Beta-glucuronidase reactivates estrogen, which can contribute to estrogen dominance.
We hear that good digestion (and pooping!) is important for hormone balance. But why?
The primary reason: beta-glucuronidase.
“Beta-what?!” Don’t worry — I got you. But let’s backtrack a little first.
As you learned from my detoxification phase 1 and phase 2 posts, the liver has quite a job to do when it comes to detoxifying substances. The liver is also where hormones like estrogen are “deactivated” and then sent through bile and the rest of the digestive tract for elimination.
In the gut, we can have varying levels of an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. This enzyme can “reactivate” estrogen, which when reactivated, can get reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.
A less inflamed gut/healthy microbiome will have lower levels of this enzyme.
A more inflamed gut/dysbiotic microbiome will have higher levels of this enzyme.
This is how a crappy digestive system can lead to estrogen dominance.
“...when [estrogen] passes through inflamed tissue, these tissues contain large amounts of beta-glucuronidase, which will remove the glucuronic acid, leaving the pure estrogen to accumulate in the tissue...In at least some tissues, progesterone inhibits the release or activation of beta-glucuronidase.” (Peat)
Where to go from here?
⟿Chew your food!
⟿Remove distractions during meals
⟿Hydrate properly
⟿Make sure you’re having satisfying bowel movements
⟿Find your fiber sweet spot
⟿Lower stress to make sure transit time is adequate
⟿Work on optimizing your cycle (it’s really all connected)
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Not medical advice.
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Gunter, J. (2021). The estrogen-poop connection: Debunking the myth about a daily bowel movement and your hormones. Retrieved from: https://vajenda.substack.com/p/the-estrogen-poop-connection/.
Peat, R. (2006). Tissue-bound estrogen in aging. Retrieved from: http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/tissue-bound-estrogen.shtml.
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