Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

UGT1A6 and Estrogen Detoxification: What Your Genotype Means

Estrogen plays essential roles across many body systems. To keep hormone balance, the body needs to clear estrogen and its breakdown products efficiently. The UGT1A6 gene encodes an enzyme that helps attach a small molecule to estrogen metabolites so they become water soluble and can be removed in urine and feces. Variations in UGT1A6 can affect how quickly this process happens, which may influence hormone balance and long-term health risks. Below is an easy-to-understand guide to how different UGT1A6 genotypes relate to estrogen clearance, and practical diet, supplement, lifestyle, and screening considerations to support healthy estrogen metabolism.

How UGT1A6 Affects Estrogen Metabolism

UGT1A6 participates in glucuronidation, a key detoxification step that makes estrogen metabolites easier to excrete. Reduced UGT1A6 activity may allow estrogen byproducts to linger longer in the body. Over time this can contribute to hormone imbalance or increase risk for conditions linked to estrogen exposure. Many lifestyle and dietary choices can support or impair this pathway, so understanding your genotype can help you choose strategies that may optimize estrogen clearance.

Practical Strategies to Support Estrogen Detoxification

  • Eat cruciferous vegetables every day when possible — broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage contain compounds that support phase II liver detoxification and healthy estrogen metabolism.
  • Include polyphenol-rich foods such as berries, apples, green tea, and colorful vegetables. Polyphenols can help modulate detox pathways and act as antioxidants.
  • Prioritize fiber and gut health. Soluble and insoluble fiber, along with probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, encourage healthy gut flora that reduce reabsorption of estrogen metabolites and promote elimination.
  • Limit alcohol and avoid smoking. Both can impair liver enzyme function and reduce glucuronidation, so minimizing use supports detoxification.
  • Reduce exposure to environmental estrogens. Avoid heating food in plastic, choose glass or stainless steel for food and drinks, and reduce use of products containing parabens and phthalates.
  • Support liver function with targeted nutrients. Vitamin C, methylated B vitamins (methylfolate and methylcobalamin), and antioxidants support hepatic detox pathways. Maintain adequate dietary protein for glutathione production.
  • Consider targeted supplements cautiously. Calcium D-glucarate (commonly 200 to 500 mg daily) may help reduce intestinal reabsorption of estrogen metabolites. Work with a healthcare provider before starting supplements.
  • Maintain healthy body composition and regular exercise. Excess body fat can increase estrogen production. Regular physical activity supports hormone balance and liver health.
  • Regular screenings and personalized care. For those with slower detoxification, routine health screenings and conversations with your clinician about hormone-related risk factors can be useful.

Genetic Interpretations

Two effect alleles (GG at rs2070959)

If you have the GG genotype, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This pattern is associated with lower UGT1A6 enzyme activity, which can slow the glucuronidation and removal of estrogen and its metabolites.

Potential implications

  • Estrogen byproducts may circulate longer, which can affect hormone balance.
  • There may be a slightly higher long-term risk for estrogen-related conditions if lifestyle and environmental factors increase estrogen exposure.

Recommended supports

  • Increase cruciferous vegetables daily to promote phase II detoxification.
  • Include polyphenol-rich foods and green tea to support antioxidant status and detox pathways.
  • Consider calcium D-glucarate 200 to 500 mg daily after discussing with your clinician to help reduce intestinal reabsorption of estrogen metabolites.
  • Prioritize probiotics, prebiotic fiber, and a fiber-rich diet to aid elimination through the gut.
  • Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco to prevent further reduction in detox enzyme function.
  • Support liver health with vitamin C, methylated B vitamins, and adequate protein to sustain glutathione.
  • Reduce contact with environmental estrogens by choosing glass or stainless containers and limiting personal care products containing parabens and phthalates.
  • Discuss regular, personalized screening with your healthcare provider based on family history and other risk factors.
One effect allele (AG at rs2070959)

If you have the AG genotype, you carry one copy of the effect allele and one non-effect allele. This genotype is typically associated with normal UGT1A6 enzyme activity and typical capacity to glucuronidate and eliminate estrogen metabolites.

Potential implications

  • Your UGT1A6 function is generally typical; baseline estrogen clearance is expected to be within the usual range.
  • Lifestyle and environmental factors may still influence your overall estrogen balance.

Recommended supports

  • Maintain a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables and polyphenol-containing foods to optimize detox pathways.
  • Include fiber and probiotics to support gut-mediated elimination.
  • Limit alcohol and avoid smoking to preserve enzyme activity.
  • Consider liver-supporting nutrients such as vitamin C and B vitamins; calcium D-glucarate can be used if advised by your clinician.
  • Continue routine health screenings and discuss any hormone-related concerns with your healthcare provider.
No effect alleles (AA at rs2070959)

If you have the AA genotype, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with typical UGT1A6 enzyme activity and efficient estrogen glucuronidation and elimination.

Potential implications

  • Your genetic profile supports normal clearance of estrogen and its byproducts via glucuronidation pathways.
  • Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits will help preserve this typical function and reduce hormone-related risks.

Recommended supports

  • Continue eating cruciferous vegetables, polyphenol-rich foods, and fiber to maintain optimal detox function.
  • Protect liver health by limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, and ensuring adequate nutrient intake.
  • Minimize exposure to environmental estrogens and prioritize gut health with probiotics when appropriate.
  • Discuss routine healthcare screenings with your provider to ensure overall hormone-related health.

When to Talk with Your Healthcare Provider

Use this genetic information as one piece of your health picture. Factors such as family history, current hormone symptoms, medications, body weight, and environmental exposures all influence risk. If you have concerns about hormone balance, want to start a new supplement, or are considering major diet or lifestyle changes, consult your healthcare provider. They can order relevant blood tests, review medication interactions, and help create a personalized plan.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medications, supplements, or medical care.

If this genetic variant is present in your PlexusDx results, the following tests and reports are commonly used to explore it further:

🧬 Genetic Tests:

🧪 Blood Tests:

📄 Genetic Report:

Frequently Asked Questions About Estrogen and UGT1A6 rs2070959

What does a UGT1A6 effect allele (rs2070959) mean for estrogen detoxification?

UGT1A6 helps clear estrogen by glucuronidating estrogen metabolites so they can be eliminated in urine and feces. If your PlexusDx result shows one effect allele (AG at rs2070959) your UGT1A6 activity is typically normal, while two effect alleles (GG) are associated with lower enzyme activity and slower removal of estrogen byproducts, which may contribute to hormone imbalance over time.

How can I support healthy estrogen metabolism based on my UGT1A6 genotype?

You can support estrogen glucuronidation and elimination through daily cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage), polyphenol-rich foods (berries, apples, green tea, colorful vegetables), and a fiber-rich gut-support routine (soluble/insoluble fiber and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables). For slower detoxification patterns (such as GG at rs2070959), these strategies may be especially important, along with discussing supplements like calcium D-glucarate (commonly 200–500 mg daily) with your healthcare provider.

When should I talk to a healthcare provider about UGT1A6-related estrogen balance?

Discuss your results if you have hormone-related symptoms, a strong family history, take medications, want to start supplements, or are planning major diet or lifestyle changes. A clinician can consider relevant blood tests, review medication interactions, and help tailor a personalized plan—especially if you carry the GG genotype linked to reduced UGT1A6 activity. Use genetic information as one part of your health picture, not as medical advice.

What tests can help me learn more about Estrogen and UGT1A6 rs2070959?

The Hormone, Thyroid, and Reproductive Health Genetic Test delivers over 85 personalized genetic insights through a comprehensive Hormone & Fertility Genetic Report, explaining inherited tendencies related to hormonal balance, reproductive function, and endocrine signaling. The Mens Hormone and Fertility Health Genetic Report translates your results into personalized, actionable guidance. Your healthcare provider can also recommend targeted blood tests based on your specific pathway results and health history to complement your genetic insights with current biomarker data.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.