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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.