Digestive problems lead to five major hormone-disrupting issues: lack of micronutrient absorption, imbalanced gut bacteria responsible for metabolizing estrogen, elevated cortisol levels, chronic inflammation of hormone receptors, and compromised serotonin production.
Lack of Micronutrient Absorption
A lack of micronutrient absorption starves hormone-producing glands such as the thyroid, ovaries, and adrenals that need sufficient nutrients to function properly. For example, the thyroid needs sufficient amounts of selenium, iron, and vitamin B12 to convert the inactive T4 hormone into the active T3 hormone, a hormone essential for proper cell function. these nutrients can be found in food or supplements. People who suffer from chronic digestive issues often have a compromised lining of the small intestine which can prevent nutrients from being absorbed into the body. This explains why, despite taking so many supplements, many individuals are still nutrient-deficient and feel depleted.
Imbalanced Gut Bacteria
The subset of gut bacteria responsible for metabolizing estrogens are known as the 'estrobolome.' The latest medical research connects the health of these little bugs in your intestine the state of your hormones. When there are imbalances in the estrobolome, estrogen isn't metabolized properly, resulting in elevated estrogen levels. Too much estroegen or too much of teh harmful estrogen metabolites has been linked by researchers and doctors to the development of cancers in the breasts, ovaries, uterus, thyroid, and even lungs in nonsmokers. High estrogen levels can also be the cause of breast and thyroid lumps, fibroids, and ovarian cysts.
Elevated Cortisol Levels
Our bodies perceive digestive difficulties as a form of stress. They do not differentiate between stresses caused by emotional, physical, or digestive triggers like food intolerances. Stress is stress. Eating foods that you are unable to digest causes inflammation that you may experience as bloating or indigestion. In response, our adrenals release cortisol to cope with the stress. Elevated cortisol levels contribute to adrenal fatigue, which can have a cascading effect on your thyroid hormones and your levels of progesterone.
Chronic Inflammation of Hormone Receptors
Chronic digestive distress leads to chronic inflammation. Under normal circumstances, inflammation is temporary and helps teh body rebound from injury or fight off infections. Chronic inflammation is long-lasting and has been linked to an increased risk of various conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and hormonal imbalances. One way this happens is by desensitizing hormone receptors. For example, you may be producing sufficient levels of progesterone, but chronic inflammation can desensitize [or shut down] the hormone receptor, preventing progesterone from entering the cells and causing many related symptoms, such as insomnia, infertility, or anxiety.
Compromised Serotonin Production
Serotonin is mainly produced in the gastrointestinal tract, not in the brain. People with digestive issues often experience low serotonin levels that can affect bowel movement and therefore the detoxification of various harmful hormonal metabolites. Low serotonin levels will cause low melatonin [serotonin is the precursor for melatonin] and severely disrupt your sleep. good sleep is essential to facilitate detoxification and curb food cravings.
As you can see, your digestive health has a tremendous impact on your hormones. Now that you know how important the gutis for balanced hormones, I hope you feel empowered and motivated to heal it. Next, we'll dive into a few of the worst causes of digestive problems in women and how to address them.
If you think you have digestive issues and need help getting started healing your gut, schedule a FREE one-on-one health strategy session with me today! I got your back, girl!
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