Author: Vicky Godfrey (Nutritional therapist) CNM, BANT, CHNC, ANP.

Your Oestrogen and Stress pathways in your body – GET THE ROADMAP TO HOW YOUR BODY WORKS!

Understanding your COMT gene is like having a personal roadmap to hormone and stress management. Whether you’re dealing with PMS, mood swings, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, knowing your COMT variant can help you tailor your approach to diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes.

At DNApal, we believe in empowering you with genetic insights to take control of your health. By addressing your unique COMT needs, you can optimize hormone balance, enhance stress resilience, and feel your best every day.

When it comes to balancing hormones, managing stress, and optimizing your overall health, understanding your genes can provide powerful insights. One gene that plays a significant role in these areas is the COMT gene. Here’s everything you need to know about this gene, its impact on your body, and how you can support it through diet, lifestyle, and supplements.

What is the COMT Gene?

The COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase) gene produces an enzyme responsible for breaking down certain neurotransmitters like dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, as well as detoxifying oestrogen metabolites in the body. Depending on your genetic variant, your COMT enzyme can work either faster or slower, which impacts how your body handles oestrogen and stress.

COMT and Oestrogen Metabolism

COMT is essential for detoxifying harmful oestrogen metabolites. If you have a slow COMT variant, your body may struggle to efficiently break down these metabolites, which can increase the risk of oestrogen dominance symptoms such as:

• PMS and menstrual irregularities
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings or anxiety
• Higher risk of hormone-related cancers (e.g., breast cancer)

On the flip side, if you have a fast COMT variant, you may process oestrogen quickly but could struggle to maintain optimal oestrogen levels, potentially affecting bone density and overall hormone balance.

COMT and Stress

From a stress perspective, the COMT gene determines how well you clear stress hormones like adrenaline and dopamine.

• Slow COMT: You might hold onto stress hormones longer, making you more prone to feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or “wired but tired.”
• Fast COMT: You may clear stress hormones too quickly, leaving you less reactive to stress but possibly feeling flat or unmotivated in highly demanding situations.

How to Support Your COMT Gene

Dietary Support

1. Focus on cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts to support oestrogen detoxification.
2. Add flaxseeds for fiber and lignans, which help balance estrogen levels.
3. Incorporate foods rich in magnesium (e.g., dark leafy greens, nuts, and seeds) to support neurotransmitter and hormone balance.
4. Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol, as these can overstimulate or overburden COMT function.

Supplement Support

• Your COMT supplementation needs depend on whether you have a slow or fast variant. Here are some general recommendations
• Methylation Support: Methylation is key for COMT function. Supplements like methylated B vitamins (B6, B12, and folate) can provide direct support.
• Calcium-D-Glucarate: This helps with estrogen detoxification and supports hormone balance, particularly for those with a slow COMT variant.
• Magnesium Glycinate: Known for its calming effects, magnesium can reduce stress and support neurotransmitter balance.
• SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine): SAMe supports methylation and helps COMT process neurotransmitters and oestrogen effectively.
• Adaptogens: Herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola can help regulate stress responses, particularly for those with a slow COMT who feel easily overwhelmed.

Lifestyle Changes

1. Stress management is non-negotiable. Practice mindfulness, yoga, or heart coherence meditation to keep your stress hormones in check.
2. Exercise smartly. Slow COMT individuals might benefit from calming activities like yoga or walking, while fast COMT types may enjoy more intense workouts to boost dopamine levels.
3. Sleep hygiene. Prioritise quality sleep to support neurotransmitter and hormone balance.

Want to know more about your COMT gene and other key genetic factors? Get started with DNApal today here or email us and say HELLO at hello@dnapal.me