The role of probiotics in improving menstrual health in women with primary dysmenorrhoea Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
I 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
OverviewPrimary dysmenorrhea (PD) is defined as painful menstruation occurring in the absence of any underlying pelvic disease or pathology. It is the most common gynecological complaint affecting women of reproductive age, with a prevalence ranging from 45% to 95% worldwide. Typically, the pain starts just before or at the onset of menstruation and lasts for […]
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
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 trial evaluated whether three months of oral probiotic supplementation could improve menstrual health in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Investigators administered daily sachets containing six bacterial strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus BCMC 12130, L. casei subsp. BCMC 12313, L. lactis BCMC 12451, Bifidobacterium bifidum BCMC 02290, B. longum BCMC 02120, and B. infantis BCMC 02129—to one group and an inert placebo to another. They measured pain intensity (visual analog and verbal rating scales), quality of life (SF‑12v2 physical and mental health scores), frequency of NSAID use, and serum inflammatory cytokines before and after treatment.
Who was studied?
Seventy‑two premenopausal women aged 23–41 years with clinically confirmed primary dysmenorrhea at a Malaysian medical center enrolled in the study; 67 completed the trial. Researchers excluded participants with organic pelvic pathology, recent hormonal therapy, lactose intolerance, or allergy to study components. They maintained high compliance (>90%) through monthly follow‑ups and sachet counts. To conserve resources, they assayed inflammatory markers in serum from eight probiotic and six placebo participants selected at random.
Most important findings
Both groups experienced significant pain reduction and improved physical health over three cycles, but only the probiotic group showed a statistically significant gain in mental health. Probiotic recipients used fewer NSAIDs, suggesting reduced analgesic dependence, though this did not reach statistical significance. The trial detected no differences in IL‑6, IL‑8, or TNF‑α levels, and it did not assess shifts in gut microbial composition; thus, direct evidence of probiotic‑induced microbiome modulation remains unestablished.
Key implications
Clinicians may consider adjunctive probiotic therapy to enhance mental well‑being and potentially lower NSAID requirements in dysmenorrhea management, recognizing that objective anti‑inflammatory effects remain unproven. Future trials should include larger cohorts, non‑NSAID comparators, and direct microbiome profiling to elucidate how specific Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains influence estrogen metabolism, gut dysbiosis, and prostaglandin‑mediated pain pathways.
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.