Understanding Your Vaginal Microbiome

The vaginal microbiome can tell us so much about our hormone health! We spoke to Jessica Hobbis from ScreenMe, who offer advanced vaginal microbiome testing, to get the full download. 

At FUTURE WOMAN, we see women every day who are frustrated by symptoms like recurring thrush, persistent bacterial vaginosis, irregular periods, and unexplained fertility issues. What you might not realise is that these seemingly unrelated symptoms could be traced back to one surprising source: the vaginal microbiome. This microscopic ecosystem influences everything from your mood and menstrual cycle to your fertility and hormone balance.

So let’s look at the top 5 ways in which the vaginal microbiome might be influencing your hormonal symptoms. 

1. The Vaginal Microbiome and Regulation of Oestrogen Levels

We see many clients struggling to regulate oestrogen levels and having difficulty metabolising their oestrogen, particularly in the early stages of perimenopause. At FUTURE WOMAN, we’re particularly interested in your oestrogen metabolism if you’re struggling with PMS, heavy or painful periods, irritability and rage, skin breakouts, and migraines. 

But what role does the vaginal microbiome play?

Oestrogen Supports Lactobacillus Growth

Oestrogen stimulates the production of glycogen in the vaginal epithelial cells. Glycogen is metabolised by Lactobacillus species into lactic acid, which helps maintain a low vaginal pH (3.5–4.5) and inhibits harmful microbes from growing in the microbiome.

Microbiome’s Role in Oestrogen Metabolism

The vaginal microbiome interacts with circulating oestrogen levels. An imbalance in the microbiome (dysbiosis) can disrupt oestrogen’s protective effects, which may impact overall hormonal health and reproductive function.

Oestrobolome Connection

Although primarily studied in the gut, certain bacterial species (collectively referred to as the “oestrobolome”) produce enzymes like beta-glucuronidase that regulate oestrogen levels. Dysbiosis in the gut and potentially in the vaginal microbiome can lead to altered oestrogen metabolism, potentially contributing to hormonal imbalances.

2. Effect of Vaginal Microbiome on Systemic Inflammation and Stress

At FUTURE WOMAN, we frequently see clients whose hormonal imbalances are exacerbated by chronic inflammation and stress. As hormones drop in the later stages of perimenopause, inflammation and stress can increase. And these 2 factors are also common drivers in hormone conditions like PCOS, endometriosis and PMDD.

Chronic Inflammation and Hormone Disruption

Dysbiosis in the vaginal microbiome can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines can interfere with hormone signalling and contribute to hormonal imbalances, including issues with cortisol (stress hormone), insulin, and sex hormones like oestrogen and progesterone.

Role in Stress Response

The microbiome’s interaction with immune cells may influence systemic inflammation, which in turn affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a key regulator of stress hormones.

3. Impact on Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation

Did you know that your microbiome goes through cyclical changes? And it can even influence the regularity of your menstrual cycle.

Cyclical Vaginal Microbiome Changes

The composition of the vaginal microbiome naturally fluctuates during the menstrual cycle due to changing oestrogen and progesterone levels. A healthy microbiome helps regulate these fluctuations by stabilising the vaginal environment.

Dysbiosis and Irregular Cycles

An imbalanced microbiome may disrupt the vaginal environment, potentially contributing to irregular menstrual cycles or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which are linked to hormonal imbalances.

4. Influence of Vaginal Microbiome on Reproductive Health

At FUTURE WOMAN, supporting our clients through their reproductive journeys has shown us just how critical the vaginal microbiome is for fertility and pregnancy outcomes. When hormone health is optimised, it can be the missing puzzle piece.

Pregnancy Hormones and the Vaginal Microbiome

During pregnancy, a Lactobacillus-dominated microbiome is crucial for stabilising hormone levels, preventing infections, and supporting the hormonal shifts necessary for foetal development. Disruption of the microbiome during pregnancy can interfere with these hormonal processes, increasing the risk of complications like preterm birth.

Oestrogen Decline and Microbiome Shifts

As oestrogen levels decrease during perimenopause and menopause, the microbiome often becomes less dominated by Lactobacillus species, leading to a rise in pH. This increases susceptibility to infections, inflammation, and discomfort, which can further disrupt hormonal health.

Birth Control

Hormonal changes during pregnancy or the use of hormonal contraceptives can alter the vaginal microbiome, sometimes increasing the risk of dysbiosis or supporting a more stable Lactobacillus-dominant environment.

5. Influence on Hormone-Driven Conditions

Interestingly, many hormone-related conditions have a strong connection to vaginal microbiome health. Let’s look at the three most common.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Women with PCOS often have altered vaginal microbiomes, with reduced Lactobacillus dominance. This dysbiosis may exacerbate the hormonal imbalances characteristic of PCOS, such as elevated androgens and irregular ovulation.

Endometriosis

Chronic inflammation driven by vaginal microbiome imbalances may worsen endometriosis, a condition influenced by oestrogen levels and characterised by pain and hormonal disruptions.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Though not fully understood, some research suggests a potential link between microbiome composition, inflammation, and the severity of PMS symptoms.

Conclusion

As you can see, the vaginal microbiome is deeply intertwined with hormonal health! It plays a vital role in maintaining reproductive, immune, and systemic balance. Disruptions to this delicate ecosystem can contribute to or exacerbate hormonal imbalances, highlighting the importance of nurturing microbiome health for overall well-being.

How ScreenMe can help you to improve & optimise your vaginal microbiome 

• Education: Their website, Instagram, Spotify and Youtube are filled with resources to help you learn how to improve your intimate health! 
• Testing: ScreenMe offers the gold-standard, NGS testing, which allows for 100% of the bacteria in your microbiome to be screened with 99.9% accuracy. This allows you to fully understand the context of your microbiome, and address your concerns.  
• Support: All tests come with a free 1:1 consultation with an intimate health expert, who will talk you through your results and create a bespoke plan of action for you.