Impact of a probiotic supplement on menopause
This study is investigating if a probiotic supplement, called Symprove, can help with symptoms many women experience during perimenopause. Menopause can bring challenges like mood swings, sleep problems, and memory issues. While hormone therapy and lifestyle changes can help, researchers are now exploring the role of gut health. This 'pilot' study aims to see if Symprove, which contains live bacteria to support your gut, can have a positive effect on early menopause symptoms. It's an online study, and participants will take Symprove for 12 weeks and answer surveys about their symptoms.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many women find that menopause can significantly impact their daily lives, bringing a range of symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, forgetfulness, and mood swings. We know that things like hormone therapy and a healthy lifestyle can be helpful for managing these changes. Recently, scientists have started to notice a possible link between menopause and changes in the 'gut microbiome' – that's the community of tiny living organisms in your digestive system. However, we need more research to understand this connection fully.
This particular study is a 'pilot study', which means it's one of the first steps to explore a new idea. It wants to find out if a specific gut supplement called Symprove could make a difference to early menopause symptoms. Symprove is a water-based drink that contains billions of live, active bacteria. The idea is that these bacteria could help support the good bacteria already living in your gut.
By taking part, you could help us learn more about how gut health might tie into menopause. Even if you don't feel direct benefits yourself, the information we gather from this study could be really important for future research and for finding new ways to help women manage their menopause journey.
Key takeaways
- This study explores if a probiotic (Symprove) can help with perimenopause symptoms.
- It's an online study, so no clinic visits are needed.
- Participants take Symprove daily for 12 weeks and complete online surveys.
- The study aims to improve our understanding of menopause and gut health.
- Mild gut upset is a possible, but usually temporary, side effect.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women who are currently going through perimenopause and experiencing related symptoms. This generally means you've had a period within the last year, but your periods might be irregular or you might have missed some. You should be experiencing regular menopause-related symptoms that affect your quality of life, such as night sweats, hot flushes, mood changes, sleep problems, or gut issues.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're already taking other probiotic supplements or specific probiotic yoghurts, or if you've taken Symprove recently. You also shouldn't have started hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the last three months. The study is not suitable for you if you have certain serious health conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis), coeliac disease, serious heart, lung, or kidney problems, or if you're receiving cancer treatment. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding also cannot take part. However, if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you may still be eligible.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a woman experiencing symptoms related to perimenopause?
- Have you had a period in the last 12 months, or are your periods irregular?
- Are you *not* currently taking other probiotic supplements or yoghurts (like Yakult or Actimel)?
- Have you *not* started HRT in the last 3 months?
- Do you *not* have serious gut conditions (except for IBS), heart, lung, kidney issues, or are you not undergoing cancer treatment?
- Are you *not* pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be recruited through a platform called Harley Street at Home. This is an entirely online study, so you won't need to visit any clinics. You'll first give your consent online to join. Then, you'll receive a 12-week supply of Symprove. You'll need to drink 70ml of Symprove once a day.
Throughout the study, you'll be asked to fill out online surveys about your menopause and gut symptoms. You'll complete an initial survey before you start taking Symprove (called 'Baseline'), and then follow-up surveys at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Your participation will last for a total of 12 weeks, which is the duration you'll be taking Symprove and completing the surveys.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Harley Street at HomeCity onlyAylesbury, England
Common questions
What is Symprove?
Symprove is a water-based drink that contains live and active bacteria. It's a type of gut supplement, sometimes called a probiotic, designed to support the good bacteria in your gut.
Do I have to visit a clinic for this study?
No, this is an online study. You won't need to make any visits to a clinic.
How long will I need to take Symprove for?
You will take Symprove once a day for 12 weeks.
Will I know if Symprove is helping me?
During the study, you'll complete surveys about your symptoms, which might help you track changes. However, the main goal is for the researchers to collect information to understand the general impact of Symprove on perimenopausal symptoms.
Who is paying for this study?
The study is funded by Symprove Ltd, which is the company that makes Symprove.
How to find out more
Sammie Gill
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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