Modulation of hormones in perimenopausal women by probiotics associated by specific gut bacteria: a pilot study

Perimenopause is characterised by hormonal fluctuations that can affect metabolism. Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiota, which can be regulated by taking probiotics, influences hormone regulation. One proposed mechanism is the activity of β-glucuronidase, which hydrolyzes excreted hormones, allowing them to be reabsorbed. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum on oestrogen levels through their β-glucuronidase activity.

A single-arm pre-post pilot study was conducted on 20 perimenopausal women aged 50-55 years who received 10⁹ colony-forming units/day of probiotics for 12 weeks. Symptoms were assessed with the greene climacteric scale. Samples were collected before and after the intervention to determine hormone levels and biochemical parameters in the blood, as well as β-glucuronidase activity, oestrone and specific gut bacteria in the stool.

Probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifido- bacterium longum resulted in benefits, including improvement in specific gut bacteria, an increase in estradiol (6.86 ±-5.20 pg/ml), and an increase in β-glucuronidase activity (1.21 ±-1.15 mg phenolphthalein).

It can be concluded that supplementation under the described conditions improves specific bacteria, increases estradiol, and increases β-glucuronidase activity. Although methodological limitations prevent demonstrating a direct impact on quality of life, this mechanistic approach to the estrobolome provides valuable support for guiding the design of new research on hormonal homeostasis in perimenopause.