Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2809 is effective especially on the menstrual pain and dysmenorrhea in endometriosis patients 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:
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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 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2809 in alleviating menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) and related symptoms in patients with endometriosis. The study specifically focused on the ability of this probiotic strain to reduce pain during menstruation, improve overall quality of life, and provide an alternative to conventional pain management strategies such as NSAIDs and hormonal treatments. The participants received either Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2809 or a placebo daily for 12 weeks, and the outcomes were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) for pain and dysmenorrhea.
Who was studied?
Sixty-six women, aged 18-45, diagnosed with endometriosis, were recruited for this study. The inclusion criteria required that the women had regular menstrual cycles and were experiencing significant dysmenorrhea associated with endometriosis. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the active probiotic tablets containing L. gasseri OLL2809 or placebo tablets. Exclusion criteria included a history of recent hormone therapy, gastrointestinal issues triggered by dairy products, or any conditions that could interfere with the results, such as severe comorbidities or existing pelvic infections.
Most important findings
The study demonstrated that Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2809 significantly reduced both pain intensity and dysmenorrhea in participants with endometriosis. At 2 and 3 months after treatment initiation, the active treatment group showed a marked decrease in the VAS of pain intensity during menstruation, with a greater reduction in the VRS for dysmenorrhea compared to the placebo group. However, no significant improvements were observed in non-menstrual pelvic pain, nor was there a notable effect on serum CA-125 levels, a common marker for endometriosis severity. The probiotic was well-tolerated, with no adverse side effects reported.
Key implications
These findings suggest that Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2809 could be an effective non-hormonal alternative for managing menstrual pain and dysmenorrhea in patients with endometriosis. The significant improvements in pain scores indicate that probiotics may help reduce reliance on conventional painkillers like NSAIDs, which have side effects such as gastrointestinal issues. Given the lack of adverse effects, this treatment could provide a safer, long-term option for women seeking pain relief from endometriosis. However, future studies should investigate its mechanisms further, particularly the immunological and microbiome-related pathways through which L. gasseri exerts its effects.
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.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.