Myths vs facts: Hormoncheck Männer and Darmgesundheit

Myth: A men's hormone check (e.g., testosterone, cortisol) can replace a gut health analysis, or vice versa. Fact: There is a bidirectional gut-hormone axis – the microbiome metabolizes estrogens, androgens, and stress hormones (e.g., via β-glucuronidase), while hormones affect gut permeability and motility. However, effects are individual and polygenic. A standalone hormone panel without stool analysis gives an incomplete picture of gut health, and a microbiome test cannot diagnose hormonal disorders. Evidence for combined consumer tests is weak (observational studies, no RCTs). Users should not rely on single biomarkers but focus on a healthy lifestyle: fiber-rich diet, sleep, stress management. Safety note: Hormone levels fluctuate diurnally; self-interpretation may lead to unnecessary supplementation (e.g., testosterone boosters).