Skin Inflammation in (Peri)Menopause: A Probiotic Intervention Proof of Concept Trial
This study is for women aged 40 to 60 who are going through menopause and have skin problems like eczema, rosacea, or acne. We're testing if drinking a special probiotic drink every day for eight weeks can help. During menopause, changing hormones can affect your immune system and skin, sometimes causing inflammation. This research aims to see if a probiotic called Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) might help reduce this inflammation and improve your immune health, without using hormones. Participants will drink either the probiotic or a control drink, and we'll check their skin, immune system, and general wellbeing.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When women go through menopause, usually between 40 and 60, their hormone levels change a lot. This can sometimes affect their immune system, making it more likely to have inflammation. It can also make skin problems like dryness, irritation, or conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and acne worse. While hormone treatments can help some women, they're not suitable for everyone. We're interested in finding other safe and natural ways to support women's health during this time.
This study is looking at a specific type of friendly bacteria, called Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS), which is found in some probiotic drinks. We know these types of bacteria can be good for your gut and might help reduce inflammation in other adults. However, we don't know much about how they might help women during menopause, especially those with visible skin issues. We want to see if drinking this specific probiotic daily can help with the immune system and skin problems often linked to menopause.
By taking part, you'd be helping us understand if a simple daily drink could offer a new, non-hormonal way to support women's health during menopause. This research could open doors for more options for managing common symptoms and help women feel better overall.
Key takeaways
- This study investigates if a daily probiotic drink can help menopausal women with skin issues.
- It aims to improve immune health and reduce inflammation.
- Participants will drink either a probiotic or a control drink daily for eight weeks.
- The study involves clinic visits, samples (blood, skin, stool), and questionnaires.
- It's exploring a non-hormonal approach to menopausal symptoms.
- Open to women aged 40-60 with facial inflammatory skin conditions.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women aged between 40 and 60 years old. You should have a non-infectious skin condition on your face, like rosacea, acne, or eczema, that has been diagnosed by a doctor or that you've noticed yourself.
You'll need to be able to drink two small (65ml) drinks daily for eight weeks and attend clinic visits in London (KCL). You also need to be willing to give blood, skin, and stool samples, provide a photo of your face, and keep a food diary. It's important that you can understand and complete study questionnaires in English.
However, you can't take part if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant soon. You also can't join if you have a serious dairy allergy, are already taking part in another trial, or have recently received an experimental drug. If you have a very high or very low body mass index (BMI), or have lost a lot of weight unintentionally, you also won't be able to participate. Also, if you plan to travel internationally during the study, you won't be eligible.
- Are you a woman aged 40-60?
- Do you have a non-infectious skin condition on your face, like eczema, acne, or rosacea?
- Can you commit to drinking a study drink daily for 8 weeks and attend clinic visits in London (KCL)?
- Are you able to provide blood, skin, and stool samples?
- Are you *not* pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant soon?
- Do you *not* have a serious allergy to dairy or probiotics?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to drink two small (65ml) bottles of either a probiotic drink or a control (skimmed milk) drink every day for eight weeks. You won't know which drink you're getting. You'll need to store these drinks in your fridge at home.
Throughout the eight weeks, you'll have to attend clinic visits at King's College London (KCL). At these visits, and sometimes at home, you'll be asked to provide blood, skin, and stool samples. We'll also ask you to take a photo of your face and fill out questionnaires about your health, wellbeing, and skin. You'll also need to keep a daily diary of what you eat and drink. The total duration of your active participation, including drinking the product and providing samples, will be for approximately eight weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Metabolic Research Unit, 4th Floor (Corridor A), Franklin-Wilkins Building, KCL.London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a probiotic?
Probiotics are 'friendly' bacteria, like those found in some yoghurts or fermented foods, that can be good for your gut health.
What is 'immune ageing'?
This refers to changes in your immune system that can happen as you get older, making it less effective and more prone to inflammation.
Will I know if I'm getting the probiotic or the control drink?
No, you won't know which drink you're receiving. This helps ensure the study results are fair and unbiased.
How many times will I need to visit the clinic?
You will need to attend multiple clinic visits at King's College London during the eight weeks of the study.
Do I need to change my diet?
You'll be asked to record what you eat and drink in a diary, but generally, you won't need to change your usual diet.
How to find out more
Prof. Wendy Hall
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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