Ever find yourself tossing and turning at night, your mind racing with endless thoughts? Or maybe you’re dealing with that nagging feeling of anxiety, perfectionism, or even unexplained weight gain. It might not be just stress – it could be tied to a little-known genetic mutation called COMT.

In this guide, we’re going to dive into what the COMT gene is, how it affects things like your sleep, mood, and hormones, and, most importantly, how to take control of it. We’ll explore ways to feel better and more balanced, from supplements to lifestyle tweaks, so you can take back your energy, focus, and overall well-being.

What is the COMT Gene and How Does It Affect You?

The COMT gene is responsible for producing an enzyme called Catechol-O-methyltransferase. That might sound complicated, but basically, this enzyme helps break down neurotransmitters (think dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) that are involved in your body’s stress response. These chemicals are often called “fight-or-flight” hormones because they kick in when you’re under stress.

When the COMT gene isn’t functioning optimally, it can mess with the balance of these neurotransmitters, which can lead to:

• Trouble falling and staying asleep
• Racing thoughts that just won’t quit
• Anxiety, stress, and even obsessive-compulsive tendencies
• Sensitivity to things like sounds, lights, and textures
• Hormonal imbalances, especially with estrogen
• Difficulty staying calm and focused

These issues can really get in the way of daily life, affecting your work, relationships, and overall happiness. But the good news? Once you understand what’s going on with your genetics, you can start taking steps to feel better and regain control.

Sage’s Story: Overcoming COMT Challenges

Sage Workinger, co-founder of The Ultimate Human podcast, knows this all too well. She struggled with insomnia, constant racing thoughts, and perfectionism,  all symptoms that were tied to her COMT gene mutation.

She shares, “Before I started supplementing for my genetic breaks, I’d fall asleep, but as soon as my head hit the pillow, my mind would go into overdrive. I’d have show tunes running through my head all night long, and I thought that was just normal.”

Sage also noticed how her perfectionism showed up in small ways, like needing everything in her environment to be perfectly organized. “It would drive me crazy if someone moved my phone charger,” she says. “And when I’d work from home, if there was a pile of dishes or laundry to do, I’d feel like I had to take care of that first, even though it had nothing to do with my work.”

On top of that, Sage dealt with water retention and some estrogen dominance. All of this pointed to the fact that her COMT gene wasn’t working quite right. But once she addressed her genetic predisposition with the right supplements and lifestyle changes, she was able to make a huge shift in her health, sleep, and overall well-being.

The Hidden Link Between COMT and Estrogen Dominance

One surprising impact of the COMT gene mutation is how it affects estrogen metabolism. The COMT enzyme plays a key role in breaking down estrogen. So, when it’s not working properly, estrogen can build up in the body, causing estrogen dominance.

Signs of estrogen dominance can include:

• Unexplained weight gain, especially around your belly
• Water retention and bloating
• Mood swings and irritability
• Tender breasts or fibrocystic breast changes
• Irregular or heavy periods

For Sage, the symptoms of estrogen dominance were particularly frustrating. Despite staying fit and active, she noticed stubborn weight and bloating around her midsection. “I was eating well and exercising, so I couldn’t understand why I was holding onto water and gaining weight,” she says.

But after addressing the root cause with targeted supplementation and lifestyle changes, Sage regained hormonal balance and got rid of the water retention that had been bothering her for so long.

How to Support Your COMT Gene: Supplements and Lifestyle Tips

If you think you might have a COMT gene mutation, there are plenty of things you can do to address the symptoms and feel better. The key is to support the proper function of the COMT enzyme with the right supplements and lifestyle tweaks.

Supplements to Support COMT

To help your body function properly and manage COMT-related issues, here are a few supplements that can make a real difference:

• Methyl Folate (5-MTHF): This active form of folate supports methylation, a process that’s essential for the COMT enzyme to work.
• SAM-e (S-Adenosyl Methionine): This supplement can help boost mood, reduce anxiety, and support methylation.
• TMG (Trimethylglycine): A helpful supplement for supporting methylation, especially if you have both COMT and MTHFR gene mutations.
• Magnesium, Theanine, and Melatonin: This combination helps you relax, improves sleep, and supports your body’s circadian rhythms.
• Hydrogen Water: Drinking water rich in hydrogen can reduce inflammation and support your overall health.
• High-Quality Amino Acids: Ensuring you get the right amino acids supports neurotransmitter balance and cognitive function.

Keep in mind that everyone’s needs are different, so it’s a good idea to work with a healthcare professional who understands COMT and other genetic factors to find the right supplement plan for you.

Lifestyle Strategies for Supporting COMT

Along with supplements, there are lifestyle strategies that can make a big difference in how you feel:

• Avoid Stimulants: Caffeine, green tea, and certain herbs (like elderberry) can make symptoms worse, so it’s best to cut back or avoid them.
• Get Better Sleep: A consistent sleep routine and creating a sleep-friendly environment can really help with insomnia and racing thoughts.
• Manage Stress: Activities like meditation, deep breathing, or gentle exercise can help you keep stress under control.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on nutrient-dense foods to support methylation and neurotransmitter function.
• Limit Toxins: Try to reduce your exposure to environmental toxins (like heavy metals and pesticides) that can mess with your hormones.

By combining these lifestyle habits with the right supplements, people with COMT mutations can see a real improvement in their sleep, mood, and overall health.

Take Charge of Your Genetics and Reclaim Your Health

The COMT gene mutation may sound complex, but understanding how it works gives you the power to take control. With the right knowledge and tools, you don’t have to let your genetics hold you back. Whether you’re dealing with insomnia, anxiety, or hormonal issues, addressing the underlying genetic factors can help you find balance and vitality.

Remember, your genetics don’t determine your destiny. By learning about your body and making the right choices, you can thrive – no matter your genetic predispositions. Start your journey to better health today with the insights and strategies in this guide!