I was having a chat with a client recently when it hit me: in health and wellness circles, we throw around the term “methylation” like it’s common knowledge. But let’s be honest, most people have no idea what it means or why it’s important.

Let’s fix that.

This isn’t about memorising biochemistry. It’s about understanding one of the body’s most essential behind-the-scenes operations and how it impacts your mood, hormones, detox pathways, and even long-term disease risk.

So… What 

Is

 Methylation?

In simple terms, methylation is the process where your body attaches a small chemical tag (a methyl group: one carbon + three hydrogens) to another molecule. Sounds tiny, but this little change can dramatically shift how your body functions.

Methylation plays a role in:

• Gene expression (turning genes on or off)
• Brain chemistry (producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine)
• Hormone metabolism (especially oestrogen)
• Detoxification (processing toxins)
• Heart health (managing homocysteine)
• Aging and longevity (through DNA methylation)

Methylation, Mood & Mental Clarity

To feel emotionally balanced and mentally sharp, your brain relies on key neurotransmitters like:

• Serotonin – your feel-good chemical
• Dopamine – motivation and reward
• Adrenaline & Noradrenaline – your fight-or-flight responders
• GABA – calming and soothing
• Glutamine & Acetylcholine – learning and memory

When methylation isn’t working properly, your brain may struggle to produce or regulate these. That’s when symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, irritability, or lack of motivation can appear.

Methylation & Oestrogen Detox

Your body breaks down oestrogen into three main metabolites:

1. 2-Hydroxyestrone – protective
2. 4-Hydroxyestrone – potentially harmful
3. 16-Hydroxyestrone – linked to cell growth and higher risk

Here’s the interesting part: through methylation, your body can neutralise the more dangerous versions. For example, 4-hydroxyestrone can be converted into 4-methoxyestrone—a safer, inactive form. Similarly, 2-hydroxyestrone can be turned into 2-methoxyestrone, which is actually protective. So yes, methylation helps detoxify oestrogen in smarter, safer ways.

Methylation & Detox

Even if you eat clean, avoid plastics, and drink filtered water, toxins are unavoidable. Methylation supports Phase II detox, the process where fat-soluble toxins are transformed into water-soluble compounds your body can eliminate.

When this system breaks down, toxins can accumulate, increasing oxidative stress and the risk of long-term health problems, including cancer.

Methylation & Homocysteine

Homocysteine is a natural byproduct in your body, but in excess, it’s trouble. High levels are associated with:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Dementia
• Infertility
• Osteoporosis
• Kidney issues

To keep homocysteine in check, your body needs to convert it into methionine, which is then used to make SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), an essential molecule for brain function, detox, and cell repair. This conversion depends on nutrients like B6, B12, B2, and folate.

Enter the MTHFR Gene (Yes, That’s Really What It’s Called)

MTHFR is the gene that helps your body convert folate into its active, usable form, 5-MTHF. This active folate is crucial for methylating homocysteine and supporting dozens of other processes.

Here’s the catch: more than half the population has a variant in the MTHFR gene, which can drastically reduce methylation efficiency.

There are two common mutations:

• C677T
• A1298C

If you inherit one copy of a mutation, you might be functioning at around 60%. Two copies? Your efficiency could drop to 25%.

Think of your MTHFR gene like a blender:

• With C677T, your blender has a weak motor.
• With A1298C, your blade is dull.
• With both? Weak motor and dull blade. You’ll need pre-chopped ingredients (aka methylated nutrients) to get the job done.

Supporting Methylation Naturally

Whether or not you have an MTHFR mutation, your body needs specific nutrients to support methylation:

• 5-MTHF (active folate)
• Methylcobalamin (B12)
• P-5-P (active B6)
• Riboflavin-5-phosphate (B2)
• Magnesium
• Choline
• Trimethylglycine (TMG)
• Vitamin D

If you have a mutation, using active (methylated) forms is especially important, as your body may struggle to activate them on its own.

Testing for MTHFR

Functional medicine providers can test for MTHFR mutations. If you test positive, the typical approach includes targeted supplementation and reducing environmental toxin exposure (think BPA, plastics, pesticides, and processed foods).

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dealing with fatigue, anxiety, hormonal issues, fertility struggles, or just a sense that your health isn’t where it should be, methylation might be a missing link. Understanding how this process works, and knowing your MTHFR status, can be a game changer in optimising your energy, mood, and overall wellness.

THANKS FOR READING!

Louise x