Estrobolome and Hormonal Health
The estrobolome is a term that refers to the collection of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, that are involved in the metabolism and processing of oestrogen in the body. These microorganisms interact with oestrogen molecules, influencing their metabolism and bioavailability. These gut bacteria can either promote the production of beneficial metabolites or produce harmful byproducts.
This is an exciting and emerging area of research. Early research indicates that the following species (many are assessed in the GI Map test, a faecal test frequently used at The Gut Clinic) may be involved in oestrogen levels and metabolism:
Lactobacillus species: Lactobacilli are commonly found in the gut and are known to have various beneficial effects, including their potential role in oestrogen metabolism.
Bacteroides species: Bacteroides are a diverse group of bacteria found in the gut, and certain species have been implicated in oestrogen metabolism.
Escherichia coli: E. coli is a common gut bacterium that has been found to possess enzymes involved in oestrogen metabolism.
Clostridium species: Certain species of Clostridium, such as Clostridium leptum and Clostridium scindens, have been associated witho estrogen metabolism.
Ruminococcus species: Some Ruminococcus species have been shown to influence oestrogen levels in the gut.
One theory of action of the estrobolome is the microbe-producing enzyme β-glucuronidase. (Another marker in the GI Map test.) Lower levels of microbes that produce this important enzyme allow for higher levels of circulating oestrogen in the body. This impact may be a factor in conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis.
Lower levels of oestrogen, caused by high levels of β-glucuronidase in this case, maybe a factor in low oestrogen states such as PCOS, obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Both high and low β-glucuronidase production can influence the already chaotic levels of oestrogen experienced in perimenopause.
In addition to β-glucuronidase, gut inflammation can cause dysbiosis, specifically an increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the two main families of gut bacteria that make up your gut microbiome. A high Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (as assessed by the GI Map) results in an increase in circulating oestrogen. This may be beneficial in the later stages of perimenopause characterised by low levels of oestrogen but detrimental in the early stages. Regardless, a high Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes is usually indicative of gut inflammation so best to address this imbalance.
So what can you do to improve your estrobolome? Consume the following to increase the diversity and resilience of your gut bacteria generally:
Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, yoghurt (natural, pot-set, unsweetened) and kvass help to rebalance gut bacteria and increase diversity.
Probiotics strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus can help decrease bacteria that produce beta-glucuronidase.
Prebiotic foods feed beneficial bacteria. These include dark chocolate, green tea, asparagus, garlic, and banana to name a few.
Foods high in dietary fibre (lentils, chickpeas, beans, carrots, beets, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, leafy green vegetables, artichoke, ) support healthy gut bacteria and lead to more balanced levels of estrogen.
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale, which are cruciferous vegetables, play a beneficial role in regulating the growth of commensal (healthy) gut bacteria, providing fibre, and promoting the healthy detoxification of hormones like estrogen
Therefore, your gut health is one of the many factors that can influence how you experience and transition through perimenopause to menopause.