At Injoy, we’re constantly reading and sharing new research that connects gut health to nearly every aspect of wellness. From hormone balance to postpartum recovery, the microbiome plays a powerful—and often overlooked—role in women’s health.
These five studies shine a light on how gut bacteria influence everything from fertility to mental health. And show why supporting your microbiome might be one of the most important things women can do for their bodies.
Featured Studies:
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The Gut-Brain-Hormone Triangle in Women’s Health
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Can Gut Bacteria Help Protect Against Postpartum Depression?
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Your Baby’s Gut Doesn’t Come from Where You Think
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Your Gut’s Origin Story Starts Before You’re Born
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Yes, Dad’s Gut Health Might Matter Too
1. The Gut-Brain-Hormone Triangle in Women’s Health
Women’s gut health plays a major role in hormone regulation through a microbial system known as the estrobolome. These gut bacteria help break down and eliminate excess estrogen, and imbalances can contribute to common symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, fatigue, and heavy periods. New research is helping uncover how gut diversity supports hormonal balance throughout every stage of a woman’s life.
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2. Can Gut Bacteria Help Protect Against Postpartum Depression?
A study published in Cell Press revealed that certain gut bacteria can convert glucocorticoids (stress hormones) into progestins, including allopregnanolone—a hormone used in FDA-approved treatments for postpartum depression. These findings suggest a previously overlooked role for the gut microbiome in supporting hormonal stability and emotional health in the postpartum period.
Read the study
3. Your Baby’s Gut Doesn’t Come from Where You Think
A groundbreaking study challenges the long-held assumption that vaginal delivery is the primary way babies acquire their gut bacteria. Researchers found that early infant gut microbiota more closely resembled maternal gut microbes than vaginal ones, regardless of delivery method. These findings suggest that skin contact, breastfeeding, and home environment may play a larger role than previously believed in shaping a baby’s early gut health.
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4. Your Gut’s Origin Story Starts Before You’re Born
While traditionally believed to be sterile, new research suggests the womb may not be microbe-free after all. Some scientists are now exploring the idea that microbial exposure might begin in utero, reshaping our understanding of how the human gut microbiome forms. If true, this finding underscores the importance of maternal health and gut diversity during pregnancy as early influencers of lifelong wellness.
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5. Yes, Dad’s Gut Health Might Matter Too
Emerging research shows that paternal gut health may play a surprising role in fertility, conception outcomes, and even the infant microbiome. Though often overlooked, a father’s microbiome could contribute through sperm, shared environmental exposure, and early bonding—reminding us that gut health is a family affair.
Read the study
At Injoy, we believe gut health should be part of every woman’s wellness journey—from hormone balance and cycle support to pregnancy, stress, and beyond.
The Injoy app offers more than tracking: it delivers bite-sized education, personalized food and lifestyle tips, and GutChat—your own AI-powered gut health assistant. Have questions about the estrobolome, postpartum recovery, or bloating? Just ask.
Download the Injoy app to get science-backed support for your symptoms and discover what your gut needs to thrive.
