"Pregnancy Hormone and Mood Tied to Gut Bacteria Gas"

Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that gut bacteria produce the hormone allopregnanolone, which is linked to pregnancy and mood regulation, by modifying steroids in bile. This finding suggests that the microbiome acts as an endocrine organ and could be targeted to treat mental health conditions like postpartum depression. The study highlights the potential for microbiome-targeted therapies to influence human health and behavior.