At The Devon Allergy and Digestive Health Clinic, we recognise the crucial role of gut health in balancing hormones. While many people associate hormonal changes primarily with puberty, menstruation, or menopause, hormones impact every stage of life, regulating everything from mood to metabolism. What might surprise you is the influence your gut has on hormone regulation, and why supporting your gut can be key to optimal health.

Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria, forming the gut microbiome, which plays an essential role in hormone production and breakdown. When the gut is healthy, beneficial bacteria thrive, producing metabolites that support hormone synthesis and balance. For instance, estrogen, one of the primary female hormones, relies on the gut’s ability to break it down and remove excess amounts from the body. If the gut microbiome is imbalanced (a condition called dysbiosis), estrogen can be reabsorbed rather than excreted, leading to estrogen dominance, which can contribute to PMS symptoms, bloating, fatigue, and even weight gain.

Additionally, cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, is linked to gut health. Chronic stress can impair gut function and compromise its lining, leading to inflammation that triggers cortisol production. This ongoing stress can impact the gut microbiome, creating a feedback loop that leads to further hormonal imbalances, including disruptions in insulin, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones.

Supporting gut health through a balanced diet rich in fibre, prebiotics, and probiotics can help promote a healthy microbiome, leading to improved hormonal balance. At The Devon Allergy and Digestive Health Clinic, we offer personalized guidance to help restore gut health and support overall hormonal wellness. If you suspect your gut may be affecting your hormones, consider speaking with me.