Is Your Gut Messing with Your Hormones? (And Your ADHD Symptoms!)

If you're an ADHDer, chances are you've dealt with frustrating monthly symptoms like PMS, PMDD, heavy/painful periods, or conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. And usually, the go-to solution from your doctor is birth control. But did you know your gut plays a huge role in keeping your hormones happy, leading to smoother cycles?

The Oestrogen-Gut Link: Your Body's Detox Dilemma

We have two main female hormones: oestrogen and progesterone. They're like a balancing act – progesterone brings the calm to oestrogen's storm. But if your oestrogen levels are too high, that balance gets thrown off, and symptoms like bloating, sore breasts, or skin breakouts can flare up.

So, how does the gut fit in? Once oestrogen has finished its job, your liver packages it up to be removed from your body via your digestive system. But if your gut health isn't tip-top, this removal process can be inefficient.

Here's the twist: there's a group of gut bacteria, often called the oestrobolome, that can actually un-package this oestrogen, sending it right back into circulation! This can lead to an excess of oestrogen, driving those uncomfortable symptoms, and potentially worsening conditions like PCOS or severe PMS/PMDD. These oestrogen-recycling bacteria are called "beta-glucuronidase producers."

Simple Steps You Can Take Today:

Even before you consider testing, you can start supporting your system:

1. Boost Liver Detox: Support your liver's role in clearing oestrogen. Include foods like broccoli sprouts, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage in your diet daily. And make sure you're getting enough protein – it's often the unsung hero of detoxification!

2. Feed Your Gut Diversity: Aim to eat 30 different plant foods (that's all fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, whole grains!) every week. It sounds like a lot, but adds up fast! Also, target at least 30g of fibre daily and eat a truly colourful diet to build a robust, diverse gut microbiome.

   
   

Ready to uncover if your gut is secretly impacting your hormones and overall well-being?

If you're tired of persistent hormonal symptoms like bloating, painful periods, or unexplained breakouts, or if you suspect your gut might be playing a role in your ADHD symptoms, it might be time to test, not guess.

Understanding your unique gut microbiome can provide vital insights into hormonal imbalances. I offer advanced functional gut testing in my clinic to pinpoint exactly what's going on so we can create a tailored plan for you.

Want to find out more? Book a call with me to discuss how working on your gut can improve your hormones.