Presenter: Debbie Rice, ND

Original Date: October 19, 2019

Overall objectives and goals for this presentation are to discuss sex hormones and adrenal hormones, production, and the overall effect of these hormones on digestion and Gastrointestinal function.

Estrogen has been shown to have significant effects on the gastrointestinal microbiome, including estrobolome, which is necessary for estrogen metabolism in the gut. Estrobolome influences beta-glucaronidase and its influence on gut health, as well as estrogen’s effect on inflammation, mucosal barriers, and immune function. Gut microbiome imbalances and estrogen levels are a highly complex and intertwined system affecting other components of health including immune function, cardiovascular risk, obesity, and other metabolic pathologies. Progesterone has been found to highly influence the time for bowel emptying and movement through the bowels, especially related to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Adrenal hormones such as cortisol and DHEA are influenced by gut microbiome imbalance and gut inflammation. Cortisol can be anti-inflammatory with regard to IBS pathologies in certain instances. Too much cortisol can dampen appropriate enzyme release and appropriate anti-inflammatory response. DHEA levels are an integral component of immune and anti-inflammatory support of overall digestion and GI function.

0.75 General CEUs approved by OBNM