Oestrogen, intestinal flora and estrobolome: hormones and digestion

Oestrogen, intestinal flora and estrobolome: hormones and digestion

Oestrogen is not a single hormone, but a group of steroid hormones. The most important oestrogens include oestradiol, Oestrone and Oestriol. They play a central role in the female cycle, in fertility, in pregnancy, but also in bones, blood vessels, skin, brain and metabolism.

Oestrogens are not only found in women. Men also produce small amounts of these hormones. The decisive factor is not only how much oestrogen is produced, but also how it is metabolised in the body, excreted and partially reabsorbed.

This is where the connection between Oestrogen, intestinal flora, liver, bile, digestion, dietary fibre and a healthy diet interesting. This is because certain intestinal bacteria can be involved in the conversion and reabsorption of oestrogens. This functional area is often referred to as Estrobolom labelled.

What are oestrogens?

Oestrogens are steroid hormones. They are primarily associated with the female hormone balance, but also play a role in men.

The three most important natural oestrogens are

• oestradiolparticularly important for sexually mature women before the menopause
• OestroneGains in importance after the menopause
• Oestriol: particularly relevant during pregnancy

Oestrogens are involved in the development of female sexual characteristics, the menstrual cycle, bone health, blood vessels, skin, brain and various metabolic processes, among other things.

Where are oestrogens produced?

Oestrogens are mainly produced in the ovaries. The placenta also plays an important role during pregnancy.

Other tissues can also contribute to oestrogen production, including:

• Adrenal glands
• Fatty tissue
• Testicles
• Liver to a small extent
• Various peripheral tissues

After the menopause, oestrogen production in the ovaries decreases. Production in other tissues, especially fatty tissue, then becomes relatively more important.

Oestrogens in men

Men also produce oestrogens. Although in smaller quantities than women, they still have important functions.

In men, oestrogens are considered in connection with sperm maturation, bone metabolism, vascular function, fat metabolism and brain function, among other things.

This shows that oestrogen is not just a „women's hormone”, but an important signalling hormone for both sexes.

How do oestrogens work?

Oestrogens can bind to special receptors. These oestrogen receptors are located in various tissues.

When oestrogens bind to receptors, they can influence the activity of certain genes and cell processes. As a result, they not only affect the reproductive organs, but also the bones, blood vessels, skin, brain and metabolism.

The effect depends on the amount of hormone, receptors, tissue, phase of life and metabolic state.

How are oestrogens broken down?

The liver plays an important role in oestrogen metabolism. It chemically modifies oestrogens so that they can be better excreted.

Some of the metabolised oestrogens are released into the intestine via the bile. From there they can be excreted in the faeces.

However, some of it can be converted back into a form that can be reabsorbed by bacterial enzymes in the intestine. This is where the intestinal flora becomes relevant.

The connection between intestinal flora and oestrogen

The gut microbiome consists of many different microorganisms. It influences digestion, fermentation, metabolic products and various signalling pathways.

In connection with oestrogen, the so-called Estrobolom mentioned. This refers to the entirety of intestinal bacteria and bacterial functions that may be involved in oestrogen metabolism.

Particularly important here is the enzyme β-glucuronidase. Some intestinal bacteria can produce this enzyme. It can deconjugate conjugated oestrogens so that they can potentially be reabsorbed.

What is the Estrobolom?

The estrobolome describes bacterial functions in the intestine that are associated with oestrogen metabolism.

When the liver processes oestrogens and releases them into the intestine via the bile, they can normally be excreted. However, certain intestinal bacteria can contribute to the conversion of oestrogens back into a more active form through β-glucuronidase activity.

This can influence the reuptake of oestrogens. This connection is being discussed intensively in research.

Intestinal flora, dysbiosis and hormonal balance

A balanced intestinal flora is often referred to as eubiosis. An unfavourably shifted intestinal environment is called dysbiosis.

In connection with oestrogen, it is being discussed that changes in the microbiome can also influence the activity of bacterial enzymes such as β-glucuronidase.

However, it would be too direct to characterise dysbiosis as the most common cause of excess oestrogen. Hormonal balance is complex and depends on many factors: Ovaries, liver, fatty tissue, stress, stage of life, medication, diet, intestinal flora, body weight and individual metabolic status.

Oestrogen deficiency and excess oestrogen

Both low and high oestrogen levels can be associated with symptoms. However, they should be categorised by a doctor, especially if there are cycle disorders, severe symptoms, menopausal symptoms, fertility issues or hormonal diseases.

Possible signs of hormonal changes can be

• Cycle fluctuations
• Hot flushes
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings
• Sleep problems
• Skin changes
• Weight changes
• Water retention

These symptoms are non-specific. They can have many causes and should be clarified by a specialist if they persist.

Liver, gall bladder and oestrogen metabolism

The liver processes oestrogens and other steroid hormones. Metabolic products can then be released into the intestine via the bile.

This is why the connection between the liver, bile, gut and microbiome is particularly interesting when it comes to oestrogen metabolism.

A healthy diet with sufficient fibre, natural foods and as few highly processed products as possible fits in well with this topic.

Dietary fibre and oestrogen metabolism

Dietary fibre play an important role in digestion and intestinal flora. They can increase stool volume, support intestinal activity and are the nutritional basis for certain intestinal bacteria.

In connection with oestrogen, dietary fibres are interesting because they can accompany digestion and excretion via the intestines.

Particularly soluble and fermentable dietary fibres such as Inulin and pectin are often considered in connection with intestinal flora, fermentation and short-chain fatty acids.

The role of short-chain fatty acids

When intestinal bacteria utilise fermentable dietary fibre, they can short-chain fatty acids arise. These include

• Acetate
• Propionate
• Butyrate

These metabolic products are considered in connection with the intestinal environment, mucous membrane, metabolism, immune regulation and digestion.

Which short-chain fatty acids are produced depends on the diet, the intestinal bacteria present and the type of fibre.

Inulin, pectin and estrobolom

Inulin is a soluble prebiotic fibre. Pectin is a soluble dietary fibre that is found in fruit and can form a gel-like structure with water.

Both fibres are often considered in connection with intestinal flora and fermentation.

In the context of oestrogen, this is interesting because a fibre-conscious diet is compatible with general intestinal health and digestive quality. However, this should not be taken to mean that it has a direct effect on hormones.

Healthy nutrition for intestinal flora and hormonal balance

If you want to support your own hormone metabolism, you should not just look at individual substances. It makes sense to take a holistic view of nutrition, digestion, stress, sleep, exercise and body weight.

A gut and hormone-conscious diet can look like this, for example:

• More vegetables and plant diversity
• Sufficient fibre
• Soluble fibre such as inulin and pectin
• less processed food
• Less sugar and refined carbohydrates
• High-quality protein sources
• Sufficient fluids
• Individually customised meals

Fulvicherb Synergy in connection with oestrogen and intestinal flora

Fulvicherb Synergy combines fulvic acid, arginine, inulin, pectin, niacinamide, natural unrefined rock salt, sunflower lecithin and selected herbs in a liquid formula.

The recipe is thematically suited to people who are concerned with intestinal flora, digestion, dietary fibre, natural ingredients and healthy nutrition.

The combination of prebiotic fibres, herbs and micronutrients is particularly interesting in connection with oestrogen metabolism, liver, gall bladder and intestines. However, Fulvicherb Synergy does not replace hormonal diagnostics or medical treatment.

Apple pectin with inulin as a targeted fibre supplement

If you want to focus particularly on fibre, you can Apple pectin with inulin into consideration.

This combination brings together two soluble fibres that are often associated with intestinal flora, fermentation and digestion.

The same applies here: start slowly, drink enough and consider your individual tolerance.

Frequently asked questions about oestrogen and intestinal flora

What is oestrogen?

Oestrogen is a group of steroid hormones. The most important forms include oestradiol, oestrone and oestriol.

Where are oestrogens produced?

Oestrogens are primarily produced in the ovaries. Other production sites are the placenta, testicles, adrenal glands, fatty tissue and other peripheral tissues.

What is the Estrobolom?

The estrobolome describes bacterial functions in the gut that may be involved in oestrogen metabolism, particularly via β-glucuronidase activity.

What does β-glucuronidase do?

β-glucuronidase is an enzyme that can deconjugate conjugated oestrogens. This means that oestrogens can potentially be reabsorbed.

Can the intestinal flora influence oestrogen levels?

The intestinal flora can be involved in oestrogen metabolism via bacterial enzyme activity. However, the hormone balance depends on many factors and should be clarified medically in the event of symptoms.

Are inulin and pectin good for the intestinal flora?

Inulin and pectin are soluble dietary fibres and are often considered in connection with intestinal flora, fermentation and short-chain fatty acids.

Can inulin regulate hormones?

Direct hormone promises would be too strong. However, inulin can fit in with a fibre-conscious diet that takes intestinal flora and digestion into account.

When should you have hormonal complaints checked?

Medical advice should be sought in the event of severe cycle disorders, unusual bleeding, the desire to have children, menopausal symptoms, pain or suspected hormonal disorders.

Conclusion: Do not consider oestrogen in isolation

Oestrogen is an important part of the hormone system. Its formation, effect, breakdown and excretion are linked to many factors: Ovaries, liver, bile, fatty tissue, intestinal flora, phase of life, diet and metabolism.

The connection between intestinal flora and oestrogen metabolism via the estrobolome and β-glucuronidase is particularly exciting. These connections show why digestion, fibre and a healthy diet can also play a role in hormonal issues.

Apple pectin with inulin, Pure apple fibre and Fulvicherb Synergy can naturally fit into a conscious nutritional concept - especially for people who want to pay more attention to intestinal flora, digestion, fibre and natural ingredients.