Vaginal microbiome of women with premature ovarian insufficiency: a descriptive cross-sectional study Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
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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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
OverviewPrimary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a condition marked by the loss of ovarian function before the age of 40, leading to irregular menstruation, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), infertility, and other menopausal symptoms.[1] Women with POI experience hypoestrogenism, which results in elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.[2] While the exact etiology remains unclear, POI can be triggered […]
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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 study aimed to characterize the vaginal microbiome of women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) who were receiving systemic hormone therapy (HT). Premature ovarian insufficiency, which leads to a decrease in ovarian activity before the age of 40, has various physiological and psychological impacts. The research focused on identifying the composition of the vaginal microbiome in these women, using 16S rRNA pyrosequencing to profile the microbial communities. The study classified vaginal samples into five phylogenetic groups based on bacterial predominance, comparing the results to existing knowledge of vaginal microbiomes in estrogenized women.
Who was studied?
The study involved 40 sexually active women diagnosed with POI who had been using systemic hormone therapy for at least six months. The average age of the participants was 37.13 years, with the mean age of POI diagnosis being 27.90 years. Women in the study had a range of hormone therapy regimens, including oral conjugated estrogen, 17β-estradiol, and tibolone. Participants with conditions like vulvovaginitis, current antibiotic use, or systemic illnesses were excluded. The study aimed to evaluate how long-term HT affects the vaginal microbiome, particularly focusing on the dominance of Lactobacillus species.
Most important findings
The study identified several significant microbial patterns in the vaginal microbiome of women with POI undergoing hormone therapy. The majority of participants had a microbiome dominated by Lactobacillus species, which is considered typical for women receiving estrogen. Specifically, Lactobacillus crispatus was found to be predominant in 33.4% of the participants, while Lactobacillus iners dominated another 33.4%. Smaller groups showed a predominance of Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus jensenii. However, 15.2% of the women had a vaginal microbiome characterized by anaerobic bacteria, such as Gardnerella and Prevotella, which are typically associated with bacterial vaginosis. The presence of these bacteria despite systemic estrogen supplementation suggests that factors beyond estrogen, such as sexual activity, diet, or immune response, may influence the vaginal microbiome.
Key implications
The findings suggest that systemic hormone therapy in women with POI largely supports the maintenance of a healthy vaginal microbiome dominated by Lactobacillus species, similar to women with preserved ovarian function. However, the presence of anaerobic bacteria in a significant proportion of women indicates that estrogen alone may not be sufficient to restore the vaginal ecosystem entirely. This highlights the need for additional strategies, such as probiotics or dietary adjustments, to address microbial imbalances in women with POI. The study also points to the potential role of other factors, such as sexual practices and immune response, in influencing vaginal health and microbial colonization.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a steroid hormone primarily found in women, crucial for reproductive health, secondary sexual characteristics, and various physiological processes. It regulates menstrual cycles, supports pregnancy, and influences bone density and cardiovascular health. Dysregulation of estrogen levels can lead to various disorders and health complications.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, where the typically dominant Lactobacillus species are significantly reduced, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative bacteria.
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.