Probiotics can be very helpful for relieving symptoms of menopause. As estrogen levels fluctuate and decline during perimenopause and menopause, this can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome. Taking probiotic supplements can help restore healthy gut flora. Some of the key benefits of probiotics for menopausal women include:
- Alleviating hot flashes - Probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium can help regulate body temperature, which may reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes.
- Easing digestive issues - Fluctuations in estrogen can trigger digestive problems like IBS and bloating. Probiotics can improve gut motility and digestive comfort.
- Supporting vaginal health - Declining estrogen causes vaginal atrophy and increases risk for infections. Lactobacillus probiotic strains can promote vaginal cell growth and restore pH balance.
- Lifting mood - Probiotics promote serotonin and dopamine production, which can ease anxiety, depression and mood swings during menopause.
- Boosting bone health - Probiotics enhance calcium absorption and bone density to counteract risks of osteoporosis.
- Lowering heart disease risk - Probiotics reduce inflammation, LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, helping protect postmenopausal women from heart disease.
Some of the top probiotics I recommend for women going through menopause include:
- Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic - 30 billion cultures, 10 strains. Helps with hot flashes, digestion, immunity.
- Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Women - 85 billion cultures, 23 strains. Vaginal, digestive and mood support.
- Hyperbiotics PRO-Women - 5 billion cultures, 6 strains. Focused benefits for postmenopausal vaginal, UT and bladder health.
- MegaSporeBiotic - spore-forming strains that survive stomach acid for intestinal colonization. Boosts estrogen metabolism, thyroid function.
Renew Hormone Clinic also offers customized probiotic formulations to target the specific needs of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Our comprehensive hormone balancing programs couple probiotic therapies with diet changes, supplements and bioidentical hormone replacements for optimal symptom relief.
Some key points about probiotic use for menopause:
- Consistency is key - Take probiotics daily to continually replenish gut microbiome with beneficial bacteria
- Start slow - Begin with lower CFU counts to avoid side effects like initial bloating or gas
- Stagger from antibiotics - Allow 2 hours between antibiotic doses and taking probiotics so the antibiotics don't kill off the probiotic bacteria
- Refrigerate for potency - Store probiotic supplements in a cool, dark space to maintain bacterial viability
- Incorporate prebiotic foods - Prebiotics provide "food" for probiotics to flourish. Good choices are garlic, onion, leeks, asparagus, banana, wheat bran.
In summary, probiotics can provide great relief for uncomfortable menopause symptoms. Look for broad-spectrum blends that contain
Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and other strains clinically shown to alleviate gut, urogenital, temperature regulation, mood and other issues associated with hormonal changes. For optimal results, partner probiotic supplements with dietary improvements, stress reduction practices, appropriate exercise, and hormone-modulating therapies. The integrative physicians at
Renew Hormone Clinic specialize in custom probiotic and gut health therapies tailored to each woman's unique menopausal transition and health goals.
