The Surprising Link Between Your Gut Health and Your Hormones

Researchers have long known that the gastrointestinal tract is an endocrine organ that secretes hormones. Until recently, most research focused on hormones involved in digestion. Now, there’s evidence that for women, poor gut health is likely linked to diseases such as endometriosis and breast cancer, among others. 

One of the most important aspects of care at A Woman’s Wellspring is that your health is connected to your mental well-being, your medical history, the environment you live in, and more. Stephanie Taylor, MD, PhD, can help you understand your gut health, how your hormones may be impacting your health, and how those factors may be connected. 

Hormones, microbes, and your health

Hormones are your body’s messengers. Hormones carry messages related to your sleep cycle, metabolism, reproductive system, digestion, and even your heartbeat! When you have a hormonal imbalance or your body doesn’t produce enough of a particular hormone, it can be a serious health issue. 

For example, if your body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, you may gain weight, experience constipation, feel very tired, and eventually it can even affect your heart health. Another common hormonal problem is when your body can’t produce enough insulin, which results in diabetes. 

A microbe is a microscopic organism, and your body is absolutely full of them. A few examples include: 

• Bacteria
• Archaea
• Fungi
• Protists
• Viruses
• Microscopic animals

All of those types of microbes live in the human body. Some microbes, like certain viruses, can make you sick. But most microbes are harmless, and some of them are beneficial and necessary for good health. 

A microbiome is a community of microbes that all live together in a specific environment. Often, when people talk about gut health, they mean the microbiome in your digestive system. Every person’s gut microbiome is unique to them. 

The microbes in your gut assist with digestion, but they also have an influence when it comes to your immune system and your overall health. One area of interest to researchers is how your gut microbiota can inhibit or promote inflammation. 

Gut health in women

 Inflammation is associated with both the onset and progression of numerous diseases that affect women. Some of the diseases that have been linked to poor gut health include: 

• Ovarian cancer
• PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
• Endometriosis
• Postmenopausal breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Gestational diabetes

Although researchers have theories about exactly how gut health influences the development and progression of these and many other diseases, this is not fully understood. However, probiotics show promise in helping restore balance and health to the gut microbiota in people whose microbiota is disrupted. 

Get personalized guidance

In general, keeping your microbiome balanced and healthy is key to living an overall healthy lifestyle. For instance, lowering your stress levels, getting adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, and drinking enough water are some of the best ways to encourage balance and good health in your gut microbiome. 

It’s also helpful to get guidance from a doctor who knows you well. Dr. Taylor makes sure that she has time with you at each appointment, and your annual physical includes blood work. She can recommend supplements, such as a probiotic, if needed, as well as advise you on specific foods you may want to consume or avoid. 

If you have questions about your gut health, schedule an appointment at A Woman’s Wellspring. Dr. Taylor will be happy to discuss your situation in the context of your circumstances.