The SNEAKY Cause Of Women's Hormone Imbalances And Weight Gain

Aug 11
5 min read

Understanding the intricate connections between our gut health and hormone balance is essential, especially for women experiencing unexplained weight gain and hormonal disruptions. The gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in regulating many aspects of our health, including immune function, digestion, and even hormone metabolism. This article explores the fascinating world of the gut microbiome, emphasizing the estrobolome, medications like proton pump inhibitors, and lifestyle factors that influence women's hormonal health.

What Is the Microbiome and Why Does It Matter?

The microbiome refers to the vast community of microorganisms living in and on our bodies, primarily in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and archaea, which collectively weigh about four to five pounds. To put it in perspective, a single drop of fluid from our colon contains about a billion microbes.

Far from being harmful invaders, these microbes are interdependent allies that support our overall health. The gut, located centrally within our body, functions as an engine, not only digesting food but also communicating with various organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and especially the immune system.

The Gut-Immune Connection

Remarkably, 70 to 80% of the immune system is physically located right next to the gut lining. The gut lining acts as a barrier between the external environment (inside the gut lumen) and our internal body. Microbes in the gut constantly signal the immune system to maintain balance and respond to pathogens.

This bidirectional communication means that a healthy microbiome supports immune function, while disruptions can lead to inflammation, infections, and disease. Understanding this relationship has revolutionized how we view health and disease beyond the traditional focus on isolated organs.

Disbiosis: When Gut Balance Is Lost

Our gut microbiome thrives on balance. It contains a mix of beneficial and potentially harmful microbes, and the diversity of this community is essential. Disbiosis occurs when this balance is disrupted—often due to antibiotics, acid-blocking medications, or overly sanitized environments—leading to an overgrowth of harmful species and a decline in beneficial ones.

For example, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are not caused by the introduction of new pathogens but by the overgrowth of microbes normally present in the vagina due to the loss of protective species like lactobacilli. Treatments that only kill off the overgrown species without restoring the beneficial bacteria often result in recurrent infections.

The Importance of Stomach Acid and the Risks of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Hydrochloric acid in the stomach is crucial for digestion and protecting the body from infections. It kills many pathogens before they enter the intestines and helps denature viral proteins, including SARS-CoV-2, reducing the risk of infections.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Nexium and Prilosec, are medications designed to reduce stomach acid production. While effective for short-term conditions like ulcers or severe acid reflux, long-term use creates a state called achlorhydria—where the stomach produces little to no acid. This state dramatically increases susceptibility to infections, including foodborne illnesses and respiratory infections like pneumonia.

A large population study found that people taking PPIs were twice as likely to test positive for COVID-19, and those on twice-daily doses had a three- to fourfold increased risk. Beyond infections, long-term PPI use is linked to increased risks of kidney disease, dementia, bone fractures, and nutritional deficiencies.

Unfortunately, PPIs are among the top 10 most prescribed drugs worldwide, with 80% of prescriptions being unnecessary. It is vital to have informed conversations with healthcare providers about the necessity and duration of PPI use.

The Role of Medications and Pharmaceutical Influence

Medications, including antibiotics, steroids, NSAIDs, and even statins, can adversely affect the gut microbiome and overall health. Overprescription and long-term use of these drugs often cause more harm than benefit, disrupting microbial balance and contributing to chronic health issues.

Pharmaceutical companies heavily influence medical education and prescribing practices, sometimes promoting widespread use of medications beyond appropriate indications. This marketing-driven approach has led to a cascade of unnecessary prescriptions, with limited discussions on alternatives or the long-term consequences on gut and systemic health.

The Estrobolome: The Gut’s Role in Hormone Balance

A particularly intriguing part of the microbiome is the estrobolome—a collection of gut bacteria involved in estrogen metabolism. Estrogen, produced primarily by the ovaries and adrenal glands, is essential not only for reproductive health but also for brain function, cardiovascular health, bone strength, and weight regulation.

Here’s how it works:

Estrogen circulates through the body and is eventually conjugated (prepared for excretion) by the liver.
The conjugated estrogen is secreted into the bile and enters the gut.
Certain gut bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase that deconjugates estrogen, allowing some of it to be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.

When the microbiome is balanced, beta-glucuronidase levels are "just right," maintaining healthy estrogen levels. However, a disrupted microbiome often leads to overproduction of this enzyme, causing excessive estrogen reabsorption and a condition known as estrogen dominance. This hormonal imbalance is associated with infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), obesity, and other health issues.

Environmental factors like xenoestrogens (found in pesticides, fragrances, and dry cleaning chemicals) and phytoestrogens (found in soy products) also influence estrogen levels. Achieving balance—not excess—is vital for optimal health.

Key Lifestyle Factors Impacting Gut and Hormonal Health

Diet: Diversity Is Key

Diet is the most influential factor shaping the microbiome. The American Gut Project revealed that the most important predictor of a healthy microbiome is the variety of plants consumed. Eating 30 or more different plant foods per week—including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, and legumes—supports microbial diversity and gut health.

Ultra-processed foods with emulsifiers and chemicals damage gut bacteria and the gut lining, so minimizing these is crucial.

Alcohol, Sleep, and Exercise

Alcohol: Alcohol is a toxin metabolized into acetaldehyde, a carcinogen linked to digestive cancers and other health problems. While moderate alcohol consumption is often socially accepted, even small amounts contribute to gut and systemic harm.
Sleep: Sleep is vital for rebooting the immune system and maintaining gut health. Sleep deprivation dramatically increases susceptibility to infections and reduces vaccine effectiveness.
Exercise: Regular movement stimulates gut motility (peristalsis), preventing stagnation and promoting digestive health.

Exposure to Nature and Managing Stress

Spending time outdoors and exposure to natural environments enrich our skin and gut microbiomes, supporting immune function and mental health. Stress profoundly impacts gut bacteria, with studies showing pathogenic bacteria can increase a thousandfold during acute stress.

Top 3 Tips for a Healthy Gut Microbiome

Eat More Plants: Aim for at least 30 different plant foods weekly. Explore farmers markets and try new fruits, vegetables, herbs, and seeds to diversify your diet.
Use Medications Judiciously: Every medication affects your microbiome. Discuss with your healthcare provider whether each drug is necessary and explore alternatives or strategies to minimize harm.
Get Outside and Get Dirty: Embrace nature and allow safe exposure to soil and natural microbes. This supports microbial diversity and overall health.