Menstrual cycles can be a nuisance for many women. From bloating, cramps, lethargy, headaches, and mood swings, they can disrupt your day-to-day life and cause you varying degrees of discomfort and pain.
Fortunately, there are supplements to help ease the menstrual cycle, including probiotics. These beneficial bacteria play a significant role in supporting overall health, and may potentially ease symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the role of probiotics and how they can ease your menstrual cycle.
How Probiotics Can Ease Your Menstrual Cycle
Balancing Gut Health
Good gut health is crucial for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, influencing various functions such as immunity and hormone regulation. Signs of an imbalance in gut health can be seen in bloating, constipation, fatigue, sugar cravings, and inflammation, which are common symptoms experienced during menstruation.
Reducing Inflammation
Menstrual symptoms such as cramping, bloating, and breast tenderness are often associated with inflammation. Certain probiotic strains contain anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body. Probiotics may also mitigate inflammation by modulating immune function, reducing oxidative stress, restoring gut microbiota balance, and improving metabolic health, all of which can have positive effects on overall inflammation levels in the body.
Regulating Hormones
Hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, may fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, affecting ovulation and resulting in symptoms like acne, mood swings, weight gain, and more. By promoting hormone balance, probiotics may help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations. For example, chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance, particularly cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Some studies suggest that probiotics may help modulate the stress response and reduce cortisol levels, leading to more stable overall hormone balance.
Supporting Immune Function
A strong immune system enhances the body’s ability to fight off infections and maintain overall health. Research has shown that probiotic bacteria contains important health-promoting properties and supports immune function. During menstruation, hormonal fluctuations may cause the body’s immune system to become more vulnerable to infections. Through probiotic supplementation, you can maintain a healthy immune system by lessening the severity of infections and other related symptoms.
Improving Mood and Mental Health
During the menstrual cycle, many women experience unpleasant changes in their mood and mental health. Probiotics can potentially ease some of these symptoms, including depression and anxiety. By supporting the integrity of the gut barrier, probiotics help to prevent the leakage of harmful substances from the gut into the bloodstream. When this happens, “leaky gut” can occur, which may contribute to mood disorders. Consult a physician if mental health persists or worsens as it may be a serious issue which requires professional treatment.
Supporting Feminine Health
Probiotics can be beneficial for feminine health, primarily by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the vaginal microbiota. From preventing and treating vaginal infections, restoring pH balance, alleviating discomfort, and supporting urinary tract health, some probiotics are good for feminine health. When choosing a probiotic supplement to help with any of these conditions, look for products containing strains of lactobacilli, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, or Lactobacillus reuteri, which have been shown to be beneficial for vaginal health. Understanding which probiotics are most effective for supporting feminine health can be confusing, but resources like the Evvy Test can provide clarity and personalized insights.
While probiotics may offer support in easing your menstrual health, it’s important to note that individual responses may vary. If you’re considering probiotic supplementation for menstrual support, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your specific needs and circumstances. Additionally, incorporating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi into your diet can provide additional benefits for gut health and overall well-being.
