Understand what the estrobolome does—and what current testing can tell you

    innerbuddies gut microbiome testing

    Gut Bacteria and Hormones: How the Gut-Hormone Axis Works

    What Is the Estrobolome?

    The estrobolome is the collection of gut microbial genes and activities that can influence how the body processes estrogen. It is not a single bacterium or a separate organ. Some gut microbes produce enzymes, including beta-glucuronidase, that can change estrogen molecules in the intestine and affect whether some are reabsorbed or excreted.

    Estrogen made by the body is processed in the liver, often joined to other molecules to help with elimination. In the gut, microbial enzymes can remove those attached molecules, a process called deconjugation. Some estrogen may then be available for reabsorption, while the rest leaves the body in stool. The estrobolome is one part of this complex process—not a standalone control system for hormone levels.

    Is the Estrobolome Real?

    Yes. The term describes a research area examining how gut microbes and their genes participate in estrogen metabolism. However, the estrobolome is not a fixed list of bacteria, and scientists are still investigating how its activity varies between people and what that means for health. Evidence does not show that a particular estrobolome profile can diagnose a hormone disorder.

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    Gut Bacteria, Beta-Glucuronidase and Estrogen

    Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme produced by some gut microbes. It can remove glucuronic acid from certain compounds, including some estrogen metabolites, and may influence their reabsorption. Its activity is only one factor in estrogen metabolism, which also depends on liver processing, hormone production, bowel transit, and other individual factors.

    Many different microbes can carry genes associated with beta-glucuronidase activity. The presence or relative abundance of a bacterial species alone does not establish how much enzyme is active or what a person's estrogen levels are. Researchers are studying these relationships, but findings do not establish that changing one bacterial group will reliably change hormones or health outcomes.

    What Do Stool Beta-Glucuronidase Results Mean?

    A high or low beta-glucuronidase result in stool describes the measured enzyme activity in that sample using that test's method. It does not, by itself, show that estrogen is high or low, identify the cause of symptoms, or diagnose estrogen dominance. Results may vary with the sample and testing method, and there is no standardized clinical estrobolome test used to guide routine hormone care.

    Commercial stool microbiome tests also have limitations: results can describe selected microbes or functions, but they do not provide a complete picture of hormone metabolism or establish a treatment plan. Discuss hormone-related symptoms or test results with a qualified healthcare professional rather than interpreting a stool result on its own.

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    innerbuddies gut microbiome testing

    Gut Bacteria and Hormones: How the Gut-Hormone Axis Works

    How the Estrobolome Relates to Hormonal Health

    Because estrogen has roles in reproductive and other body systems, researchers are investigating whether microbial estrogen metabolism is associated with menstrual health, fertility, menopause, and some hormone-sensitive conditions. These are active research questions. An association does not show that gut microbes caused a condition, and current evidence does not support using an estrobolome result to predict or diagnose one.

    The menstrual cycle and menopausal symptoms are influenced by many factors, including age, ovarian hormone production, medications, and overall health. Gut microbes may be one piece of this broader picture, but there is not enough evidence to say that correcting the estrobolome will regulate cycles, improve fertility, relieve menopause symptoms, or prevent disease.

    “Estrogen dominance” is commonly used online, but it is not a single standardized diagnosis that can be confirmed by a microbiome stool test. Symptoms such as irregular bleeding or changes in mood can have many possible explanations. Persistent, severe, or unusual symptoms warrant assessment by a healthcare professional, who can consider appropriate evaluation and treatment.

    Order a test! Order annual subscription with 2 or 3 tests!
    2-minute self-check Is a gut microbiome test useful for you? Answer a few quick questions and find out if a microbiome test is actually useful for you. ✔ Takes 2 minutes ✔ Based on your symptoms & lifestyle ✔ Clear yes/no recommendation Check if a test is right for me
    innerbuddies gut microbiome testing

    How to Support Gut Health and the Estrobolome

    There is no proven method to “fix” or specifically rebalance the estrobolome, and no diet or supplement has been shown to reliably correct estrogen levels by changing it. General habits that support digestive and overall health are reasonable, but they should not be presented as treatment for a hormone condition.

    Foods to Include

    A varied eating pattern can provide fiber and other nutrients that support normal digestive function. Consider a range of vegetables, fruits, beans and lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage can be part of this variety, as can fermented foods if they suit you. These foods are not a targeted estrobolome treatment, and individual responses differ.

    Are There Five Estrogen Foods to Avoid?

    There is no evidence-based universal list of five foods that everyone needs to avoid to control estrogen. Foods containing phytoestrogens, such as soy, are not the same as the body's estrogen and are not automatically harmful. Rather than eliminating foods based on online lists, focus on a balanced diet. Limiting excessive alcohol is a general health consideration, not a proven way to treat an estrobolome imbalance.

    Regular movement, adequate sleep, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use may support general health. Do not stop prescribed medication or start supplements intended to change hormones without discussing them with a healthcare professional. Probiotics have not been established as a reliable way to alter estrogen metabolism, and products may differ in strains and effects.

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    innerbuddies gut microbiome testing

    What the Evidence Can—and Cannot—Tell Us

    The estrobolome offers a useful way to study connections between gut microbes and estrogen processing. Research is still developing, and results can differ according to the people studied, the microbial measures used, and other influences such as diet and medication. More standardized methods and clinical research are needed before microbiome testing or targeted interventions can be used to make reliable hormone-related decisions.

    For now, the practical takeaway is to support overall digestive health with sustainable habits and seek medical assessment for hormone-related concerns. A stool microbiome result cannot diagnose estrogen imbalance, explain symptoms on its own, or replace appropriate clinical care.

    The Gut-Thyroid Axis: How Gut Bacteria May Relate to Thyroid Health PCOS and the Gut Microbiome: What Research Suggests

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