Probiotic for Menopause and hot flushes

Gut health deteriorates after menopause – There is  strong  evidence to support the use of a good quality probiotic during and after menopause to help hot flushes and other troublesome symptoms. Studies have shown they can directly help with regulation of heat hot flushes and joint pains as the good bacteria contribute to healthy metabolism and recycling of hormones in the body, which then supports hormonal balance and reduces the body’s sensitivity to increases in temperature. They also have numerous other benefits in post-menopausal women – they have shown they help prevent bladder infections, reduce irritable bowel symptoms, ward off yeast infection, protect against osteoporosis, help mood, joint comfort and weight control (read more)

The lactobacillus strains have the most evidence of a benefit. So, When considering a supplement, ensure they are mainly lactobacillus strains, are from reliable UK manufacturer, they contain built in prebiotics such as inulin from chicory, the daily dose is at least 10 billion colony forming units and they are carried in a slow release capsule. In view of the evidence for a  benefit for vitamin D, a combination with Vitamin is very sensible. One supplement which meets all these criteria is called Yourgutplus+ highlighted in the adjacent picture (read more).

Reference:

Andrews RAF, Lacey A, Roach H, Tomlinson R, Kidd EJ, Bache K. Investigating the effects of probiotics during the menopause transition: A systematic review & meta-analysis. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2025 Oct;69:241-256. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2025.07.009. Epub 2025 Jul 8. PMID: 40639456.

Thomas R et al. Examining quality of life issues in relation to endocrine therapy for breast cancer. American Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2003. 26(4): p. 40-4.

Thomas R et al. Giving patients a choice improves quality of life: A multi-centre, investigator-blind, randomised, crossover study comparing letrozole with anastrozole. Clinical Oncology (2004) 16: 485-91.

Liaquat M, Minihane AM, Vauzour D, Pontifex MG. The gut microbiota in menopause: Is there a role for prebiotic and probiotic solutions? Post Reproductive Health. 2025;31(2):105-114. doi:10.1177/20533691251340491