Gut and Liver Associated Hormonal Problems
Published: January 07, 2010 Last Updated: January 21, 2024
The microflora of the gut constitutes a complex ecosystem of good and bad bugs. A simple urine test will help us identify your state of microbial ecology, which is important to know, especially when it comes to your hormonal balance.
Your flora is affected by diet, antibiotic / drug use, stress, intestinal pH, maldigestion, intestinal infection and the presence of xenobiotics (environmental chemicals such as pesticides, plastics etc, that mimic hormone activity).
Flora profoundly influences certain metabolic functions and enzyme activities, whilst having a role in stimulating normal immune responses and preventing the colonisation of pathogens; it is most importantly involved with metabolising nutrients/drugs/carcinogens and hormones.
Increased concentrations of bad bacteria in the gut produce enzymes, which can interfere with waste products that the liver excretes via bile into the gut.
Hormonal imbalances
The enzymes produced by these bad bacteria can break down bile acid waste into tumour promoters and also dismantle oestrogen metabolites into free hormones that can be released back into the bloodstream, resulting in hormonal imbalances.
High levels of circulating oestrogens are proliferative and potentially dangerous, they must be broken down and converted into soluble non-toxic by-products. This conversion primarily occurs in the liver, and these by-products then need to be excreted from the body via the kidneys and gut.
It is vital that your gut and liver function efficiently, as your hormonal balance and state of well-being requires and depends on the elimination of toxins and hormonal metabolites.
