Daily Probiotic Drink to Improve Immune and Skin Health in Women Aged 40-60 During Menopause Transition

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore whether a daily probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota LcS can support immune function and reduce inflammation in women during the menopausal transition. This period, typically affecting women aged 40 to 60, involves hormonal changes that can impact the immune system, gut health, and skin, potentially leading to conditions such as eczema, acne, or rosacea. The study evaluates a safe, non-hormonal probiotic approach as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy for improving immune and skin health. Participants will be randomly assigned to consume either a low-sugar LcS probiotic drink or a skimmed milk control drink daily for eight weeks. Each participant will take 130 ml per day of their assigned drink. The trial is open-label with blinded outcome assessments and includes peri- and postmenopausal women with inflammatory skin conditions. Measurements include immune function, inflammation markers, skin health, hormone levels, and wellbeing. Stool and skin samples will also be collected for future research but not analyzed in this trial. Throughout the study, participants will attend clinic visits for blood tests, skin assessments, photographs, and questionnaires at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint. Researchers will assess composite immune age scores, inflammatory markers, skin condition severity, skin aging, and symptoms related to menopause, anxiety, depression, and general wellbeing. Body measurements and blood pressure will also be monitored. The total participation duration is eight weeks, with evaluations at weeks 0, 4, and 8 to monitor changes and safety.

Skin Inflammation in (Peri)Menopause: A Probiotic Intervention Proof of Concept Trial