Gut-Hormone Axis
We know about the gut-brain axis. And the gut-kidney axis. And the gut-lung axis. But what about the gut-hormone axis??
You gut is truly like a second brain; it has so much control and influence over your body!
So, what does this all mean?
In your gastrointestinal system, we have a lot of tiny bugs (bacteria). We want these to be super diverse and get along with one another. This is called symbiosis; both the host (us) and the bugs are benefitting from this situation.
Occasionally an imbalance can occur. This is called dysbiosis. It can happen when the diversity of the bugs in our gastrointestinal system is reduced, and this can be caused by a variety of different factors.
Oestrogen (our hormone) and phytoestrogens (from soy foods) are activated by an enzyme that some of the bacteria in our gastrointestinal system secrete – beta-glucuronidase.
When oestrogen is activated, it can go and bind to receptors all over the body and do its job!
This is important if we want to have a healthy and regular menstrual cycle.
We also need to consider this when looking at conditions characterised by low oestrogen.
What happens in our gut can also have an impact on the vaginal microbiome. How? The activated oestrogen moves through the body and works on the vaginal lining. It can alter the acidity or pH, which can increase or reduce your risk of vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis.
So, less diversity of bugs, less enzymes, less oestrogen activation, less circulating oestrogen = side effects around the entire body.
Can it work the other way too?
Absolutely! Just like the gut-brain axis, the gut-hormone axis works both ways.
Out female reproductive hormones can play a role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects double the amount of women to men!
Additionally, just before our menstrual cycle begins, oestrogen rapidly drops. This can cause bowel symptoms like constipation, and increase bloating. On top of this, during our period we are more likely to experience abdominal pain and discomfort.
While we don’t have all the answers yet, it is clear that women’s reproductive hormones play a role with our gut health, especially around our periods.
Does this affect all women?
If you’re a woman and you have a gastrointestinal system, then it’s probably important to consider this relationship in your body.
However, if you have a condition where oestrogen plays a major role, you should absolutely give this some thought! This includes:
Endometriosis
PCOS
Infertility
Cardiovascular disease
Metabolic syndromes
How to keep your gut microbiome happy?
If you take antibiotics, see a dietitian about using a probiotic alongside a fibre rich diet.
Get your fibre in! Think fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, wholegrains, legumes and beans. Aim for 30 different plant foods each week!
Avoid very high protein, very high fat or high sugar diets which deprive the gut bugs of fibre, and causes more of the protein and fat-digesting bugs to grow!
Include fermented foods in your diet. Think miso, sauerkraut or kimchi, kefir, and probiotic yoghurts.
If you are doing a low FODMAP diet as part of your IBS treatment plan, ensure you are doing this as guided by a qualified FODMAP dietitian. They will help you maintain your gut microbiome diversity and health during this period.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kimberly Lush is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Nutritionist. Kimberly specialises in reproductive health, with a focus on hormonal health.
Kimberly helps people take control of their hormonal health, reproductive health and menstrual health. If you wish to get in touch, enquire to work with Kimberly and book in a FREE 15-minute discovery call!