Probiotics can be beneficial for women going through menopause to help ease some of the symptoms. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, this can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to issues like digestive problems. Probiotics help promote a healthy gut microbiome. Some good probiotic strains to look for in a supplement include:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus - This strain helps promote vaginal health, which can help with dryness and discomfort during menopause.
- Bifidobacterium lactis - This strain helps regulate digestive issues like bloating, gas, and constipation, which many women experience during perimenopause and menopause.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus - This strain has been shown to help reduce inflammation, which underlies many menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and pain with intercourse.
Some other benefits of probiotics include:
- Reduced depression and anxiety - The gut-brain connection is very strong, and keeping your gut microbiome balanced can help stabilize mood issues related to shifting hormone levels.
- Supporting heart health - Changes in estrogen can negatively impact cholesterol and blood pressure. Some probiotics strains have been shown to support already normal cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- Supporting bone health - The drop in estrogen during menopause accelerates bone loss. Some promising research shows certain strains like Lactobacillus reuteri may support bone density.
- Easing urogenital atrophy - Declining estrogen causes the urogenital tissues to become thinner and inflamed. This leads to bladder pain, urgency, etc. Probiotics can help reduce inflammation.
When choosing a probiotic supplement, make sure to look for the following:
?
CFU count - Choose one with at least 10-20 billion CFUs (colony forming units) from a mix of strains
?
Diversity of strains - Multiple strains tend to work better together. Aim for at least 5-10 different strains.
?
Prebiotics - Substances like inulin that help feed the probiotics strains allowing them to proliferate. Makes the probiotics more effective.
?
Delivery method - Capsules tend to be more shelf-stable and stomach acid resistant compared to gummies or powders.
?
Third party tested - Verify purity, potency, contamination
Elite Hormone Therapy offers personalized guidance in choosing an effective probiotic supplement for your individual needs during menopause and beyond. Our comprehensive hormone testing helps identify any nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing to imbalances. We carry physician-approved probiotics and other high quality supplements to help ease symptoms. Contact us today to learn more and get 10% off your first order!
In summary, probiotics can provide great benefit for
menopausal women by:
- Promoting vaginal and urinary tract health
- Easing digestive issues like bloating and constipation
- Helping stabilize mood and emotional health
- Supporting heart health and bone density
- Reducing inflammation underlying many menopausal symptoms
Look for a high-quality supplement with diversity of strains, at least 10 billion CFU count, prebiotics, and delivery method optimized for survival past stomach acid. Consider speaking with a physician like those at
Elite Hormone Therapy to help determine the right probiotic and dosage for your individual needs. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome makes dealing with menopausal changes much more manageable.
