The impact of estrogen status on the gut microbiome: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Summary - MDSpire

The impact of estrogen status on the gut microbiome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Kristina Saravinovska

  • Daniele Santi

  • Francesco Costantino

  • Alessandro Prete

  • Antoan Stefan Šojat

  • Giorgia Spaggiari

  • Miomira Ivović

  • Irene Lambrinoudaki

  • Eleni Armeni

  • Aleksandar Jurišić

  • Sladjana Mihajlović

  • Svetlana Vujović

  • Ljiljana V. Marina

  • April 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To systematically summarise existing evidence on gut microbiome alterations in hypoestrogenic women (post-menopausal or with premature ovarian insufficiency) compared to euestrogenic pre-menopausal controls.

Key Findings:
  • No significant differences in α-diversity (p=0.990), Bacteroidetes (p=0.440), or Firmicutes abundance (p=0.110) between hypoestrogenic and euestrogenic women.
  • Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio showed no significant difference (p=0.400).
  • High study heterogeneity was noted (I² 61-99%).
Interpretation:

Current evidence does not support consistent differences in gut microbiome diversity or major bacterial phyla between hypoestrogenic and euestrogenic women, suggesting a complex relationship that requires further investigation due to high heterogeneity.

Limitations:
  • Substantial heterogeneity among studies may impact the reliability of findings.
  • Limited control of confounding factors could skew results.
  • Variability in methodological quality affects the overall conclusions.
Conclusion:

High-quality, well-controlled studies are needed to better define the relationship between estrogen status and the gut microbiome.

Original Source(s)

The impact of estrogen status on the gut microbiome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • by Kristina Saravinovska, Daniele Santi, Francesco Costantino, Alessandro Prete, Antoan Stefan Šojat, Giorgia Spaggiari, Miomira Ivović, Irene Lambrinoudaki, Eleni Armeni, Aleksandar Jurišić, Sladjana Mihajlović, Svetlana Vujović, Ljiljana V. Marina

  • April 2, 2026

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