Are Probiotics Good for Menopause?

Many women suffer from unpleasant symptoms during menopause and while there are many treatments available, they often come with unwanted side effects.

Therefore, asking and answering “are probiotics good for menopause” becomes vital as you go through menopause and wish to be as comfortable as possible.

Probiotics have been shown to be an effective and safe treatment for many of the symptoms associated with menopause.

Probiotic supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to improve gut health, although probiotics have been used in food form for generations and are a staple of many cultures’ daily diets.

Many women, especially those in their forties and fifties, are curious about the benefits of probiotics, which are increasingly available on the shelves of our local supermarkets and medicine stores. Let’s look at the potential benefits and considerations for menopausal and midlife health.

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Typical symptoms associated with menopause

Many women struggle with the symptoms of menopause but are unsure of what to do about it and it is estimated that over half of all women experience menopause symptoms, which can range from mild to severe.

Menopause can cause a wide variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• hot flashes
• mood swings
• vaginal dryness
• urinary problems
• trouble sleeping

The benefits of probiotics for menopause

Menopause symptoms include lower sleep quality, changes in digestion and bowel habits, and even changes in skin health for many women. Menopause is also a time when your chances of developing:

• depression
• anxiety
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• obesity
• osteoporosis increase

These changes are mostly due to the considerable drop in hormone levels that occurs naturally after menopause, particularly estrogen and progesterone.

Do probiotics offer any advantages during menopause?

While more studies are required on the efficacy and usage of probiotics during menopause, there is some indication of possible advantages as we get older and for the use of them.

Probiotics may be beneficial during menopause for the following reasons:

• They may lower inflammation throughout the body, which can raise your illness risk.
• They may help with depression and anxiety symptoms.
• They may aid in the reduction of high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• They may boost your immunity, making you more resistant to colds and infections.
• They may help you combat postmenopausal vaginal infections by promoting a healthy vaginal microbiome.
• They could aid in the prevention of urinary tract infections.
• When coupled with other vitamins, they may help lessen menopausal symptoms including night sweats and hot flashes.
• They may aid in the prevention of constipation.

It’s worth noting that probiotics may not be beneficial to everyone. The good news is that there is no evidence that taking probiotics in the prescribed dosages and applications is hazardous for a normally healthy person.

The types of probiotics that are best for menopause

Menopause is a natural process in some women’s lives. It can be an exciting and liberating time for many women. However, there are certain symptoms that come with the change such as hot flashes and night sweats which can make it difficult to sleep or function throughout the day.

While these symptoms may not be severe enough to cause any long-term health problems, they might still affect your quality of life and productivity at work or school.

There are different types of probiotics that you could take during menopause to help relieve some of these symptoms including:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Bifidobacterium lactis
• Lactobacillus casei

Probiotics work by replacing good bacteria that might be lost after taking antibiotics or during menopause.

Before you start taking probiotics for menopause, here is what you should know about them: 

Lactobacillus acidophilus  – Helps balance the pH levels in your gut. They also strengthen the lining of your uterus to prevent uterine cancer.

Bifidobacterium lactis – Helps manage negative mood swings, anxiety, and depression which are some common issues that women experience during menopause.

Lactobacillus casei – Lowers levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in your body. High levels of cortisol can lead to insomnia which affects your overall health and well-being.

Other benefits of taking probiotics during menopause:

The probiotics taken during menopause can help reduce your risk for osteoporosis later on in life. According to a study published in the European Journal of Nutrition, women who eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D like yogurt and cheese have a lower risk of osteoporosis compared to women who don’t eat these foods. Probiotics can also reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke as well as help you lose weight.

Should you take probiotics?

Although there is conflicting information about the efficiency of probiotics, and testing methods vary widely between strains and manufacturers, you may find them to be beneficial for your specific needs during menopause. Probiotics, on the other hand, are typically the most beneficial and safe option for healthy people without a compromised immune system.

Probiotics are available in a variety of formats, including powders, capsules, tablets, and even drinks. They’re simple to incorporate into your diet, but live cultures sometimes necessitate refrigeration for appropriate storage and preservation. Adults typically receive five to ten billion colony-forming units each day, although this varies.

Whatever sort of probiotic you choose, be sure it’s been third-party evaluated for safety and quality by an independent laboratory, which you should be able to verify from the product label.

A clear sell-by date should also be included in the package. Adding fermented foods to your diet, on the other hand, can be a more nutritious method to increase your probiotic consumption on a daily basis, as they contain a variety of additional health-promoting vitamins, nutrients, and fiber.

As with any change in routine or diet, talk to your healthcare professional about adding probiotics to your diet during menopause to make sure it’s right for you.

In conclusion

There is some evidence that probiotics may help lessen the symptoms of menopause, but more research is needed. If you’re considering taking a probiotic supplement to ease your menopausal symptoms, be sure to speak with your doctor first to find out if it’s the right choice for you.

Probiotics can have side effects, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before starting any new treatment regimen.

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