Pregnant woman symbol

If you’re trying to conceive, you’ve likely been told to take your prenatal and track your window. But there is a secret guest at the fertility table: your Estrobolome. This is a specific group of bacteria in your gut that acts as a traffic controller for your hormones.

When your gut is out of balance, your body can’t clear out old estrogen properly. This creates a "traffic jam" of hormones that can lead to:

  • PMS & painful periods
  • Irregular cycles
  • Difficulty conceiving

Preparing for pregnancy isn't just about the "waiting game"; it’s about tending to the soil of your microbiome so your body feels safe and nourished enough to grow a life.

What is the Estrobolome?

Think of your Estrobolome as a recycling center. It produces an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. When this enzyme is balanced, your body recycles just the right amount of estrogen and excretes the rest.

💡 RDN Insight: If your gut bacteria are overgrown (dysbiosis), they might produce too much of this enzyme, causing your body to reabsorb "trash" estrogen. This is Estrogen Dominance.
The Estrobolome Hormone Traffic Controller Infographic
How your gut bacteria manage your hormonal balance.

3 Steps to Nourish Your Fertility

  1. Eat Cruciferous Veggies Daily: Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain DIM, which helps your liver process estrogen safely.
  2. Reduce Plastic Exposure: Plastics contain xenoestrogens (fake estrogens) that confuse your traffic controllers. Switch to glass where possible.
  3. Diverse Fiber = Diverse Microbiome: The more types of plants you eat, the more robust your Estrobolome becomes.

Evidence-based references

  • Baker, J. M., et al. (2017). Estrogen–gut microbiome axis: Review and priorities for women’s health. Maturitas.
  • Sirota, I., et al. (2014). The microbiome and reproductive health. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics.