Why Your Digestion Shapes Your Hormones
Your gut does far more than break down food. It is the control centre for hormone production, nutrient absorption, and detoxification - three foundations of fertility.
Inside your intestines lives the gut microbiome, a diverse community of bacteria that communicate with your hormones every day. These microbes help the body metabolise estrogen, support progesterone balance, and produce vitamins B6, B12, and folate, which are essential for egg quality and implantation.
When the microbiome becomes imbalanced (a state known as dysbiosis) hormone metabolism slows. Estrogen can build up in the body, inflammation rises, and ovulation or cycle regularity may shift. You might notice bloating, PMS, or low energy, but the root cause often begins in the gut.
The gut also speaks to the ovaries and brain through the vagus nerve, a pathway that links digestion, mood, and reproductive rhythm. When digestion is inflamed or irregular, that communication weakens, and your hormones receive mixed signals.
Supporting fertility starts with supporting digestion.
- Eat a colourful variety of fibre-rich fruits and vegetables to feed beneficial bacteria.
- Include fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, or miso for natural probiotics.
- Drink plenty of water and slow down when eating to activate the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) response.
- Manage stress with gentle movement and breathing - the gut thrives in calm environments.
When your digestion feels balanced, your hormones can synchronise naturally, creating an internal environment where fertility can flourish.
