The Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus YT1 (MENOLACTO) on Improving Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

<jats:p>This study evaluated the efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus YT1 (MENOLACTO) for alleviating menopausal symptoms. This study was a multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving female subjects (ages: 40–60 years) with menopausal symptoms and a Kupperman index (KMI) score ≥ 20. Subjects were administered 1 × 108 CFU/day MENOLACTO or placebo, with the primary endpoint being total KMI score, and the effect of secondary endpoints on alleviating menopausal symptoms according to individual categories of the modified KMI, as well as a quality of life questionnaire (MENQOL questionnaire). After 12 weeks, total KMI scores decreased significantly, demonstrating improved menopausal symptoms relative to placebo along with improved modified KMI scores. Additionally, quality of life, according to the MENQOL questionnaire, significantly improved in all four symptoms—physical, psychosocial, vasomotor, and sexual symptoms. Moreover, we observed no significant difference between the two groups or significant changes in blood follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol levels or endometrial thickness. These results demonstrated that MENOLACTO alleviated menopausal symptoms without notable side effects and improved quality of life, suggesting its efficacy as an alternative supplement to alleviate menopausal symptoms in women ineligible for hormonal therapy.</jats:p>

Modulation of the Gut Microbiota Structure with Probiotics and Isoflavone Alleviates Metabolic Disorder in Ovariectomized Mice

“…In obese postmenopausal women, probiotics exert a protective effect by modulating the gut microbiota [ 44 , 45 ]. Lactococcus in the intestine is a genus of beneficial microbes which negatively associated with obesity [ 46 , 47 ].…”

Changes in the Microbiome of Vaginal Fluid after Menopause in Korean Women

“…From these results, we would predict that Lactobacillus may be used to alleviate diseases related to menopause. A clinical trial in Korea reported that oral ingestion of lactobacilli by post-menopausal women improved symptoms related to menopause [ 47 ], but further studies are needed to investigate alleviation of menopause-related symptoms by administering Lactobacillus directly to the vagina rather than by oral administration to restore the vaginal microbiome to a pre-menopausal state.…”

Evaluating the Effects of Probiotics on Menopause-specific Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review &amp; Meta-analysis

“…See supplementary file to view comprehensive details for each included study. Eight studies evaluated the effects of probiotics on menopausal symptoms [21]; [22]; [23]; [24]; [25]; [26]; [27]; [28]. Fifteen studies explored probiotics and urogenital health including genitourinary syndrome of menopause [30]; [31]; [32]; ; [34]; [35], bacterial vaginosis [36], urinary tract infections [37]; [38], and vaginal atrophy [39]; [40]; [41]; [42]; [43]; [44]; [45].…”