Gut dysbiosis is characterised by an imbalance in the gut microbiota and very often increased intestinal permeability and hyperimmune responses and chronically activated inflammatory pathways, which can lead to a variety of health problems.

One potential consequence of gut dysbiosis is oestrogen dominance syndrome, which occurs when there is an excessive level of oestrogen in the body.

The gut microbiota plays an important role in the metabolism of hormones, including oestrogen. Imbalances in the gut microbiota can lead to a disruption in the metabolism of oestrogen, resulting in an excess of oestrogen in the body, and may also impact hormone levels further by driving stress hormone levels up and disturb the fragile balance of sex hormones.

Additionally, oestrogen dominance syndrome can occur as a result of a toxic colon, as observed in people with a diet low in fibre and chronic constipation. Dehydration is also a main factor. A toxic colon allows for toxins and detoxified hormones to be reabsorbed and circulate once more into the bloodstream, and confer an effect onto the tissue where they travel too, leading to an imbalance in levels. This can also overwhelm the liver and detoxication pathways, leading to a backlog of hormones remaining in the circulation, even after their role is no longer required.

Some of the symptoms associated with oestrogen dominance syndrome include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• HPA dysregulation (lower resilience to stressors)

• Heavy or painful periods

• Mood swings

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Weight gain

• Breast tenderness

• Fibroids or cysts in the breasts or ovaries

In addition, oestrogen dominance has been linked to an increased risk of certain health conditions, such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and thyroid dysfunction.

Rebalancing hormones and assessing and addressing the factor contributing to oestrogen dominance should be the first port of call. In naturopathic medicine, some of the recommendations your practitioner will recommend may include:

• Supplementing with probiotics: Probiotics can help to restore balance to the gut microbiota, which can help to improve hormone metabolism and reduce the risk of oestrogen dominance.

• Increasing dietary fibre consumption including soluble fibre (or prebiotic fibre): Prebiotics are a type of fibre that helps to feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Eating a diet rich in prebiotics can help to support a healthy gut microbiota.

• Diet: Eating a diet that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates and high in fibre and nutrient-dense foods can help to support a healthy gut microbiota and hormone balance.

• Stress reduction: Chronic stress can disrupt the gut microbiota and hormone balance. Engaging in activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help to reduce stress levels.

Research shuns the light on the association between gut dysbiosis and oestrogen dominance. For example:

• A 2016 study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology found that alterations in the gut microbiota were associated with oestrogen dominance and menstrual cycle irregularities in women.

• A 2018 study published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology found that probiotic supplementation improved hormone balance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that is often the result of oestrogen dominance.

• A 2019 study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that a diet low in fermentable carbohydrates improved symptoms of oestrogen dominance in women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).