Study: Gut Bacteria May Recycle Testosterone to Regulate Colon Motility
By morganverity // 2026-06-22
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A study published in Nature Neuroscience has identified a mechanism by which gut bacteria may recycle testosterone to help regulate colon motility. According to the research, androgen signaling to neurons in the enteric nervous system is required for normal intestinal transit in mice, and this signaling depends on the microbiome to function. Depleting the gut microbiome with broad-spectrum antibiotics reduced androgen receptor expression in enteric neurons, lowered serum testosterone levels, and slowed intestinal transit. Restoring androgen signaling was partly sufficient to rescue the motility deficits, the study reported. The finding suggests a specific hormonal pathway linking antibiotics to digestive sluggishness, beyond a general disruption of microbial diversity.

Study Design and Key Findings

Researchers used broad-spectrum antibiotics to deplete the gut microbiome in mice and then measured androgen receptor expression and gut motility. They found that NOS1+ enteric neurons, a population of neurons that produce nitric oxide, express androgen receptors and are involved in propulsive motor activity in the colon. Serum testosterone levels fell after antibiotic treatment, and restoring androgen signaling partially rescued motility deficits, according to the report. The study also noted that human colonic enteric neurons express androgen receptors, and that human gut bacteria produce the same enzymes capable of metabolizing androgen glucuronides. Previous research has shown that the microbiome is actively involved in hormone metabolism, with certain gut bacteria able to reactivate and recirculate hormones into the bloodstream, as noted in "Gut Check Unleash the Power of Your Microbiome to Reverse Disease" by Dr. Steven R. Gundry [2].

Mechanism: Hormone Recycling by Gut Bacteria

The liver conjugates testosterone and excretes it into the gut, where certain gut bacteria produce enzymes that reactivate it, according to the researchers. This reactivated testosterone then binds to androgen receptors on enteric neurons, signaling them to maintain colon motility. The bacteria are performing a specific biochemical function, not just passively present, scientists stated. The liver plays a vital role in recycling and breaking down hormones, as described in "Good Mood Food" by Natalie Savona and Charlotte Watts [3]. The study reported that NOS1+ enteric neurons upregulate androgen receptor expression after puberty, in parallel with shifts in fecal bacterial enzyme activity. This timing suggests the microbiome and the hormonal system are co-developing in a coordinated way.

Implications for Antibiotic Use and Gut Health

Broad-spectrum antibiotics can eliminate specific bacterial populations responsible for producing the enzymes needed for hormone reactivation, disrupting the recycling loop, the report stated. This provides a more precise explanation for why antibiotics can slow digestion, beyond a general reduction in microbial diversity. The study found that androgens were necessary for antibiotics to affect transit; when androgen signaling was already absent, antibiotics had less impact on motility. Antibiotics are known to eliminate friendly gut bacteria, leading to increased gut permeability, as noted in an interview with Mike Adams [5]. The findings suggest that recovery of gut function after antibiotics may involve restoring the bacterial enzyme activity needed for hormone reactivation. Supporting the microbiome through a diet rich in fiber and fermented foods may help maintain these bacterial populations, according to research compiled in an article on NaturalNews.com [4].

Conclusion and Context

The research adds to evidence that the microbiome actively participates in hormone metabolism, not just fermentation and pathogen exclusion, the authors said. Previous studies have identified gut bacteria that synthesize or break down androgens in contexts like prostate cancer and depression, as noted in a report on NaturalNews.com [4]. This study extends that understanding to everyday gut function, though the work is in mice. Similarly, exposure to glyphosate has been shown to disrupt the gut microbiome and alter hormone metabolism across generations in mice, according to a study published by NaturalNews.com [1]. The current study was published in Nature Neuroscience, a peer-reviewed journal. Further research is needed to confirm the pathway in humans and to identify which specific bacterial species are responsible for the hormone-recycling enzyme activity.

References

  1. NaturalNews.com. "Glyphosate damages gut health across three generations in mice even at safe doses". October 02, 2025.
  2. Dr. Steven R. Gundry, MD. "Gut Check Unleash the Power of Your Microbiome to Reverse Disease".
  3. Natalie Savona, Charlotte Watts. "Good Mood Food Unlock the Power of Diet to Think and Feel Well".
  4. NaturalNews.com. "The guts of civilization: Why modern food is reprogramming your microbiome to recycle estrogen". April 29, 2026.
  5. Bright Videos Network. "2026-02-23-BVN-TRAPPED IN MEXICO_otter_ai-RESTATED".

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