Want Balanced Hormones? Begin in Your Gut

In the whirlwind of modern life, it’s easy to overlook the subtle signals our bodies send us. For women, maintaining hormone balance is crucial for overall well-being, yet it often gets sidelined. Intriguingly, both modern science and ancient wisdom points to an unexpected ally in the quest for happier hormones—our gut.

In this post you’ll learn the link between gut health and hormone balance, focusing on holistic and Eastern medicine perspectives. If you’re eager to learn how nurturing your gut can harmonize your hormones, you’ll also find practical tips you can start right now.

Unraveling the Gut-Hormone Connection

The gut, often referred to as the “second brain,” plays a pivotal role in women’s health and hormone balance. We know that the gut microbiome—the community of microorganisms residing in our intestines—affects hormone regulation in a myriad of different ways. An imbalance in this ecosystem can lead to mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, and other hormone-related issues.

Many women experience hormonal imbalances but are unaware of the root cause. When the gut is compromised, it can lead to systemic inflammation, which in turn affects hormone production and distribution. If you can identify & address gut health issues, you create a foundation for balanced hormones and freedom from many hormone-related symptoms.

The bottom line for your gut and hormones: Your digestive system serves as a critical entry point for nutrients and hormones. If the gut isn’t functioning optimally, it cannot effectively support hormone synthesis and regulation.

So, by nurturing your gut with the right practices, you can enjoy improved energy levels, emotional stability, and of course reproductive health—all of which stem from balanced hormones.

Related: Common Hormone Issues That Begin in The Gut

Understanding Leaky Gut and Its Hormonal Impact

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition where the intestinal lining is damaged, allowing bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This disruption triggers inflammation, compromising hormone function. Symptoms can range from fatigue and bloating to more severe issues like autoimmune disorders.

Common symptoms of a leaky gut include:

• Digestive issues (bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
• Food sensitivities
• Chronic fatigue
• Skin problems (acne, eczema)
• Mood swings and anxiety
• Hormone imbalances

However, there are many other symptoms of poor gut health that can be harder to pinpoint. An imbalanced or unhealthy microbiome might also manifest as daily fatigue, worsening PMS,  brain fog, sugar or salt cravings, and several other “broad” symptoms.

Read: 5 Steps to Rebuild Your Gut

Common Hormone Issues That Begin in Your Gut

I often consider the gut to be “ground zero” for hormone health. Here are some common hormone issues that can be traced back to gut health:

Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance occurs when there is an excess of estrogen relative to progesterone in the body. This imbalance can occur due to many factors, including poor gut health. The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing estrogen, and if it is overburdened with toxins from a leaky gut, it may not be able to properly break down estrogen (1). 

An overburdened liver can lead to an excess build-up of estrogen, causing symptoms like heavy or irregular periods, bloating, and breast tenderness.

Thyroid Dysfunction

The gut and thyroid have a direct relationship—poor gut health can lead to thyroid dysfunction and vice versa (2).Therefore, any disruption in the gut can affect multiple points in thyroid hormone production & function, and then result in symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and mood swings.

Mood Disorders

Neurotransmitters, chemical messengers in the brain that control mood and behavior, are heavily influenced by gut health. In fact, 95% of our serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone) is produced in the gut. An imbalance in gut bacteria or a leaky gut can lead to an imbalance in neurotransmitters and contribute to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

PCOS

PCOS and candida overgrowth often co-exist, which can create a vicious cycle of inflammation and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is at the center of worsening PCOS symptoms, and focusing on gut health and reducing candida overgrowth may help manage the symptoms of PCOS that affect nearly 1 in 10 women worldwide.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful condition in which the tissue that lines the inside of your uterus (the endometrium) starts to grow outside of it. Symptoms are worsened by excess estrogen, which can result from a dysfunctional estrobolome, which is the collection of gut bacteria responsible for metabolizing estrogen hormones (3,4).

We’ll talk about how you can turn around an imbalanced gut with the help of holistic methods next.

Healing the Gut for Balanced Hormones

Healing the gut is a multi-step process that involves identifying and addressing potential triggers that may be causing inflammation & dysbiosis. Some common triggers include poor diet choices, chronic stress, overuse of antibiotics, food sensitivities, and environmental toxins.

To heal the gut and support hormone balance, here are some effective strategies you can implement:

1. Eat a nutrient-dense diet: Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins to nourish your body with essential vitamins and minerals.
2. Identify and eliminate trigger foods: Keep track of what you eat and how it makes you feel to identify potential food sensitivities or intolerances.
3. Manage stress: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your gut health and hormones. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to reduce stress levels.
4. Avoid overuse of antibiotics: Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Try to use them only when absolutely necessary and make sure to take probiotics afterwards.
5. Detoxify your environment: Be mindful of the toxins you are exposed to in your everyday life. Switch to natural cleaning and personal care products, and try to limit exposure to harmful substances like pesticides.
6. Incorporate probiotic-rich foods: Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir contain beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance in your gut.
7. Consider supplements: If you have a severe imbalance or deficiency, consult with a holistic healthcare professional about incorporating supplements such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, or omega-3 fatty acids into your routine.

Related: The Gut-Healing Benefits of L-Glutamine & How to Use It

It is also helpful to work with a holistic healthcare professional, naturopathic doctor, or integrative doctor who specializes in gut health or hormones if you are experiencing chronic issues.

Using Holistic and Eastern Medicine

Holistic and Eastern medicine offer a diverse array of healing modalities to lean into that can help balance hormones and repair gut health at the same time.  These practices often take a whole-body approach and focus on treating the root cause rather than just symptoms. Here are a few examples of holistic and Eastern medicine approaches that can support gut health and hormone balance:

• Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing.
• Ayurveda: Originating in India, this traditional system of medicine emphasizes balance between mind, body, and spirit through diet, herbs, meditation, and other natural remedies. Try this Ayurvedic routine to balance hormones. 
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): TCM includes practices such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, dietary therapy, and exercises like tai chi or qi gong to promote overall wellness and balance.
• Herbal medicine: Various herbs have been used for centuries to support healthy digestion and hormone function. Some examples include ginger, chamomile, licorice root, and ashwagandha.

What to Remember

A healthy gut is a gateway to balanced hormones and overall wellness for women, and holistic medicine guidance can help you achieve that symptom-free goal. Whether it’s in the form of optimizing your diet, calming inflammation, or nurturing your microbiome, each lifestyle change is worth it for a healthier gut & happier hormones. Remember that every person’s body is unique, so finding the right approach may take some patience. Trust in your body’s innate ability to heal, and find comfort in these healing practices.