#FAMTaughtMe that the intestinal microbiome affects estrogen. It is the method through which we excrete estrogen.

Estrogen is made during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle in the ovaries.

It moves to the various organs its needed at like the uterus or breasts.

Then it reaches the liver. The liver inactivates this estrogen & sends it to the intestines to stay inactive & be excreted by the body. This is the normal path of estrogen cycling in the body!

However, when certain kinds of intestinal microorganisms are present (especially gram-negative bacteria, known for causing disease) they make an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. This enzyme re-activates estrogen in the intestines.

That estrogen re-enters the body instead of being excreted, causing symptoms of estrogen excess- impaired estrogen regulation.

Impaired estrogen regulation can have widespread implications on the body such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, autoimmune disease, and breast cancer