Vaginal Microbiome and Epithelial Gene Array in Post-Menopausal Women with Moderate to Severe Dryness

Authors: Ruben Hummelen, Jean M. Macklaim, Jordan E. Bisanz, Jo-Anne Hammond, Amy McMillan, Rebecca Vongsa, David Koenig, Gregory B. Gloor, Gregor Reid

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026602

Abstract Summary

Post-menopausal women with vaginal dryness show reduced Lactobacillus levels and increased bacterial diversity compared to healthy counterparts. Contrary to conventional wisdom, healthy post-menopausal women maintain abundant lactobacilli. Women experiencing dryness exhibit down-regulated genes for epithelial barrier function and up-regulated inflammatory genes, suggesting microbiome changes may contribute to symptoms beyond estrogen loss alone.

Why Brain? 🧠

Study reveals post-menopausal vaginal dryness links to lower Lactobacillus levels and increased microbial diversity, with gene changes showing reduced barrier function and increased inflammation.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.