It is the collection of bacterial genes capable of metabolising oestrogens. The liver modifies these hormones for elimination through bile, but some gut bacteria have enzymes, such as beta-glucuronidase, that reactivate them and allow them to be reabsorbed. This balance may influence oestrogen levels in both women and men. Research links it to menopause and other hormonal states, although the evidence remains preliminary.
The microbial hormone profile report in the Advanced test assesses your microbiome's genetic potential in this process. It does not measure your hormones or diagnose any hormonal disorder.