What is the Estrobolome?
The estrobolome refers to a collection of gut bacteria involved in the metabolism and regulation of oestrogen. These microbes influence how oestrogen is broken down, recycled, or eliminated from the body, making them a central link between gut and hormones.
While oestrogen is often discussed in the context of reproductive health, it also affects bone density, cardiovascular health, skin integrity, mood and energy levels. The estrobolome helps regulate circulating oestrogen levels, acting as a bridge between digestive health and hormonal balance.
How the Estrobolome Works
Oestrogen is processed by the liver, where it is conjugated and sent to the gut for excretion via bile. Once in the digestive tract, specific gut bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase[1].
This enzyme can either:
- Reactivate oestrogen, allowing it to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream
- Remain inactive and be eliminated through bowel movements
When gut bacteria are balanced, this process is well regulated. However, an imbalance can alter how much oestrogen is recycled, affecting overall hormone balance.
Dysbiosis and Hormone Imbalance
Dysbiosis is where the composition or activity of the gut microbiome becomes altered or imbalanced[2].
. When this occurs, beta-glucuronidase activity may increase or decrease excessively, contributing to hormone disruption.
This imbalance is often discussed in relation to:
- Oestrogen dominance – where excess oestrogen circulates in the body
- Oestrogen deficiency – where insufficient oestrogen is available
Symptoms associated with oestrogen dominance gut patterns may include bloating, breast tenderness, light or heavy menstrual bleeding, low mood or fatigue[3]. While these symptoms are multi-factorial, gut bacteria and oestrogen metabolism are increasingly recognised as contributing factors.
Supporting your Estrobolome
Probiotics and prebiotics
Probiotics help introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut, while prebiotics provide nourishment for existing microbes. Together, they support microbial diversity, which is important for balanced beta-glucuronidase activity and overall hormone balance and gut health. You can explore probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics in more detail in our related blog.
Fibre intake
Dietary fibre binds excess oestrogen in the gut, supporting its elimination. Whole grains, vegetables, seeds and legumes all contribute to fibre intake, supporting both digestion and gut bacteria.
Reducing toxin exposure
Xenoestrogens are natural or synthetic compounds that can mimic oestrogen in the body. They are commonly found in plastics, pesticides and some personal care products. These substances are classed as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) because they can interfere with normal hormonal signalling and impact immunity. Reducing overall exposure to xenoestrogens may help lessen the oestrogen burden placed on both the liver and the gut.
Learn more about EDCs in our related blog.
Liver support
The liver plays a central role in hormone metabolism. Supporting liver function through hydration, nutrient intake and traditional herbal support can indirectly benefit the estrobolome.
Supporting Gut and Hormone Balance with Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have traditionally been used to support gut and hormone health, alongside overall wellbeing.
Note: Before considering any herbal remedies, we recommend speaking to a registered herbalist first. Napiers has been trusted for over 165 years, supporting generations with their health, naturally. Book a free 1:1 consultation with one of our herbalists, and we can recommend a collection of herbs tailored to your individual needs.
The Napiers Gut Health Protocol is a thoughtfully curated four-week supplement regime designed to support the digestive system. Combining probiotics, traditional herbal support and essential nutrients such as vitamin D, this bundle supports the gut microbiome, digestive function and gut-immune interaction from multiple angles.
This 4-week protocol combines:
- Napiers The Happy Gut
- Napiers Jarropick Herb Blend
- Napiers Vegan Vitamin D3
Rather than focusing on bacteria alone, the protocol takes a whole-system view of gut health. Probiotics and prebiotics in Napiers Happy Gut help nurture microbiome diversity, while Napiers Jarropick Herb Blend supports digestion, liver function and comfort after meals. The addition of Napiers Vegan Vitamin D3 contributes to immune function and nutrient absorption – both important factors in maintaining gut barrier health and overall wellbeing.
This protocol is ideal for anyone seeking longer-term digestive comfort, improved microbiome diversity and gentle, ongoing digestive support as part of a balanced lifestyle.
The Napiers Hormone Balance Protocol contains a 4-week supplement regime to support those looking to support their hormone health.
This 4-week protocol combines topical and internal support to complement lifestyle and nutrition habits:
- Napiers Wild Yam Cream with botanical extracts for hormone-phase skincare
- Napiers Magnesium Glycinate to support muscle relaxation and emotional steadiness
- Napiers Vegan Vitamin D3 for bone, mood and immune support
Hormonal balance influences skin, mood, energy and sleep. By combining various herbs and minerals, the protocol avoids a one-size-fits-all approach often seen in standalone supplements and skincare products. A four-week structure allows for gradual, consistent support as part of a wide hormone health routine, including gut health, nutrient absorption and stress resilience.
Save 20% when you shop this 4-week reset protocol with code PROTOCOL20.*
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*Code PROTOCOL20: Code valid once per customer between 00.01 on 26/12/25 and 23.59 on 31/01/26 (GMT). Offer valid on Brain & Stress Support Protocol, Gut Health Protocol, Hormone Balance Protocol, Strength & Joint Health Protocol, Sleep & Recovery Protocol, Complete 4‑Week Reset, and Detox Protocol. This code cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount. Napiers terms of the site apply.
To explore hormone health further, visit our blog on hormonal balance and learn how everyday choices can support natural balance throughout different life stages.
To deepen your understanding of gut health, explore our blog on the gut microbiome and discover everyday habits that may help support digestive wellbeing.
FAQs
How are gut and hormones connected?
Gut bacteria influence how hormones are activated, recycled and eliminated, linking digestive health directly to hormone balance.
Can gut health affect oestrogen levels?
Yes. An imbalanced gut microbiome may alter oestrogen recycling, contributing to excess or reduced circulating levels.
What foods support the estrobolome?
Fibre-rich foods, fermented foods, and diverse plant-based diets help support beneficial gut bacteria.
Is supporting gut health helpful during hormonal transitions?
Many people focus on gut support during periods of hormonal change, as digestion and hormone metabolism are closely linked.
References
- Larnder, A.H., Manges, A.R. and Murphy, R.A. (2025) 'The estrobolome: Estrogen-metabolizing pathways of the gut microbiome and their relation to breast cancer'. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 157(4), pp. 599–613. Available at: Wiley Online Library.
- DeGruttola, A.K., Low, D., Mizoguchi, A. and Mizoguchi, E. (2016) 'Current understanding of dysbiosis in disease in human and animal models', Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 22(5), pp. 1137–1150. Available at: Oxford Academic.
- Holland, K. (2024) Signs and symptoms of high estrogen. Healthline. Medically reviewed by Kallen, A. Available: Healthline.
