How does gut health affect hormones?
TL;DR: Gut health is foundational to hormonal balance because the microbiome plays a critical role in metabolizing and excreting hormones, particularly estrogen. When the gut is dysbiotic or the liver is sluggish, hormonal imbalances like estrogen dominance or thyroid dysfunction often follow.
"There are definitely poses that support hormonal balance and bathe the thyroid in fresh blood. Yoga and nutrition go hand in hand — especially with chronic conditions where there is often inflammation. If we can calm the inflammation, we can make everything feel better with the yoga." — Tiffany Bergin, C-IAYT, CIYT
The Estrobolome and Hormone Excretion
The microbiome contains a specific collection of bacteria known as the estrobolome, which is responsible for metabolizing and modulating the body's circulating estrogen. If digestion is sluggish or constipation is present, hormones that should be excreted can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream, leading to hormonal dysregulation.
Feeding the Microbiome
I like to say that you're not what you eat, but what your body can do with what you eat. Restoring the microbiome involves introducing ferments, resistant starches, and polyphenol-rich foods. Butyrate, produced by beneficial bacteria fermenting resistant starch, is like a superfood for your colon and supports systemic anti-inflammatory pathways.
The Integrated Yogic Approach
The gut-brain connection plays heavily into both digestive and hormonal issues. We soften the belly and calm the nervous system through specific pranayama and restorative asana. I address the physical pain and disturbance from a yogic perspective — choosing asana to address the pattern — and then we discuss dietary and lifestyle adjustments that may be supportive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can healing my gut help with perimenopause symptoms?
Yes. As ovarian hormone production fluctuates during perimenopause, the body relies more heavily on the adrenal glands and a healthy gut-liver axis to manage the transition. Optimizing digestion and liver detoxification can significantly reduce the severity of perimenopausal symptoms.
About the Author
Tiffany Bergin, C-IAYT, CIYT, is a certified Iyengar yoga therapist and functional nutrition practitioner. She addresses physical pain and disturbance from a yogic perspective while discussing dietary and lifestyle adjustments that may be supportive.
Learn more about Tiffany