growing scientific interest in how gut bacteria may influence hormone regulation.
Sources
Plottel CS & Blaser MJ. Microbiome and estrogen metabolism: the estrobolome. Cell Host & Microbe, 2011.
Baker JM et al. Estrogen–gut microbiome axis: physiological and clinical implications. Maturitas, 2017.
Kwa M et al. The intestinal microbiome and estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2016.
Fuhrman BJ et al. Associations of the fecal microbiome with urinary estrogens and estrogen metabolites. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2014.
Supporting the Microbiome
Maintaining a healthy and diverse microbiome may help support many systems in the body, including hormone metabolism.
Eat a diverse range of plant foods
Plant diversity provides fibre and nutrients that nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Increase fibre intake
Fibre helps fuel gut microbes that produce compounds important for gut barrier function and immune balance.
Include fermented foods
Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir contain naturally occurring microorganisms that may support microbiome diversity.
Maintain healthy lifestyle habits
Sleep, physical activity and stress management can influence microbiome balance and metabolic health.
Consider probiotic support
Some people choose probiotics to help support microbiome diversity and maintain a balanced gut environment.
Common Questions About the Estrobolome
What is the estrobolome?
The estrobolome refers to gut bacteria involved in metabolising oestrogen within the digestive system.
Why is the estrobolome important?
Because it influences how oestrogen is processed and recycled in the body, potentially affecting hormone balance.
Can gut health affect oestrogen levels?
Emerging research suggests the gut microbiome may influence how oestrogen circulates in the body through its role in hormone metabolism.
Conclusion
The discovery of the estrobolome highlights the complex relationship between the gut microbiome and hormone regulation. Scientists are increasingly exploring how gut bacteria influence the metabolism and circulation of oestrogen within the body.
Although research is still developing, maintaining a healthy and diverse microbiome may play an important role in supporting hormonal balance and overall wellbeing.
Understanding the connection between gut bacteria and hormone metabolism offers new insights into how internal systems interact to influence health.
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 and how it supports gut health.