Gut Health is FOUNDATIONAL to Hormonal Health
By Kim Deschamps,
Founder & CEO, Physiotherapist, Pelvic Health Therapist, Professional Yoga Therapist, Dry Needling Practitioner
Nov 19, 2023
You have a digestive system. You have a reproductive system. You might visit a gastroenterologist when you experience abdominal discomfort. You probably visit a gynecologist for reproductive concerns. But the truth is that these two distinct systems are not unrelated.
We’ve talked before about how so many health issues stem from your gut and the importance of a healthy, balanced microbiome.
Today, we’re specifically looking at hormone health and, more specifically, the link between your microbiome and your estrogen levels.
Estrogen levels are constantly changing, varying by the day, by menstrual cycle, and by life cycles. They play a pivotal role as female reproductive systems develop, starting in puberty and all the way through menopause and our third age. Estrogen levels also impact mood, our bone, brain, and heart health, cholesterol levels, and literally hundreds of other functions.
But what happens when estrogen levels are consistently high - or too low - and how does that show up in our bodies?
Estrogen dominance (too high) is one of the most common hormone imbalance problems for women. It can present as irregular menstrual cycles, drastic mood swings, issues with weight, acne, indigestion, bloating, and headaches. Estrogen dominance has also been linked to severe complications like endometriosis, fibroids, and some cancers.
On the other hand, low estrogen levels may show up as a loss of libido and vaginal dryness, reduced bone density, sleep and mood disorders, and increased symptoms during perimenopause.
It is a balancing act for sure, where you don't want too much or too little estrogen. You want just the right level, and that comes down to the microbiome and its role in regulating hormone levels.
Without getting too deep into molecular biology, estrogen circulates through your body doing all the things it needs to do, like producing collagen and moisturizing your skin, it heads down to the liver for processing, and then to the intestines. Once it arrives, it is the gut’s job to determine how much gets reabsorbed into the body and how much gets eliminated. As a reward, estrogen contributes to gut health by maintaining the integrity of the lining.
There’s a lot more to it, but those are the broad strokes. Trouble begins when the microbiome is not in balance and the diversity needed to maintain healthy estrogen levels is lacking. That’s when estrogen levels, and other important hormones, can get thrown off and wreak havoc on your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Healing the gut isn’t just for the ailments normally associated with digestive issues. If you suspect that your estrogen levels are too high or too low, pay attention to your gut and your microbiome. You’ll want to look at nutrition so you can stabilize your blood sugar. You’ll want to diversify fiber sources to make sure there’s enough variety in your diet.
You can also nurture your body and your estrogen levels by cycle syncing. Cycle syncing is essentially being mindful of the four phases of the menstrual cycle (menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal) and adjusting your lifestyle to accommodate your body’s needs at different times of the month.
Your nutritional needs are different when you’re menstruating than when you’re ovulating. Different kinds of exercise and even different kinds of work projects are better suited to the follicular phase rather than the luteal phase.
Exploring your cycle and learning to work with it (go with the flow!) rather than against it can make a world of difference to your estrogen levels, your energy levels, the quality of your sleep, and so much more.
We are proud to offer two unique ways that you can start DIYing your cycle syncing. First, you can join The Power of Femininity Club. This community course comes complete with tool kits and guides to balance your hormones in every stage of life and includes access on-demand Pilates, Yoga, and Movement Practices.
We have also made our exclusive Cycle Syncing 2023/2024 Journal available for digital download. This thorough guide walks you through how to sync your cycle to work and productivity, motherhood and home life, relationships, and love.
And, of course, if you are struggling with your hormone health, gut health, or any other wellness concerns, you can book in with me for a comprehensive look into decoding your symptoms and what your body is trying to tell you with Lifestyle Medicine & PhysioYoga.
Kim Deschamps
Founder & CEO, Physiotherapist, Pelvic Health Therapist, Professional Yoga Therapist, Dry Needling Practitioner