Spotlight on the Gut Microbiome in Menopause: Current Insights

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Women's health
• Reproductive aging

Background:

• The gut microbiome influences human health and is affected by factors like age and sex hormones.
• Menopause, a key reproductive aging event in women, significantly impacts hormonal balance.
• The specific effects of menopause on the gut microbiome are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on the relationship between female sex hormones, menopause, and the human gut microbiome.
• To identify knowledge gaps concerning the gut microbiome's role in menopause-related health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on female sex hormones and the gut microbiome.
• Analysis of research specifically examining menopause, sex hormones, and the gut microbiome in humans.

Main Results:

• Menopause is associated with decreased gut microbiome diversity.
• The menopausal gut microbiome shows increased similarity to the male gut microbiome.
• More research is required to identify consistent changes in microbial taxa during menopause.

Conclusions:

• Menopause alters the gut microbiome, potentially impacting women's health.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for improving peri- and post-menopausal well-being.
• Further investigation is needed on the microbiome's role in menopause-related diseases and the effects of hormone therapy.