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NQO1 and Estrogen Detoxification: What Your Genotype Means for Hormone Health

Estrogen plays a central role in reproductive health, bone strength, brain function, and more. When estrogen is broken down in the body it can form reactive byproducts known as quinones. If these compounds are not neutralized, they can create oxidative stress and damage DNA. The NQO1 gene helps protect cells by producing an enzyme that neutralizes these harmful estrogen metabolites. Variants in NQO1 can change how active this enzyme is, which may affect the body’s ability to safely process estrogen byproducts.

How NQO1 activity affects health

  • High NQO1 activity helps convert dangerous quinones into less reactive forms, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the chance of DNA damage.
  • Lower or absent NQO1 activity can allow quinones to accumulate. This may increase oxidative stress and contribute to higher risk for hormone related cellular damage over time.
  • NQO1 is one part of a network of detoxification pathways. Supporting other pathways can help compensate when NQO1 activity is reduced.

Practical, evidence informed steps to support estrogen detoxification

The following diet, lifestyle, and supplement suggestions are intended to support natural detoxification pathways. They are general educational recommendations. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, making major diet changes, or changing medications.

  • Eat cruciferous vegetables daily: Broccoli sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that stimulate protective detox pathways and support enzymes involved in estrogen metabolism.
  • Boost antioxidant intake: Vitamin C rich foods like citrus and bell peppers, plus foods high in polyphenols such as berries, help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
  • Consider targeted supplements: N acetyl cysteine and resveratrol may support glutathione production and protective cellular pathways. Discuss dosing and safety with your healthcare provider before starting.
  • Include NRF2 activating foods: Green tea, turmeric, and other foods that activate NRF2 can increase expression of several detoxification enzymes and promote antioxidant responses.
  • Optimize gut health and fiber: A high fiber diet and probiotics support elimination of hormone metabolites through the digestive tract and help maintain balanced microbiome activity.
  • Limit exposure to environmental estrogens: Reduce contact with plastics containing endocrine disrupting chemicals, choose cleaner personal care products, and avoid known sources of environmental hormone mimics when possible.
  • Regular health monitoring: Work with your healthcare provider to monitor hormone levels and overall health. If you have concerns about cancer risk, family history, or unusual symptoms, seek clinical evaluation and personalized screening.

Genetic Interpretation

2 effect alleles (AA genotype for rs1800566)

You carry two copies of the effect allele which is associated with very low or absent NQO1 enzyme activity. This significantly reduces your ability to neutralize estrogen quinones. When quinones accumulate they can cause oxidative stress and DNA damage, which may increase risk for hormone related cellular issues over time. Your body has a reduced capacity to safely process estrogen byproducts formed by other detoxification enzymes.

Recommended actions

  • Eat cruciferous vegetables daily, especially broccoli sprouts, to activate protective pathways that can help compensate for lower NQO1 activity.
  • Increase antioxidants in your diet including vitamin C rich foods and colorful fruits and vegetables.
  • Discuss supplements such as N acetyl cysteine and resveratrol with your healthcare provider as potential supportive options.
  • Minimize exposure to environmental estrogens found in plastics and certain personal care products.
  • Maintain a high fiber diet with probiotic foods or supplements to support gut elimination of hormone metabolites.
  • Include NRF2 activating foods like green tea and turmeric to boost cellular detox pathways.
  • Consider more frequent health monitoring and discuss personalized screening recommendations with your clinician.
1 effect allele (AG genotype for rs1800566)

You carry one copy of the effect allele which is associated with reduced NQO1 enzyme activity. This may compromise how efficiently your body neutralizes estrogen quinones. Reduced NQO1 activity can allow reactive estrogen byproducts to accumulate and contribute to oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Recommended actions

  • Eat cruciferous vegetables daily including broccoli sprouts, cabbage, and kale. These foods contain sulforaphane which helps upregulate detoxification enzymes including NQO1.
  • Prioritize antioxidant rich foods such as citrus, bell peppers, berries, and leafy greens.
  • Consider supplements like N acetyl cysteine and resveratrol to support glutathione production and antioxidant defenses after discussing with your healthcare provider.
  • Add NRF2 activating foods such as green tea and turmeric to your regular diet.
  • Reduce exposure to environmental estrogens by choosing glass or stainless steel for food storage and minimizing certain personal care product ingredients.
  • Maintain fiber intake and consider probiotics to assist elimination of hormone metabolites.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider about appropriate monitoring for hormone balance and any screening that may be relevant based on your personal and family health history.
0 effect alleles (GG genotype for rs1800566)

You carry two copies of the non effect allele which is typically associated with normal NQO1 enzyme function. This means your NQO1 enzyme generally helps neutralize estrogen quinones efficiently, supporting standard detoxification of estrogen byproducts and protection from related oxidative damage.

Recommended actions

  • Continue a balanced diet with regular servings of cruciferous vegetables to support ongoing detox pathways.
  • Include antioxidant rich foods and maintain a high fiber intake with probiotics to support gut health and hormone elimination.
  • Limit avoidable exposure to environmental estrogens and include NRF2 activating foods like green tea and turmeric as part of a wholesome diet.
  • Maintain regular health checkups and follow general preventive care guidance from your healthcare provider.

Final notes and important disclaimer

This information is educational and intended to help you understand how NQO1 variation may influence estrogen metabolism. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Genetic data is only one piece of your overall health picture. Lifestyle, environment, medications, medical history, and other genes also affect risk and response. Always consult your healthcare provider or a genetic counselor before making medical decisions, starting supplements, or changing diet or screening routines based on genetic results.