Multi-strain Probiotics Alter Gut Microbiota and Estrobolome Pathways in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation whose exact cause is unknown, but recent research suggests a link between gut microbiota disruption and this gynecological condition through estrobolome disruption. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of multi-strain oral probiotics on primary dysmenorrhea. They found that gut microbiota differed between women with and without dysmenorrhea, with dysmenorrhea characterized by lower levels of Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Blautia and higher amounts of Faecalibacterium. After probiotic treatment, significant changes in microbial community structure occurred (PERMANOVA, F = 2.11, p = 0.005), with probiotic supplementation inducing more consistent changes than placebo. Although overall beta glucuronidase metabolic pathway abundance did not change, dysmenorrhea was associated with higher amounts of beta glucuronidase-producing bacteria, which were selectively modulated by probiotic treatment. The research demonstrates that probiotics can modulate gut microbiota and improve primary dysmenorrhea.