Probiotic May Help Relieve Menopause Symptoms

Menopause begins 12 months after a woman’s last period. Symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, and mood changes. A new study suggests that supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 may help relieve some menopause symptoms. 

Eighty menopausal women with an average age of 50 participated in the study. They received 1 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 or a placebo daily for 6 months. Menopausal symptoms were evaluated using the Simplified Menopausal Index and the Greene Climacteric Scale questionnaires at baseline and at the end of the study period. 

75% of participants in the probiotic group saw relief of menopausal symptoms. They saw the highest reductions in hot flashes, excessive sweating, sleep problems, and irritability. 

The study was conducted by researchers from Asahi Quality & Innovations, Ltd. It was published online ahead of print on April 19, 2022 in the journal Nutrients. 

Ashwagandha was also found to help relieve menopause symptoms in a previous study.