Struggling with weight gain, hot flashes, mood swings, or brain fog during perimenopause? The answer might be in your gut. In this episode of Functional Wellness with Dr. Alison, we explore the estrobolome—the collection of gut bacteria that directly regulate how your body processes estrogen. Dr. Alison DiBarto Goggin, a functional medicine physician specializing in perimenopause and women's hormones, breaks down the science behind beta-glucuronidase, the enzyme that determines whether estrogen leaves your body or gets recycled back into circulation. You'll learn why you can experience symptoms of estrogen dominance even when blood tests show low estrogen, and what you can do about it. In this 30-minute episode, you'll discover: • What the estrobolome is and how it controls hormone balance during perimenopause • How beta-glucuronidase activity affects estrogen metabolism and drives common symptoms • Why the GI Map stool test is essential for understanding your gut-hormone connection • What disrupts the estrobolome (antibiotics, diet, stress, toxins, inflammation) • Evidence-based strategies to support healthy estrogen metabolism through fiber and probiotics • Specific probiotic strains that help (and which ones to avoid for hormone health) • How doTERRA's PB Restore probiotics and RevitaZen support perimenopause naturally • Liver detox strategies and lifestyle changes that reduce estrogen dominance • Why daily bowel movements matter for hormone balance Whether you're dealing with heavy periods, fibrocystic breasts, anxiety, weight gain, hot flashes, or night sweats, understanding the estrobolome can transform your perimenopause experience. Dr. Alison combines clinical research with practical solutions, offering functional medicine approaches that address root causes instead of just managing symptoms. This episode is part of the Perimenopause Series on Functional Wellness with Dr. Alison, where we cover sleep, brain health, weight management, ADHD, libido, and more during the menopausal transition. RESOURCES MENTIONED: • GI Map stool testing for gut health and beta-glucuronidase levels • doTERRA PB Restore probiotics • doTERRA RevitaZen for stress and hormone support • Research from PubMed.gov on estrogen metabolism and the microbiome Ready to understand your hormones from a root cause perspective? Visit littleblackbagmedicine.com to work with Dr. Alison, order functional lab testing, and access personalized perimenopause protocols. Subscribe to Functional Wellness with Dr. Alison for weekly episodes on functional medicine, women's health, chronic illness, and holistic healing. New episodes every week.
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