Efficacy of <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> PBS067, <i>Bifidobacterium animalis</i> subsp. <i>lactis</i> BL050, and <i>Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus</i> LRH020 in the Amelioration of Vaginal Microbiota in Post-Menopausal Women: A Prospective Observational Clinical Trial

Abstract

The menopausal transition marks a significant physiological shift in women. Menopause-related symptoms can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life and probiotics have emerged as a promising avenue. This study aims to investigate the benefits of probiotics in improving vaginal well-being and microbiota composition in post-menopausal women. A prospective observational clinical trial was carried out enrolling 50 post-menopausal healthy women, aged between 45 and 65 years old, taking a supplement containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020 (3B CFU/day) for 28 days. Vaginal swabs were collected to evaluate microbiota fluctuation and the inflammatory pattern was recorded. A Vaginal Health Index was provided to evaluate vaginal well-being throughout the trial. Clinical outcomes revealed a decrease in menopausal symptoms. Significant improvements were observed across various parameters: a 50% enhancement in the VHI score (p p < 0.05). Moreover, the probiotic intervention facilitated the restoration of vaginal microbiota, evidenced by an increase in lactobacilli abundance. In conclusion, the combination of these specific probiotic strains, previously clinically tested in childbearing-age women, showed to be effective also for post-menopausal women.

Keywords

• menopause
• lactobacilli
• vaginal microbiota
• pro-inflammatory cytokines
• probiotics
• immunity