The #1 Thing You’re Forgetting When It Comes To Your Fertility: Part 1

https://www.fertile-gut.com/

If you’re on a fertility journey, you might want to pay closer attention to a vital player in your health that’s often overlooked: Your Gut Microbiome!

Aka: the trillions of microbes residing in your digestive system are not just for digestion; they’re also crucial for your hormonal balance and reproductive health. For part 1 of 2 of this series, let’s dive into why the gut and hormones are deeply intertwined….

Why Your Gut Microbiome Matters for Fertility:

1. Estrogen Metabolism

 We often think about probiotics as only impacting digestion, but the bacteria in our intestines are actually directly involved in estrogen metabolism. In the estrobolome, bound estrogen gets converted to free active estrogen via the enzyme beta glucuronidase  (Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme we can see in stool tests, and can indicate whether estrogen is being properly processed or if there's a problematic recirculation of active or toxic estrogen in your system.) 

So, what does this mean in plain English? The microbiome plays a major role in regulating estrogen. A healthy gut is key to keeping your hormones in check.

2. Nutrient Deficiencies:

Dysbiosis in the gut (from things like candida, SIBO, or ‘low good gut bacteria’) can mess with the body's ability to soak up key nutrients that are crucial for fertility. Think B vitamins, fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K), choline & iron—these are the MVPs for egg quality and regular ovulation. When your gut microbiota is off balance, it can prevent optimal absorption of these nutrients, leading to deficiencies. And let’s be real, we want to soak up every bit of nutrients from the food we’re eating! The health and development of a fetus rely heavily on the nutrient reserves built up during the preconception phase.

3. Toxin Elimination:

Your gut health has a direct impact on how well your body metabolizes and flushes out toxins. Take excess hormones and toxins, for instance—they exit through your stool. But if things get backed up and you’re not pooping regularly, those toxins can get reabsorbed, leading to a higher toxic load and more inflammation. Endocrine disrupters (like those from scented shampoo, body wash and makeup) are an example of toxins that get recirculated and can affect fertility! *We will touch on this in Pt 2*

What does the research show us about the gut & fertility?

To get extra science-y…

Gut bacteria and Ovarian Decline: Research indicates that the gut microbiome significantly influences ovarian aging (the decline in ovarian function as women age.) This can lead to fewer eggs, lower egg quality, irregular periods, and eventually, menopause. Sometimes, women experience premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), where the ovaries age faster and lead to infertility before age 40.

Research suggests that an imbalance in gut bacteria, known as gut microbiota dysbiosis, is linked to POI. 

Specifically, disruptions in key gut bacteria like Lachnoclostridium and Bacteroides, and an increase in harmful bacteria like Eggerthella, has been linked to POI. Focusing on balancing the gut microbiome is key to protecting ovarian function.

Your Gut & PCOS: An imbalanced microbiome directly affects hormonal balance and can increase the risk of numerous female fertility issues like PCOS, endometriosis , etc. Something I commonly see in my private practice - if your gut is out of balance, your menstrual cycle will likely be out of balance as well. A regular menstrual cycle is crucial for optimal fertility.

Leaky Gut & Fertility: Leaky gut, or impaired gut integrity, shows up more often in women who’ve experienced recurrent pregnancy losses.  A leaky gut can let toxins slip back into the intestinal barrier, causing endometrial inflammation and immune system issues that can lead to miscarriage.

In some cases, trouble conceiving can be the first hint that something’s up with your digestion… making it crucial to prioritize gut health when planning for pregnancy.

Your gut microbiome is more than just a digestive powerhouse—it’s a crucial player in your fertility journey.

By understanding and supporting this complex system, you can enhance your hormonal health and optimize your chances of conception. For a deeper dive into gut health and fertility, schedule a free clarity call with me here to explore personalized solutions to support your journey.

Thinking your gut could be a key player in your fertility?! Stay tuned for Part 2….featuring more lifestyle/diet/supplement tips for what to do NOW to make sure you are supporting your gut & fertility.

References:

Baker JM, Al-Nakkash L, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. Estrogen-gut microbiome axis: Physiological and clinical implications. Maturitas. 2017 Sep;103:45-53.

Qi X, Yun C, Pang Y, Qiao J. The impact of the gut microbiota on the reproductive and metabolic endocrine system. Gut Microbes. 2021 Jan-Dec;13(1):1-21.

Tersigni, C., et al. “Recurrent pregnancy loss is associated to leaky gut: a novel pathogenic model of endometrium inflammation?” Journal of Translational Medicine 16(1) (2018): 1–9.

Kundra, P., et al. “Role of dietary micronutrients on gut microbial dysbiosis and modulation in inflammatory bowel disease.” Molecular Nutrition & Food Research 65(5) (2021): 1901271.

McCarty, M.F., and A. Lerner. “Perspective: prospects for nutraceutical support of intestinal barrier function.” Advances in Nutrition 12(2) (2021): 316–324.

Baker, J.M., et al. “Estrogen–gut microbiome axis: physiological and clinical implications.” Maturitas 103 (2017): 45–53

Ghadir M, Iranikhah A, Jandaghi M, Joukar F, Sedigh-Rahimabadi M, Mansour-Ghanaei F. Unexplained infertility as primary presentation of celiac disease, a case report and literature review. Iran J Reprod Med. 2011 Spring;9(2):135-40.

Vincenti, A., et al. “Crohn’s disease and female infertility: can nutrition play a supporting role?” Nutrients 14(12) (2022): 2423.

Kreutz JM, Adriaanse MPM, van der Ploeg EMC, Vreugdenhil ACE. Narrative Review: Nutrient Deficiencies in Adults and Children with Treated and Untreated Celiac Disease. Nutrients. 2020 Feb 15;12(2):500.

Ramos CI, Armani RG, Canziani ME, Ribeiro Dolenga CJ, Nakao LS, Campbell KL, Cuppari L. Bowel Habits and the Association With Uremic Toxins in Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Patients. J Ren Nutr. 2020 Jan;30(1):31-35.