Unravelling the Connection Between Female Hormones and the Gut Microbiome

This week we have a guest blog from Naturopath, Nutritionist and Herbalist Eloise Charleson.

The busy Subiaco clinic where Eloise works was one of our very first stockists and we are delighted to have her sharing her knowledge this week.

Eloise takes us through the connection between female hormones and the microbiome and gives us some insight into how naturopaths work with their clients.

Does Gut health influence hormones?

Most people think of estrogen and progesterone when talking about female hormones, and of probiotics when talking about gut health. When I help women recover their hormonal balance with food, nutrition and herbal medicine, addressing gut microbiome balance is an integral part of the strategy.

Natural medicine and Naturopaths have always understood that to optimise your hormonal health it is crucial to optimise your digestive health. Science is now also revealing the powerful link between the two with more research into the gut microbiome and the way it impacts our hormones.

What Is the Gut Microbiome?

The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that live in the gastrointestinal tract. These microbes help:

• Digest food

• Synthesize vitamins

• Regulate the immune system

• Protect against pathogens

But there’s more, your gut microbiome also communicates with your endocrine system, which produces and regulates hormones throughout your body.

How does the Gut Microbiome Affect Female Hormones?

It is a revelation for many of my clients to learn that they can improve their hormonal health just by making small changes in their diet. Let’s explore how the gut and female hormones are connected.

A specific part of the gut microbiome, called the estrobolome, helps metabolize oestrogen. Too much activity by a metabolite called beta-glucuronidase in the gut can increase circulating estrogen levels, leading to Oestrogen Dominance worsening symptoms like:

• PMS and painful periods

• Breast tenderness

• Mood swings

• Bloating

• Weight gain (especially around hips and thighs)

Too little gut microbial and beta-glucuronidase activity may lead to insufficient estrogen recycling and Low Oestrogen, which is especially problematic during perimenopause or menopause and can contribute to:

• Hot flushes

• Vaginal dryness

• Fatigue

• Anxiety and depression

How to Support Gut and Hormonal Health

To achieve the optimal Gut - Hormone communication I look at your health from all angles and create a tailored plan that incorporates beneficial foods and herbs.

Here are some practical first steps to support both your gut microbiome and female hormone balance:

Eat More Fibre

• Supports beneficial gut bacteria

• Promotes estrogen detox through regular bowel movements

Add Prebiotics and Probiotics

• Prebiotics (like garlic, onions, bananas) feed good bacteria

• Probiotics (like yogurt, kefir, fermented foods) replenish beneficial strains

If you have IBS, good low FODMAP prebiotic options are green bananas, kiwi fruit, berries, oats, chia seeds, and the PHGG found in Superflora Boosts and Hot Chocolates.

A beneficial strain for IBS is Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 which has been clinically demonstrated to reduce bloating. If you have IBS, opt for lactose-free fermented dairy, if lactose triggers your gut symptoms.

Support Liver Detox

• Estrogen is metabolized in the liver before reaching the gut

• Cruciferous veggies (like broccoli) support healthy estrogen metabolism

Reduce Toxin Exposure

• Avoid plastics, pesticides, and chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors

Your hormonal partner

Your gut and hormones are in constant conversation, and when one is off, the other follows. For women, maintaining a balanced gut microbiome can improve everything from menstrual regularity and mood to digestion and long-term metabolic health.

I ask my clients to think of their gut as more than their digestive system, it’s a hormonal partner, emotional barometer, and critical piece of their overall well-being.

Yours in health,

Eloise Charleson

Eloise consults from the Subiaco Naturopath Clinic on Rokeby Rd. To make a booking with Eloise phone 93811468 or click BOOK ONLINE.