What if easing menopause symptoms started in your gut, not your medicine cabinet?
Humans have consumed fermented foods and beverages, including yoghurt, cheese, and wine, for thousands of years. However, the microorganisms responsible for fermentation and their associated health benefits were not scientifically understood until the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Researchers at the Pasteur Institute played a pivotal role in identifying the microorganisms present in these foods, particularly bacteria in the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These discoveries provided the scientific foundation for the modern concept of probiotics.
The World Health Organisation defines probiotics as live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a beneficial health effect on the host. In addition to promoting gastrointestinal health, specific probiotic strains have been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with a range of conditions, including osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, and irritable bowel syndrome, although their effects are strain-specific.
Probiotics are also known to help with the physiological and psychological symptoms associated with menopause. Before menopause, a bidirectional relationship exists between the gut microbiome and circulating reproductive hormones, particularly oestrogen. Oestrogen circulates in both free and protein-bound forms, with homeostasis maintained through a dynamic balance. The gut microbial community, collectively known as the estrobolome, contributes to oestrogen metabolism through β-glucuronidase enzymes, which deconjugate oestrogen metabolites, allowing free oestrogen to be reabsorbed into the circulation. During menopause, declining oestrogen levels, together with age-related physiological changes, are associated with alterations in the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome, resulting in dysbiosis. Similar microbial changes have also been observed in other body sites, including the oral cavity and the vagina. These alterations may further exacerbate menopausal symptoms by disrupting hormonal homeostasis, increasing inflammation, and impairing mucosal health.
Recently, researchers in Spain conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to test whether a probiotic formula could meaningfully reduce menopausal symptoms. 245 women in the age group of 45-60 years who were in perimenopause or menopause were either given a probiotic formula or placebo (dummy pill) every day for a period of 3 months. This probiotic formula by AB Biotics included a mixture of three different strains Levilactobacillus brevis KABP052, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP051, and Pediococcus acidilactici KABP021- at a dose of one billion colony-forming units per day.
The improvement of symptoms and quality of life was evaluated by using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS II) and the Cervantes scale (specific to the Spanish population). After 3 months of intervention, the group of women that received probiotics showed significant improvement in symptoms related to heart discomfort, sleep problems and depressive mood. Physical and mental exhaustion showed a trend in the positive direction; however, the data did not reach significance. There was no effect on vasomotor symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats. The probiotic group also showed meaningful gains on the Utian Quality of Life scale covering occupational, emotional, health, and sexual wellbeing compared to no significant change in the placebo group.
Although women in the placebo group also experienced improvements in menopausal symptoms, the magnitude of improvement observed in the probiotic group was significantly greater. Thus, targeted probiotic supplementation can be a meaningful, safe, non-hormonal tool for managing some of the most disruptive symptoms of the menopause transition, particularly around sleep, mood, and cardiovascular comfort.
While the biological mechanisms underlying these improvements are not yet fully understood, the authors propose several plausible pathways. The formula may support oestrogen recycling in the gut through the estrobolome. L. brevis KABP052, has previously shown particularly strong oestrogen-recycling enzyme activity in laboratory studies. The strains also produce GABA, a calming neurotransmitter increasingly recognised as a key mediator of the gut–brain axis, which may partly explain the improvements in mood and sleep. Confirming these biological mechanisms through hormone biomarker analysis and gut microbiome profiling in future trials will be essential to understanding exactly how and for whom this approach works best, ultimately paving the way for more targeted, personalised non-hormonal strategies that improve women's quality of life during one of the most underserved transitions in their health journey.
Disclaimer: This content is produced independently by The ZenCycle for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. This article was not sponsored by, commissioned by, or produced in affiliation with AB-Biotics or any other commercial entity. All research referenced is publicly available and has been summarised accurately to the best of our knowledge. If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms or are considering any supplement or treatment, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health regimen.
Reference
Espadaler-Mazo, J., Miras, F., Perez, M., Prat, C., Rodríguez-Palmero, M., Huedo, P., Palacios, S., González, S. P., & Molina, X. (2026). Efficacy of a probiotic formula in the management of menopausal symptoms and quality of life: a randomized controlled trial. Menopause
