One Supplement to Manage Infertility, Sexual Health and Mood

For patients navigating infertility, it is critical to review additional strategies that can improve treatment outcomes as well as supporting overall quality of life. Recent research is highlighting the surprising and wide-reaching benefits of probiotics—beyond digestion and gut health, as they appear also play a crucial role in improving sexual function, hormone health and even enhancing clinical pregnancy rates.

Probiotics and Symptoms of Menopause

A newly published systematic review found that probiotics can significantly improve female sexual function, as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Patients who supplemented with probiotics experienced notable improvements in vaginal lubrication and a significant reduction in menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, fatigue and vaginal dryness).

Probiotics and Sexual Health

Certain antidepressants may interfere with sexual function and desire, interestingly a few studies have found that incorporating specific probiotic supplementation in combination with these medications can increase sexual desire, arousal, vaginal lubrication and satisfaction. These benefits were observed without any changes to estrogen hormone levels, suggesting that the improvements may be related to changes in the gut microbiome, immune function and neurochemical signalling.

Probiotics and Mood

Additionally, probiotics were found to enhance mood by boosting serotonin and dopamine signalling, leading to decreased symptoms of depression (in patients receiving combined treatment with antidepressant medication when compared to treatment with medication alone).

Probiotics and Fertility

Another exciting finding from the review was probiotics' ability to help regulate follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) ratios, which are critical for ovulation and menstrual cycle regulation. By modulating sex hormone levels, probiotics may contribute to a more balanced hormonal environment, and this may explain the increase in both biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates in patients receiving concomitant letrozole treatment.

While more research is needed to determine the precise mechanisms by which probiotics appear to exert their beneficial effects, these findings suggest that probiotics may be a valuable adjunct therapy for patients trying to conceive.

Probiotics appear to benefit overall reprodictive health through the following mechanisms:

• Reducing systemic inflammation: Chronic inflammation can negatively impact fertility, and probiotics have been shown to help regulate inflammatory responses in the body.

• Supporting antioxidant activity: Oxidative stress can impair egg quality and reproductive function. Certain probiotic strains contribute to antioxidant defense mechanisms.

• Enhancing hormone metabolism: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in metabolizing and regulating hormones, ensuring a healthier balance of estrogen sex hormones.

• Promoting metabolic health: Insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction are linked to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of infertility. Probiotics may support metabolic health, indirectly benefiting reproductive function.

  
  

It's important to note that the benefits of probiotics can vary depending on the strain and dosage. The studies included in this review examined a variety of probiotic strains across different patient populations. Because not all probiotics have the same effects, consulting your Naturopathic Doctor can help determine which specific strains and dosages are most appropriate for your individual needs.

If you’re looking for additional ways to support your reproductive and sexual health, probiotics may be worth considering as part of a holistic fertility plan. As research continues to uncover their potential, these beneficial bacteria may become a valuable tool in optimizing fertility, hormonal balance, and overall well-being.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your Naturopathic Doctor before starting any new supplement, especially during fertility treatments like IVF.