“Should I take probiotics on my period?”
Menstruation can come with pesky symptoms like bloating, digestive discomfort, and even changes in vaginal health, leading you to go searching for ways to support your body. And probiotics, known for promoting gut and vaginal health, have gained popularity as a potential solution. But do they actually count as period support?
Yes! The good news is that the right probiotics can ease or eliminate a lot of your symptoms during that time of the month. Let’s take a look at how probiotics work, their potential benefits for menstrual health, and whether they’re worth taking while on your period.
What Are Probiotics and Why Are They Important?
Probiotics are live microorganisms—primarily beneficial bacteria—that help maintain the microbiome balance in your gut. They’re found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, as well as in many dietary supplements. These “good” bacteria play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and overall health by supporting the body’s natural microbial balance.
A well-functioning gut microbiome aids in nutrient absorption, can help reduce bloating, and promotes regular bowel movements. Beyond digestion, probiotics may contribute to vaginal health by establishing an optimal balance of bacteria which can help prevent issues such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections.
How Your Period Affects Gut and Vaginal Health
Hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle—specifically fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone—can quickly take a toll on your short-term and long-term gut health. In fact, you can blame your hormones for uncomfortable symptoms during your period, like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation! Unfortunately, these shifts may also temporarily affect the gut microbiome after your period.
Alongside your gut health, your vaginal microbiome may also be affected by your menstrual cycle. When estrogen levels dip before and during your period, so can the population of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus). This healthy bacteria helps maintain vaginal pH balance so that fluctuations can increase your susceptibility to bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
So, Should I Take Probiotics on My Period?
If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, probiotics are absolutely worth trying. While period symptoms can be annoying and uncomfortable, beneficial bacteria can help support both your gut health and overall well-being. And while they can specifically help during your period, the best part is they can keep you feeling healthy all month long and ensure your gut health is already strong before your period starts.
For instance, probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce menstrual cramps and overall discomfort during your period, and these benefits extend to other health issues that aren’t directly related to your monthly cycle. By maintaining a balanced microbiome, probiotics can make your period—and your daily experience—a little more comfortable!
The Best Types of Probiotics to Take During Your Period
Thankfully, there are many ways to add probiotics to your wellness routine during your period. Just remember to focus on strains that support gut and vaginal balance!
- Lactobacillus strains (such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus): These are particularly beneficial for maintaining vaginal pH and reducing the risk of infections.
- Fermented foods: Try to add yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut to your diet, as these naturally contain probiotics.
- Supplements: Look for high-quality probiotics with multiple strains and a high CFU (colony-forming unit) count to boost effectiveness.
More Ways to Support Gut and Vaginal Health During Your Period
- As well as taking probiotics, there are several other ways to support your gut and vaginal health during your period.
- Consume prebiotics: Foods like garlic, onions, and bananas can support the effectiveness of probiotics by feeding beneficial bacteria in your gut.
- Eating a balanced diet: Fiber, fruits, and vegetables can help maintain a healthy digestive system and reduce bloating.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water aids digestion and helps flush out toxins.
- Manage stress: Elevated stress levels can negatively impact gut bacteria and overall well-being. Consider breathing exercises and yoga as a part of your routine.
- Support your overall menstrual health: Along with probiotics, consider a more holistic supplementation routine to support your cycle.
Taking the Questions out of Your Period
Every month, when your period comes around, you may find yourself searching for ways to relieve bloating and digestive discomfort. And if you’re wondering, “Should I take probiotics on my period?” then thankfully, the answer is clear. Probiotics are a great way to support your gut and vaginal microbiome and maintain balance in the body.
When it comes to prioritizing menstrual health, probiotics can be part of a balanced, holistic wellness routine. Alongside a healthy lifestyle and targeted menstrual cycle support supplements like Wave Bye, you’ll be able to take on your period with confidence and comfort. Our non-hormonal blend of medications and supplements gives you back some control over your period so you can live pain-free all month long.