Investigating the Effects of Probiotics on Oestrogen-related
Pathologies: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Background: Probiotics may enhance the effects of exogenous
oestrogens such as hormone replacement therapy and isoflavones, and may
lead to improvements in menopausal symptoms, and cardiovascular, bone
and vaginal health. Objectives: To examine the effects of
probiotics on oestrogen-related pathologies and explore whether
probiotics influence the effects of exogenous oestrogenic substances.
Search strategy: Searches of EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library,
Scopus, and Web of Science were performed. Selection criteria:
Studies reported on the effects of probiotics, or probiotics plus
oestrogenic substances such as estriol or isoflavones, among
perimenopausal or recently postmenopausal women. Data collection
& analysis: All findings were narratively synthesised; 7 studies were
examined via meta-analysis which examined the effects of probiotics
versus placebo. Main results: Thirty-nine studies contributed
data from 3,187 women. Probiotics were associated with improvements in
menopausal symptoms, urogenital conditions, bone health, and
enhancements in the efficacy and safety of estriol and isoflavones. Meta
analysis demonstrated large effects of probiotics on menopausal symptoms
(total score): [standardised mean difference (SMD)= -0.82, (95% CI
-0.52 to -1.09)], vasomotor symptoms: [SMD= -0.96, (95% CI -1.25 to
-0.68)], psychological symptoms: [SMD=-0.51, (95% CI -0.95 to
-0.08)], vaginal dryness: [SMD=-0.95 (95% CI -1.40 to -0.49)],
and vaginal microbiome health (Nugent score): [SMD=-0.91 (95% CI
-1.32 to -0.49)]. Meta analysis results were nonsignificant in
relation to somatic and sexual symptoms. Conclusions: Findings
suggest that probiotics may improve conditions related to low oestrogen
levels. Moreover, probiotics may enhance the effects of estriol and
isoflavones. While findings are limited by the high risks of bias in the
included studies, these results are promising and require further
investigation.