It sounds complicated.
But the idea behind it is surprisingly simple—and it may change the way you think about your gut and your hormones.
The estrobolome is the collection of bacteria and bacterial genes in your gut involved in processing oestrogen.
We usually think about oestrogen as something produced by the ovaries.
But that is only part of its journey.
Once oestrogen has been used by the body, the liver prepares it for removal and sends it into the gut.
This is where things become interesting.
Certain gut bacteria produce enzymes that can reactivate some of that oestrogen, allowing it to be absorbed back into the bloodstream.
The rest leaves the body through the bowel.
In other words, your gut does not produce your oestrogen—but it can influence how some of it is processed, recycled and removed.
That is your estrobolome at work.
Why does this matter to women?
Oestrogen influences far more than your menstrual cycle.
It plays a part in:
• Mood and mental wellbeing
• Skin and collagen production
• Bone strength
• Vaginal comfort
• Sexual desire
• Heart and metabolic health
This does not mean that your gut controls all your hormones.
But it does mean that hormone health is not only about your ovaries. Your liver, gut and gut bacteria are also part of the picture.
And the relationship works both ways.
Your gut bacteria can influence how oestrogen is processed—but changing oestrogen levels can also affect the community of bacteria living in your gut.
This may be one reason why women often notice changes in their digestion during perimenopause and menopause.
More bloating. More constipation. Greater sensitivity to certain foods. Or simply feeling that their gut no longer behaves as it once did.
Is the estrobolome a new discovery?
The term was first introduced into scientific literature in 2011.
So, it is not a brand-new theory.
But research into the estrobolome—and what it could mean for women throughout life—is still developing rapidly.
Most women have simply never been told that this connection exists.
And although we are talking about women’s health, I believe men should understand this too.
The more men understand about the changes affecting their partners, daughters, mothers and friends, the better able they are to offer empathy and meaningful support.
How can you support it?
You do not need an extreme cleanse or a complicated “hormone-balancing” regime.
Begin with the habits that support a healthier gut environment:
Eat a varied range of fibre-rich plant foods.
Include fermented foods such as live yoghurt, kefir or sauerkraut.
Drink enough water and keep moving—both help support regular bowel movements.
Prioritise sleep and find realistic ways to reduce stress.
Above all, be consistent. Your gut responds far better to small daily habits than occasional bursts of perfection.
For additional daily support, I recommend Correxiko ProBio+.
It contains 12 carefully selected probiotic strains, together with prebiotic fibres and a postbiotic, to support the community of microorganisms living inside your gut.
One capsule a day. No refrigeration required. No fillers, preservatives or artificial sweeteners.
Because looking after your hormones is not only about replacing what declines.
It is also about supporting the systems that help your body process what it has.
Three months of consistent gut support
Get three bottles of ProBio+ in our discounted three-month bundle.
Usually £56.85. Get all three for £49.
The estrobolome may be a new word to you today.
But I suspect it will become a much more familiar part of the conversation about women’s health in the years ahead.
Dr Dinuk | Founder of Correxiko
