The two supplement blends combine five bacterial strains (two of Lactobacillus acidophilus as well as Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum (formerly Lactobacillus plantarum)) and are specifically designed for women sensitive to phytoestrogens and other forms of oestrogen.
Menopausal women are prone to disruption of the gut microbiome, which inhibits oestrogen metabolism and can affect quality of life, said CEO and Co-founder, Kate Bache.
“When we investigated phytoestrogen alternatives, we identified that live cultures are a great addition to a supplement programme for this life stage,” said Bache. “The reason why they are important is that numerous clinical studies suggest the transition to menopause can disrupt the diversity of the microbiome.
“Given the increasing evidence on the benefit of a diverse microbiome in many aspects of health it was the right decision to include live cultures in our formulation.”
Promote diversity
The supplements are formulated with Lab4P probiotics, developed by Welsh biotech, Cultech, that deliver 50 billion colony forming units (CFUs) per dose and are “scientifically proven to reach the gut alive”. The live culture supports microbiome health by promoting bacterial diversity, including strains that target oestrogen metabolism.
Health & Her nutritionist Helen Roach said: “There is a subset of the gut microbiome called the estrobolome which is involved in metabolising oestrogen. During perimenopause, in particular, oestrogen levels fluctuate widely, if your estrobolome population is not diverse enough to break down the oestrogen it can’t be utilised by the body and the oestrogen levels can then become out of balance.”
Roach added that while oestrogen production slows during menopause, fatty tissue and adrenal glands continue to produce a weaker version called oestrone, making it essential to maintain estrobolome levels and support wellbeing.
Clinical validation
The efficacy of Lab4P probiotics in promoting metabolic and general health has been reported in a number of clinical studies.
Participants in one trial demonstrated significant improvements in quality-of-life scores (for general wellness, state of health, energy, mood, and sleep quality) after daily probiotic intake after six months, and another reported improved low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic subjects1 over the same period.
Both Health & Her Biome products comprise botanicals, vitamins, and minerals (including B vitamins, magnesium, biotin, zinc, and chromium) along with live cultures. The blend is tailored to regulate hormones and blood sugar levels, bolster energy levels and psychological function, improve relaxation, and support the nervous system, cognitive and muscle function.
Menopause Biome contains additional vitamins A, D3, and K2 for immune, vaginal, and bone health, and cranberry extract that can aid postmenopausal health. The chosen botanical for Perimenopause Biome is Ashwagandha extract, known to alleviate hot flushes and urinary symptoms.
1 The PROMAGEN Study: Weight loss and cholesterol - Lab4 Probiotics