Estrobolome
A collection of bacteria in the gut capable of metabolizing and modulating the body's circulating estrogen.
Deep Dive
Your liver detoxifies estrogen, but your gut determines if it actually leaves your body. The Estrobolome is a subset of the gut microbiome that produces an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. This enzyme can 'reactivate' estrogen that was already conjugated and waiting to be excreted through the bowel.
If your Estrobolome is dysbiotic (imbalanced), estrogen recirculates into your bloodstream instead of being eliminated. This leads to a condition known as Estrogen Dominance — characterised by hormonal bloating, severe PMS, fibrocystic breasts, and stubborn weight gain around the hips and thighs.
Why it matters: you can take all the liver supplements in the world — DIM, calcium-d-glucarate, sulforaphane — but if your Estrobolome is recycling estrogen back into circulation, you will still struggle with hormonal symptoms. Addressing gut health through targeted probiotics, fibre diversity, and reducing beta-glucuronidase activity is essential for any effective hormone-balancing protocol.