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UGT1A6 and Estrogen Metabolism: What Your Genetics May Mean for Hormone Balance

Estrogen is a central hormone in reproductive health, influencing menstrual cycles, fertility, and tissues throughout the body. The UGT1A6 gene makes an enzyme that helps convert estrogen and its byproducts into forms the body can excrete. Variations in UGT1A6 can change how efficiently estrogen is cleared. That can affect estrogen levels over time and may influence risk for symptoms like premenstrual syndrome, fibroid growth, and other estrogen-related conditions.

How UGT1A6 Influences Estrogen Clearance

The UGT1A6 enzyme attaches small molecules to estrogen metabolites, making them water soluble so they can leave the body via bile or urine. When enzyme activity is lower, estrogen metabolites can accumulate. Genetics are one part of the picture. Diet, liver and gut health, environmental exposures, alcohol intake, and exercise also shape how your body handles hormones.

Practical Lifestyle, Diet, and Support Strategies

Whether your genetics indicate reduced, intermediate, or typical UGT1A6 activity, the following steps support healthy estrogen metabolism and overall hormone balance.

  • High-fiber diet: Aim for a variety of soluble and insoluble fiber from leafy greens, berries, beans, lentils, oats, and whole grains. Fiber helps bind excess estrogen in the gut and supports regular elimination.
  • Cruciferous vegetables: Eat broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or cabbage regularly. These contain compounds that support detox pathways involved in estrogen processing.
  • Antioxidant-rich foods: Include colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and brightly colored berries to support liver and cellular health.
  • Support gut health: Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and prebiotic fibers such as onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, and bananas help maintain a healthy microbiome that can limit reabsorption of estrogens.
  • Liver-supportive foods: Garlic, onions, turmeric, and sulfur-rich vegetables support liver detoxification. Stay hydrated to help kidneys and the liver clear metabolites.
  • Avoid hormone-disrupting exposures: Reduce use of plastics for food storage, choose glass or stainless steel, avoid nonessential pesticides on produce, and minimize use of personal care products with unnecessary chemical preservatives or fragrances.
  • Limit alcohol and processed foods: Alcohol and high-sugar, highly processed diets can impair liver function and promote inflammation.
  • Regular physical activity: Aim for a mix of aerobic and resistance exercise most days of the week to help regulate hormones and support metabolic health.
  • Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces excess peripheral estrogen production from adipose tissue.

Supplement Considerations

Supplements can support pathways for people with slower estrogen clearance, but they are not a replacement for medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications or have medical conditions.

  • Calcium D-glucarate may support phase 2 detoxification and reduce reabsorption of estrogen in the gut.
  • DIM or concentrated cruciferous vegetable extracts can support healthy estrogen metabolism when used appropriately.
  • Omega-3 fish oil or plant-based alternatives to lower inflammation and support metabolic health.
  • Probiotic formulations that support gut barrier function and healthy microbial balance.
  • Milk thistle or standardized silymarin extracts to support liver health in consultation with your provider.
Two effect alleles (GG) — reduced UGT1A6 activity

If your genotype is GG at rs2070959 you carry two copies of the effect allele. This is associated with lower UGT1A6 enzyme activity and less efficient estrogen clearance. Over time this can contribute to higher circulating estrogen and its metabolites, which may increase risk for estrogen-related symptoms and conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, fibroid growth, estrogen dominance symptoms, and concerns in breast or endometrial tissue.

Recommended actions

  • Prioritize a high-fiber diet with leafy greens, berries, beans, lentils, and whole grains to support intestinal elimination of estrogen.
  • Include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts daily to support detox pathways.
  • Support gut health with fermented foods and prebiotic fibers to minimize reabsorption of estrogen.
  • Choose antioxidant-rich foods and reduce alcohol intake to support liver function.
  • Avoid plastics, unnecessary pesticides, and hormone-disrupting personal care ingredients.
  • Consider discussing supplements such as calcium D-glucarate, DIM, probiotics, and milk thistle with your healthcare provider.
  • Engage in regular physical activity and practices to maintain a healthy body composition.
One effect allele (AG) — intermediate UGT1A6 activity

If your genotype is AG at rs2070959 you carry one copy of the effect allele. This typically corresponds with intermediate enzyme activity and a modest reduction in estrogen clearance. While the effect is less pronounced than two copies, it can still contribute to gradual estrogen buildup and related symptoms over time.

Recommended actions

  • Maintain a diet rich in fiber from greens, berries, beans, and whole grains.
  • Regularly include cruciferous vegetables to support detoxification.
  • Eat antioxidant-rich foods and support gut health with fermented foods and prebiotics.
  • Limit alcohol, processed foods, and avoid known endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
  • Consider targeted supplements only after discussing risks and interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Keep a consistent exercise routine and monitor menstrual and symptom changes with your provider.
Zero effect alleles (AA) — typical UGT1A6 activity

If your genotype is AA at rs2070959 you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with typical UGT1A6 function and efficient estrogen elimination. That supports healthier hormone balance and lower risk of estrogen buildup compared with reduced activity variants.

Recommended actions

  • Continue a balanced, fiber-rich diet with regular cruciferous vegetables to maintain efficient estrogen metabolism.
  • Support liver and gut health with antioxidant foods, fermented foods, and hydration.
  • Limit alcohol and processed food intake, avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and stay active.
  • Routine monitoring and good preventive care remain important, especially if you have other risk factors for hormone-related conditions.

When to Talk with Your Healthcare Provider

Genetics is one piece of the risk picture. If you have a personal or family history of hormone-sensitive conditions, have persistent heavy periods, pelvic pain, rapid changes in breast or menstrual symptoms, or other concerns, discuss them with your healthcare provider. They may recommend targeted blood tests, imaging, or personalized strategies based on your full health history.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is intended to educate about genetic predispositions only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medications, starting supplements, or beginning new treatments.