The Gut/Hormone Connection
The Gut/Hormone Connection
When we think about health, it's easy to compartmentalize—treating each system as if it operates independently, with its own job. But the truth is, there is a dynamic interplay between all systems and areas of our body. When discussing gut or hormone health, the solution to “fixing” the problem is often to address them separately, one symptom at a time. Our bodies are not machines; they are intricate networks where each part affects the other in profound ways.
The Gut-Brain Axis: Stress and Digestion
One of the most compelling connections is the gut-brain axis—a bidirectional communication system between our gut and our brain. The "stress hormone" cortisol is a major player here. When we experience stress, cortisol levels spike, impacting our gut health significantly. stress, whether it's ongoing or happens suddenly, can mess with the balance of bacteria in different parts of your gut. Research on animals shows that stress can quickly change which bacteria are hanging out in your gut. There's also evidence that stress hormones can make certain types of bacteria grow and become more harmful. These bad bacteria might outcompete the good ones. A study on university students found that as their stress levels went up during the semester, the helpful bacteria in their guts went down. However, stress affects everyone's gut bacteria differently, so it's hard to predict exactly what will happen.
Research published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology demonstrates that elevated cortisol levels can increase gut permeability, leading to a condition commonly known as "leaky gut." This condition allows harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and potentially triggering a range of health issues. The gut, often called our "second brain," sends signals to the brain that can affect our mood and overall mental health.
The Estrobiome
The relationship between estrogen and the gut is intricate and bidirectional, forming what scientists often refer to as the "estrobiome." Estrogen, a primary female sex hormone, influences various functions within the gastrointestinal tract, including motility, permeability, and immune response. Conversely, the gut microbiota, comprising trillions of microorganisms, can metabolize estrogen, affecting its circulating levels and subsequent physiological effects. Imbalances in gut microbiota composition, known as dysbiosis, can impact estrogen metabolism, potentially leading to estrogen-related disorders. As well, estrogen receptors are found throughout the gut, suggesting that estrogen plays a role in regulating gut function and health.
A study featured in Frontiers in Endocrinology found that decreased estrogen levels correlate with reduced microbial diversity in the gut. This change can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and obesity, highlighting the need for a balanced hormonal state to maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
Thyroid Hormones and Digestive Function
Thyroid hormones, essential for regulating metabolism, also play a crucial role in digestive health. Both hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) and hyperthyroidism (high thyroid function) can lead to digestive issues, though they manifest differently. Hypothyroidism can slow down motility, while hyperthyroidism can speed it up. Research has also shown that changes in the gut microbiota can affect thyroid health and exacerbate autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, a autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid. While the exact mechanisms are not completely clear, the gut microbiota also have an impact on the conversion of T4 to T3, with T3 being the form of thyroid hormone that's active in the body. Enzymes called iodothyronine deiodinases are crucial for this conversion process from T4 to T3. Some theories suggest that the intestines and gut bacteria may influence how these enzymes work
According to the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, hypothyroidism often leads to slowed gastrointestinal motility, causing constipation and potentially leading to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). On the other hand, hyperthyroidism can speed up motility, resulting in diarrhea and nutrient malabsorption.
When working on our health, its imperative we view the body as a whole. Not individual pieces to be fixed. The gut/hormone connection highlights the interconnectedness of all systems and drives home the message that nothing works in isolation. Understanding and appreciating this relationship allows us to bring true healing to the body.
