Estrogen Metabolism: What “Detox” Really Means for Hormone Health
Speakers
Felice Gersh, MD
Estrogen is not a toxin to eliminate. It is an essential signaling hormone that must be appropriately metabolized, conjugated, excreted, and in some cases, recirculated. In this webinar, Dr. Felice Gersh will explain the major pathways of estrogen metabolism and the roles of the liver, gut microbiome, and estrobolome in influencing estrogen exposure. She will challenge common assumptions surrounding “estrogen dominance” and explain why symptoms attributed to excess estrogen may instead reflect changes in progesterone, fluctuating ovarian function, or other alterations in estrogen signaling. Attendees will leave with a practical, evidence-informed approach to supporting healthy estrogen metabolism through nutrition, gastrointestinal health, lifestyle, and selected nutrients, without reflexively trying to lower estrogen.
Key takeaways
- Describe the major pathways involved in estrogen metabolism, conjugation, excretion, and enterohepatic recirculation, including the contribution of the gut microbiome.
- Differentiate altered estrogen metabolism from absolute estrogen excess, relative progesterone insufficiency and the hormonal variability characteristic of perimenopause.
- Identify evidence-informed nutrition, lifestyle, and selected nutrient strategies that may support healthy estrogen metabolism while recognizing the limitations of metabolite testing and “estrogen detox” claims.
