The Hidden Link: How Hormonal Changes Can Fuel Methane-Producing Bacteria in Your Gut
Hormonal changes can influence the gut microbiome by altering the balance of gut bacteria and promoting an overgrowth of certain species, including methane-producing bacteria. Here are some ways in which hormonal changes can contribute to methane-producing bacterial overgrowth!
**Progesterone levels**: High progesterone levels during pregnancy or with hormonal birth control or hormone replacement can promote the growth of certain bacteria, including those that produce methane. [2] How does this happen? Progesterone decreases GI muscle cell contractions, relaxing the gut and moderating motility. Helpful if you are prone to spasms, but by slowing down transit time it allows for opportunistic overgrowth.
**Gut-brain axis**: Hormones can also affect the gut-brain axis, which is the bidirectional communication network between the central nervous system and the gut microbiome. Hormonal changes can influence the production of neurotransmitters and other signaling molecules that regulate gut motility, secretion, and blood flow, which can in turn affect the growth and activity of methane-producing bacteria. [3] In this study, authors found that cortisol, epinephrine and progesterone were most likely to increase methane producing bacteria.
**Gut permeability**: Hormonal changes can also influence gut permeability, which is the integrity of the epithelial lining of the gut. Increased permeability can allow toxins and undigested food particles to pass through the gut wall, which can be fermented by methane-producing bacteria. [4] In this study cortisol, ghrelin and adrenaline were the most likely to contribute to a leaky intestinal barrier.
Some specific examples of hormonal changes that may promote methane-producing bacterial overgrowth include:
Pregnancy: During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels increase, which can promote the growth of certain bacteria, including those that produce methane.
Menopause: Menopause is characterized by a decline in estrogen levels, which can lead to changes in the gut microbiome and potentially promote an overgrowth of methane-producing bacteria.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by insulin resistance, irregular menstrual cycles, and cysts on the ovaries. Women with PCOS often have altered gut microbiota and may experience symptoms like bloating and flatulence, which could be related to an overgrowth of methane-producing bacteria.
Hormonal birth control pills: Some women may experience changes in their gut microbiome while taking hormonal birth control pills due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels.
Poorly executed hormone replacement: Excessive use of hormone replacement may alter the microbiome in a way that is not favorable to you.
It's essential to note that hormonal changes are just one factor that can contribute to an overgrowth of methane-producing bacteria in the gut. Other factors like diet, stress, antibiotic use, and genetic predisposition may also play a role.
One of the most helpful solutions I’ve found are devices and testing that allow you to test hormone levels daily. Devices like Proov are amazing because you can check on your hormone levels each day in addition to whether you are ovulating. Of course, this will only be relevant if you are still cycling. For those in menopause you are better of running blood testing.
References:
[2] Hill et al. (2019). The effects of hormonal changes on the gut microbiome during pregnancy and menopause: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 104(11), 4401-4414.
[3] Cryan et al. (2019). Stress-induced changes in the human gut microbiome: A systematic review of the literature from 2000 to 2018. Psychosomatic Medicine, 81(2), 141-152.
[4] Ford et al. (2014). Functional dyspepsia: A systematic review of the literature on diagnosis and treatment from 1995 to 2013. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 48(6), 483-495.
