Associations between dysmenorrhea symptom-based phenotypes and vaginal microbiome: A pilot study Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is painful menstrual cramps without underlying pelvic pathology, predominantly caused by elevated prostaglandins inducing uterine contractions and ischemia. Managing primary dysmenorrhea (PD) requires understanding its complex mechanisms involving prostaglandins, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Treatments include NSAIDs, hormonal therapies, and promising complementary options like probiotics, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and massage, significantly improving women's quality of life.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This pilot study aimed to explore the relationship between different symptom-based phenotypes of dysmenorrhea and the vaginal microbiome. Researchers hypothesized that variations in dysmenorrhea symptoms would be associated with differences in the vaginal microbiome during both on-menses and off-menses periods. The study involved a prospective, longitudinal design where 20 women, aged 15 to 24, were categorized into three dysmenorrhea phenotypes: mild localized pain, severe localized pain, and multiple severe symptoms with gastrointestinal involvement. Vaginal microbiome samples were collected using self-collected swabs during both phases of the menstrual cycle, and the microbiomes were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify bacterial community compositions and their relationship to the severity of symptoms.
Who was studied?
The study focused on 20 women who met the inclusion criteria of being aged 15 to 24, with regular menstrual cycles (24–38 days), no major gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, and no use of hormonal contraceptives or antibiotics in the last three months. These women were grouped based on their dysmenorrhea symptom phenotypes: 12 participants with mild localized pain, 2 with severe localized pain, and 6 with multiple severe symptoms including gastrointestinal issues. Vaginal swabs were collected during the participants’ menstrual and non-menstrual periods to assess changes in the vaginal microbiome.
Most important findings
The study found significant differences in vaginal microbiome compositions between the dysmenorrhea phenotypes during menstruation, but not in the off-menses phase. The “multiple severe symptoms” phenotype exhibited a significantly lower abundance of Lactobacillus crispatus and a higher presence of Atopobium, Gardnerella, and Prevotella species compared to the “mild localized pain” phenotype during menstruation. These findings suggest that more severe symptoms of dysmenorrhea are linked to a dysbiotic vaginal microbiome, characterized by a reduced abundance of protective Lactobacillus and an overrepresentation of potentially pro-inflammatory bacteria. Additionally, changes in the vaginal microbiome from off-menses to on-menses were more pronounced in the “multiple severe symptoms” phenotype, showing a larger shift in bacterial abundances, particularly in the Lactobacillus and non-Lactobacillus groups.
Key implications
The findings of this study suggest that the vaginal microbiome may play a significant role in the severity of dysmenorrhea symptoms. Women with more severe symptom phenotypes exhibit microbiome profiles with higher levels of pro-inflammatory bacteria, which may contribute to increased pain and inflammation during menstruation. These results highlight the potential for targeting the vaginal microbiome in dysmenorrhea management, suggesting that interventions aimed at restoring a healthy microbial balance, such as probiotics or lifestyle changes, could offer new avenues for treating dysmenorrhea, particularly in cases with severe symptoms. Further research with larger sample sizes and more diverse populations is needed to confirm these findings and develop microbiome-targeted therapies for dysmenorrhea.
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is painful menstrual cramps without underlying pelvic pathology, predominantly caused by elevated prostaglandins inducing uterine contractions and ischemia. Managing primary dysmenorrhea (PD) requires understanding its complex mechanisms involving prostaglandins, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Treatments include NSAIDs, hormonal therapies, and promising complementary options like probiotics, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and massage, significantly improving women's quality of life.