Almost all bodily functions are influenced by your gut. Contrary to popular belief, gut and vaginal health are closely related. For this reason, taking a probiotic to restore and balance the good bacteria that make up the vaginal microbiome is a beneficial idea.
However, a recent research study suggests that probiotics may be able to aid with symptoms connected to more significant gynecological problems. These symptoms also include PCOS and endometriosis, in addition to preventing yeast infections caused by antibiotics (1).
The Connection between Gynecological problems and Probiotics
The study evaluated sixteen human and animal research in total: three on endometriosis, seven on PCOS, and six on vaginal infections.
Women of reproductive age or older who had been diagnosed with trichomoniasis, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or a combination of these disorders participated in the vaginal infections’ investigations. Probiotics’ capacity to promote beneficial bacteria has been demonstrated to make them effective against all infections.
Although there are other bacteria in the vaginal microbiome, Lactobacillus species predominate. To prevent infections, this strain of bacteria creates lactic acid, which keeps the pH of the vagina more acidic (2). You may support the healthy growth of your vaginal microbiome by maintaining the balance of these bacteria.
The six PCOS studies also demonstrated a reduction in symptoms. Probiotic supplements may even be utilized as a supplemental or alternative treatment for PCOS, according to research. Probiotics can help with both weight gain and insulin resistance, two frequent symptoms of PCOS.
After all, studies have demonstrated that probiotic use along with a lower-calorie diet can aid women in losing weight and keeping it off for up to 24 weeks (3). Just be sure to pick a probiotic strain that has been thoroughly studied, like Bifidobacterium lactis, for maintaining a healthy weight (4).
Lastly, research has been done on probiotics and endometriosis. This disease affects 10% of American women. Despite the current lack of data, certain research has found a favorable correlation.
In a nutshell, endometriosis is the growth of tissue that normally borders the uterus in other regions of the body. Additionally, this tissue bleeds during menstruation, irritating the nearby nerves and potentially causing excruciating agony.
Excess estrogen in the body can result from a dysbiotic gut microbiome, according to research (5). This encourages the growth of endometrial tissue beyond the uterus. This explains why endometriosis and hormone imbalance are frequently linked. This imbalance can also have a major impact on everything from mood to menstruation.
This is where probiotics come into play.
Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome can support hormonal balance which in turn helps maintain the proper function of endometrial tissue.
How Does the Estrobolome Impact the Health of the Reproductive System?
The colony of bacteria and other microorganisms with the special capacity to degrade estrogen is known as an estrobolome.
Your ability to regulate your estrogen metabolism is partially influenced by certain bacterial colonies that live in your stomach. Your microbiome may be out of balance. This could lead to estrogen dominance and an increased risk of PMS, painful, heavy periods, and mood changes.
Can Probiotics Help Balance Estrogen and other Hormones?
Probiotics are still crucial to maintaining the health of your digestive system throughout menopause. Two strains of Lactobacillus bacteria, Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactibacillus rhamnosus, have been shown in research on menopausal mice to support the estrobolome (6). It may also help prevent the inflammation, leaky gut, and bone loss that typically accompany estrogen decline.
Additionally, oral probiotics can support a varied, healthy vaginal flora and have a direct impact on your vaginal health (7). Yes, there is a large colony of bacteria that controls pH and immunity down there, much like in our guts.
Probiotics work on the principle of promoting beneficial bacteria while suppressing trouble-making ones. Lactobacillus rhamnosus-containing probiotics, for instance, have been shown to enhance vaginal microbiome variety, inhibit itchiness and discharge, and combat pathogenic bacteria like E. coli (8). Research backs up the idea that having a diverse and well-balanced vaginal microbiome may help shield you against yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal dryness, and urinary tract infections (9, 10).
With the abundance of probiotics on the market, it can be overwhelming on which one to decide on. Allow me to introduce Organic Olivia’s Flora-V!
Flora-V is your comprehensive solution for vaginal and urinary tract health. Unlike generic probiotics, Flora-V focuses on the unique needs of the vaginal microbiome. Packed with Lactobacillus strains, it creates a protective barrier, attaches to vaginal membranes, and maintains an acidic pH, keeping infectious microbes at bay.
The inclusion of Lactospore®, a clinically studied probiotic, enhances microbial balance, and prevents pathogenic growth. Notably beneficial for women’s health, it addresses bloating, vaginal health, urinary tract balance, and mood.
The bonus: This probiotic also features Cranberex™, a 200x concentration of whole cranberry fruit, it provides an extra layer of protection with its rich content of proanthocyanidins (PACs).
These compounds, unique to cranberries, inhibit bacterial adhesion and ensure a powerful defense against urinary and vaginal discomfort. Flora-V: the ultimate solution for a balanced and comfortable microbiome, starting its action within just 6 hours of ingestion.
Related Post: 4 Simple Yet Powerful Ways to Support Digestive Wellness
To Wrap Things Up
When you go through the data, you’ll discover that probiotics can have a big impact on your vaginal health and even alleviate symptoms of some serious gynecological disorders. It is not the only solution to these issues (many health challenges require a holistic approach) but listening to your gut is never a bad idea!
Sources |
- Nutrients | Free Full-Text | Beneficial Effects of Probiotics on Benign Gynaecological Disorders: A Review (mdpi.com)
- Lactobacillus – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
- Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CGMCC1.3724 supplementation on weight loss and maintenance in obese men and women – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Probiotic With or Without Fiber Controls Body Fat Mass, Associated With Serum Zonulin, in Overweight and Obese Adults-Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Estrogen-gut microbiome axis: Physiological and clinical implications – PubMed (nih.gov)
- JCI – Sex steroid deficiency–associated bone loss is microbiota dependent and prevented by probiotics
- The role of lactobacilli and probiotics in maintaining vaginal health – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Study on the effects of an oral lactobacilli and lactoferrin complex in women with intermediate vaginal microbiota – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Vaginal Infections: Review Article – PMC (nih.gov)
- Preventing urinary tract infections after menopause without antibiotics – PubMed (nih.gov)
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