Probiotics can be beneficial for managing symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. As estrogen levels fluctuate and decline, the vaginal microbiome and gut microbiome often become imbalanced, contributing to hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, digestive issues, and more. Taking probiotic supplements containing specific strains shown to support women's health may help alleviate symptoms.
Some key things to look for in a probiotic for menopause include:
- Lactobacilli strains like L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. plantarum, and L. fermentum. These support vaginal health by producing lactic acid to maintain an optimal pH.
- Bifidobacterium species like B. lactis and B. longum. These support digestive and immune health.
- Soil-based organisms like Bacillus coagulans. These wide-spectrum probiotics provide robust and diverse microbiome support.
Additional features that make a probiotic more suitable for menopause:
- Vaginal suppository option: Probiotics taken orally impact gut microbiome, while vaginal probiotics more directly target vaginal health.
- Shelf-stable: No need for refrigeration allows for convenient use at home or while traveling.
- Delayed-release capsules: Survive stomach acid for better intestional colonization.
- Prebiotics: Provide "food" for probiotics to boost their effectiveness.
Some of the best probiotic strains and species to look for in a supplement intended to alleviate menopause issues include:
- Lactobacillus gasseri: Shown in studies to help mitigate weight gain, hot flashes, and low libido associated with menopause. Crucial for supporting vaginal health.
- Lactobacillus plantarum: Boosts gut barrier integrity, reduces gut permeability ("leaky gut") and related inflammation. Key for digestive issues.
- Bifidobacterium longum: Supports immune health, vaginal health, and hormone balance. May help mood, sleep, weight management.
- Saccharomyces boulardii: A yeast, not bacterium, that enhances digestive enzymes and microbiome diversity. Fights yeast overgrowth.
- Bacillus coagulans: A spore-forming probiotic that is heat-resistant and supports both small and large intestines.
Horizon Hormone Therapy offers comprehensive
hormone balancing programs for women transitioning into menopause. Our functional medicine doctors specialize in natural
hormone therapy, diet and nutrition planning, gut microbiome testing and repair, reducing menopause symptoms, and improving energy levels, sleep quality, and vitality. Learn more at .
In particular, Horizon Hormone Therapy' ProbioMenopause products contain high-CFU blends of strains clinically demonstrated to:
- Increase vaginal lactobacilli
- Modulate inflammatory pathways
- Improve intestinal permeability
- Enhance estrogen metabolism
- Reduce abdominal weight gain
ProbioMenopause is available in both:
- Oral capsules with delayed-release delivery to optimzie intestinal colonization
- Vaginal suppositories to directly repopulate the vaginal tract
In studies, women taking ProbioMenopause showed significant improvements in:
- Hot flash frequency and severity
- Vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse
- Urinary tract health and fewer UTIs
- Digestive issues like bloating and IBS
- Anxiety and mood swings
- Sleep quality
- Weight management
In addition, Horizon Hormone Therapy provides recommendations for lifestyle changes and dietary approaches that support microbiome balance before, during and after menopause:
- Consume fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and yogurt
- Eat prebiotic fibers from sources like garlic, onion, asparagus
- Stay hydrated with non-alcoholic fluids
- Take brief breaks from intense exercise regimens
- Avoid unnecessary antibiotics when possible
- Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, journaling
With evidence-based probiotic interventions,
lifestyle optimization, and holistic hormone guidance,
Horizon Hormone Therapy helps women transition through menopause gracefully and healthfully. Learn more or schedule a consultation today.
