Study of a Probiotics Effects on Mood, Thinking, and Gut Health in Women Aged 45 to 60 During Perimenopause

What this Trial Is About

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, marked by fluctuating hormone levels that can cause physical changes and increase the risk of depression and cognitive decline. Women in this stage often face memory and concentration challenges, and research suggests the gut-brain axis may influence these symptoms. This study evaluates whether a multi-strain probiotic supplement can affect emotional processing, cognitive function, and gut bacteria in perimenopausal women. Participants are randomly assigned to take either a probiotic containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum or a placebo of microcrystalline cellulose capsules daily for 60 days. The study measures changes in emotional processing, memory, concentration, and gut microbiota composition before and after the intervention, using computer tasks, questionnaires, and biological samples including blood and stool. During the study, women will complete various emotional and cognitive tasks such as facial expression recognition and memory tests, alongside providing blood and stool samples to assess cortisol levels, inflammatory markers, metabolites, and gut microbiome changes. The main outcome is the Facial Expression Recognition Task at the end of 60 days. This research aims to understand the probiotics impact on mood and cognition during perimenopause, with careful monitoring and data collection throughout the trial.

Probiotic Intake and Perimenopausal Psychological Assessments