Women's Probiotics: Using Good Bacteria to Treat Women's Health Disorders

Odds are, you’ve probably heard of probiotics before. The term is found on everything from food labels to supplement bottles to media headlines. Classically, we think of them in terms of their importance for maintaining gut health, and that is certainly an important aspect of health. But did you know that probiotics play a role in women’s health too, affecting everything from HPV to PCOS to miscarraige risk?

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in women’s reproductive health due to its influence on hormone regulation, immune function, and inflammation. A balanced gut microbiome supports the metabolism and detoxification of estrogen, helping to maintain hormonal balance—an essential factor in conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids.

In addition to the gut, the vaginal microbiome—rich in beneficial Lactobacillus species—acts as a first line of defense against infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections. These microbial ecosystems are interconnected, meaning imbalances in the gut can disrupt vaginal health and vice versa.

Moreover, a healthy microbiome contributes to fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and even the prevention of miscarriage and preterm birth. Probiotics and dietary strategies that support gut health can therefore have a powerful, whole-body impact on reproductive wellness.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. In recent years, research has highlighted the significant role of specific probiotic strains in managing various women’s health conditions, ranging from infections to hormonal imbalances. This article delves into evidence-based probiotic strains that support women’s health, focusing on conditions such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV), bacterial vaginosis (BV), group B streptococcus (GBS) during pregnancy, yeast infections, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and more.

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical cancer if persistent. Restoring a healthy vaginal microbiome may aid in HPV clearance. Lactobacillus crispatus M247 has shown promise in this regard. A study found that oral administration of L. crispatus M247 led to a higher percentage of HPV clearance compared to the control group. Additionally, long-term use of L. rhamnosus BMX 54 (NORMOGIN®) vaginal tablets improved HPV-related cytological anomalies and increased HPV clearance rates in women with concurrent BV or vaginitis.

2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

BV is a common vaginal infection characterized by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota. Probiotics can help restore this balance. Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05 has been shown to reduce the recurrence of BV in premenopausal women. A study demonstrated that 24 weeks of daily vaginal application of L. crispatus CTV-05 led to a 30% recurrence rate compared to 45% in the placebo group . Other beneficial strains include L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14, which have been effective in restoring vaginal microbiota in women with BV .

3. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) During Pregnancy

GBS colonization during pregnancy can lead to serious complications. Probiotics may offer a preventive strategy. A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that probiotic interventions could moderately reduce antenatal GBS colonization through mechanisms like acidification, immune modulation, and adhesion inhibition.

4. Yeast Infections (Candida)

Candida infections are common and can be recurrent. Probiotics have shown efficacy in managing these infections. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289 have demonstrated anti-Candida properties by reducing Candida load through co-aggregation, pH modification, and hydrogen peroxide production . Additionally, L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 have been effective in inhibiting Candida biofilm formation.

5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can lead to insulin resistance and inflammation. Probiotics may help manage these symptoms. Strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus have been associated with improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation in women with PCOS . Additionally, Akkermansia muciniphila has been linked to improved blood sugar regulation and may aid in estrogen detoxification.

Concerned you have a hormone imbalance but not sure how to find out? Download my FREE hormone guide to figure out your symptoms once and for all!

Get the Hormone Guide

6. Preventing Miscarriage and Managing Endometriosis

Emerging evidence suggests that probiotics may play a role in reproductive health. Lactobacillus species, particularly L. crispatus and L. jensenii, have been correlated with a decreased rate of bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, and HIV acquisition, and a lower risk of pelvic inflammatory disease. These factors contribute to better reproductive outcomes, including a decreased rate of preterm birth.

7. Decreasing Risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs that can lead to infertility. Probiotics may help reduce the risk by restoring a healthy vaginal microbiome. Lactobacillus species, such as L. crispatus and L. jensenii, have been associated with a decreased rate of bacterial vaginosis and a lower risk of PID.

8. Decreasing Risk of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 are among the most effective probiotic strains for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. These strains help restore the vaginal microbiome, inhibit uropathogen adhesion, and reduce UTI recurrence when taken orally or intravaginally. A study involving 174 women with a history of recurrent UTIs found that those using vaginal probiotics or a combination of oral and vaginal probiotics experienced fewer UTI recurrences than those in the placebo group. Additionally, a meta-analysis of 30 studies found that probiotics not only reduced recurrence rates of vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis.

Probiotics, particularly specific Lactobacillus strains, offer a promising adjunct to conventional treatments for various women’s health disorders. When you know the specific strains to use, it can help bring clarity to the often confusing conversation on women’s microbiological health. Of course, the best way to know which types of bacteria your body could benefit from is through stool testing that profiles your microbiome and helps you better understand your gut health. I recommend seeing a Functional Medicine Doctor if you want to take a deep dive into your own microbiome for the sake of women’s wellness.

Don’t miss out! Join the email list.

Sign Me Up!

Love this post? Share it!

Want more? Check out my new guidebook, The Hormone Hacker!

I’m Dr. Alexandra MacKillop, a functional medicine physician, food scientist and nutrition expert.

I specialize in women’s health & hormones, addressing concerns like fertility, PCOS, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), PMS symptoms like bloating and mood changes and more.

If you’re looking for a new way to approach your health, I’m here to help you through it. Click to learn more.

Women’s Probiotics: Using Good Bacteria to Treat Women’s Health Disorders