FMU Guest Lecture Series

Understanding the Complexity of Estrogen Detoxification: How Genetics, the Liver, and the Microbiome Come Together

Speaker: Carrie Jones, ND, MPH (Dutch Labs)

Description: Estrogen goes through phase 1 and phase 2 detoxification known collectively as estrogen metabolism. A healthy metabolism shunts estrogen into 2-OH-E1 and then through methylation via COMT into 2-methoxy-E1 for proper disposal from the body. Unfortunately, if the pathway turns towards the unhealthy 4-OH-E1 or does not go through methylation, those estrogens go on to form a quinone that can result in DNA damage and increased cancer risk. Certain enzymes, such as Q uinone Reductase and Glutathione-S-Transferase, help prevent or reverse quinone formation and can be optimized with specific dietary changes and natural products. It is also important to evaluate the gut as the microbiome has a huge influence on b-glucuronidase and the resulting clearance or reactivation of estrogen into the system. The purpose of this lecture is to review estrogen metabolism,
including the genetics involved, the microbiome’s influence and discuss various treatment options to improve both phase 1 and phase 2 detox in order to help reduce cancer riskin both men and women. Cases will be included.

Outline/Objectives/Goals:

1. Understand how estrogen (endogenous or exogenous) moves through phase 1 and phase 2 detoxification and the snps/enzymes involved in each process.
2. Review the genetic snps and enzymes involved in each process.
3. Discuss food sources that have been shown in the literature to improve estrogen metabolism outcomes.
4. Discuss the microbiome and estrobolome and its influence on estrogen clearance
5. Discuss natural therapies that have been shown in the literature to improve estrogen metabolism.