Advertisement
The 9 Best Probiotics For Women For Bloating, Vaginal Health & More
Just like your DNA, your microbiome is totally unique to you. (There's a reason they call it the "second human genome.") Factors like your age, home environment, and lifestyle will all impact the microbial landscape that lies within you.
Emerging research is also finding that there are microbial differences between the sexes—meaning that men and women will benefit from taking slightly different probiotic supplements in some cases.
Here's a primer on how probiotics can be leveraged to boost women's well-being and the best probiotics for women, per health experts.
Our top picks for the best probiotics for women
- Best for PH balance: Ora Lady Bugs
- Best for women over 50: Menolabs MenoFit®
- Best for gut health: mindbodygreen probiotic+
- Best for vaginal health: Nordic Flora Probiotic Women's Balance
- Best for weight management: Metagenics UltraFlora Control
- Best capsule: Thorne Women's Daily Probiotic
- Best powder: Designs For Health Probiotic Synergy
- Best during prenatal period: MegaFood Baby & Me 2™ Prenatal Probiotic + Prebiotic
- Best for skin: Skinesa® Skin Probiotic
Probiotic benefits for women
The relatively new world of microbiome science is finding that women may have a slightly different microbial makeup than men, in part due to sex hormones1, meaning they can reap some distinct benefits from taking probiotics, including:*
- Vaginal health: Certain bacterium, like Lactobacillus acidophilus, have been shown to help promote a balanced vaginal flora2 and vaginal pH3.
- Pregnancy and postpartum support: Pregnancy4 has been shown to cause microbial changes in the gut and beyond, and some probiotics have been shown to be useful for repopulating the vaginal microbiome with healthy bacteria5 during pregnancy.
- Assistance through perimenopause: The gut microbiome changes again around the menopause transition6, and research shows that probiotics can help with factors like bone strength and density7, weight management, and metabolic health8 during this time. (Browse the best probiotics for women 50+ here.)
A few signs that you might benefit from taking a probiotic include bloat, gas, and issues with regularity, immunity, and urogenital tract health.*
While it depends on the person and the product, many people see a noticeable improvement after three weeks of taking a probiotic daily (and it's important to supplement daily since the beneficial bacteria in probiotics don't stick around in the body for long).
We still have a lot to learn about how different strains of probiotics can bolster women's health. In the meantime, these are the top probiotics that mindbodygreen's vice president of scientific affairs Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN, recommends for women this year.
RELATED READ: The 4 Best At-Home Microbiome Tests
The best probiotics for women
Pros
- Contains 6 targeted, clinically studied strains for vaginal health*
- Added prebiotics
Cons
- Needs to be taken close to a meal
- Dose for each probiotic strain not clear
Serving size:
2 capsules dailyDietary considerations:
Gluten-freeDairy-freeSoy-freeVeganNon-GMOActive ingredients:
L. acidophilus DDS-1L. rhamnosus LGGL. reuteri UALre-16PrebioticL. crispatus UALcr-35L. plantarum UALp-05L. fermentum UALf-32L. plantarum UALP-05Researched for:
Vaginal healthVaginal pHCFU:
16 billionLactobacillus is the bacterial genus that dominates most of your vaginal microbiome. Ora's probiotic contains six research-backed strains of Lactobacillus that naturally settle along the vaginal canal and urinary tract and promote vaginal health. The strains in this blend can also contribute to a healthy inflammatory response and microbial makeup in the nether regions. Resistant to stomach acid, these strains can help tip the scales toward a healthy pH down there—which is essential for overall women's health.*
Bonus: Ora's blend contains an added dose of 725mg of prebiotics (from Jerusalem artichoke inulin) to feed the beneficial bacteria you're consuming. Take two capsules within 30 minutes of mealtime to reap the benefits of this targeted probiotic.
Active ingredients: L. acidophilus DDS-1, L. rhamnosus LGG, L. reuteri UALre-16, Prebiotic, L. crispatus UALcr-35, L. plantarum UALp-05, L. fermentum UALf-32
Pros
- Added prebiotics
- Added nutrients for menopausal health*
Cons
- Contains dairy (milk)
Serving size:
2 capsules dailyDietary considerations:
Gluten-freeSoy-freeNon-GMOVegetarianActive ingredients:
PrebioticVitaminsHerbsB.animalisL.gasseriL.plantarumL.reuteriResearched for:
Weight managementGut health & comfortCFU:
25 billionThis estrogen-free synbiotic sets out to lend support during menopausal—and if the reviews are any indication, it really works. Fans of the product note that it's helped them with temperature regulation, stress management, sleep, and more. Some noticed a difference within a few days, while others needed to take the product for 1-2 months before seeing improvement.*
This supplement is also more than a probiotic—and it also contains prebiotics, herbs, vitamins, and minerals that are science-backed to carry women through menopause more comfortably.*
Active ingredients: Prebiotic, Vitamins, Herbs, B.animalis, L.gasseri, L.plantarum, L.reuteri
Advertisement
Best for gut health: mindbodygreen probiotic+
Pros
- Helps aid digestion and ease bloat*
- Supports healthy weight*
- Contains 4 targeted, clinically studied strains for gut health
- Sustainable packaging
Cons
- Daily regimen to maximize benefits
Serving size:
1 capsule dailyDietary considerations:
Gluten-freeDairy-freeSoy-freeVeganNon-GMOActive ingredients:
B. Lactis BI-07L. Acidophilus NCFMB.lactis BI-07B.lactis B420B.lactis HN019L.acidophilus NCFMResearched for:
Weight managementRegularityGut health & comfortCFU:
32 billionThe four probiotic strains in probiotic+ are all geared towards gut health.* Let's briefly roll through the research highlights of each: B. lactis Bi-07 eases bloating and promotes comfort, B. lactis B420 helps with healthy weight management, B. lactis HN019 supports digestion and regularity (while reducing gas), and L. acidophilus NCFM encourages healthy bowel movements. Together, this powerful combination elevates your gut microbiome in a way that you can really feel.
Reviewers note less gas, bloating, and enhanced abdominal comfort when taking this targeted product—more than other probiotics they've tried in the past. Women (and everyone else!) can take one capsule of the vegan formula daily in the morning, with or without food, and prepare for a gut reset in as little as two weeks.*
Save money when you sign up for a mindbodygreen probiotic+ subscription ($69/month), or buy once for $80. New customers save 10% on their first order with promo code MBG10.
Active ingredients: B. Lactis BI-07, B. Lactis B420, B. Lactis HN019, L. Acidophilus NCFM, B.lactis BI-07, B.lactis B420, B.lactis HN019, L.acidophilus NCFM
Best for vaginal health: Nordic Flora Probiotic Women's Balance
Pros
- Added prebiotics
- Contains strains studied for vaginal health*
Cons
- Some strains don't have much research behind them
Serving size:
1 capsule dailyDietary considerations:
Gluten-freeDairy-freeSoy-freeVeganNon-GMOActive ingredients:
PrebioticL. Acidophilus La-14L. Plantarum Lp-115L. Casei Lc-11L. Paracasei Lpc-37L. Lactis LI-23L. Brevis Lbr-35B. Lactis BI-04L. Rhamnosus GGL. Rhamnosus HN001B. Lactis Bb-02B.lactis HN019L. rhamnosus HN001Researched for:
RegularityGut health & comfortVaginal healthVaginal pHCFU:
60 billionDesigned specifically with women's needs in mind, this formula is packed with 60 billion CFUs of 12 probiotic strains. These strains have been researched for gut integrity and comfort, vaginal flora balance, and regularity. Some have more research behind them than others, but standouts include B. lactis BI-04 for improved gut barrier function and L. hamnosus GG for a healthy inflammatory response. This all-around solid formula also contains prebiotics.*. This all-around solid formula also contains prebiotics.*
Active ingredients: Prebiotic, L. Acidophilus La-14, L. Plantarum Lp-115, L. Casei Lc-11, L. Paracasei Lpc-37, L. Lactis LI-23, L. Brevis Lbr-35, B. Lactis BI-04, L. Rhamnosus GG, L. Rhamnosus HN001, B. Lactis Bb-02, B.lactis HN019
Advertisement
Best for weight management: Metagenics UltraFlora Control
Pros
- Contains clinically studied strain for weight management*
- Clean formula
Cons
- Single-strain formula may be a con to some
Serving size:
1 capsule dailyDietary considerations:
Gluten-freeDairy-freeSoy-freeVeganNon-GMOActive ingredients:
B.lactis B420Researched for:
Weight managementCFU:
10 billionThis single-strain probiotic delivers clinically relevant amounts of Bifidobacterium lactis B420: a strain that supports a healthy weight through reductions in caloric intake, abdominal fat mass, and waist circumference. B420 is the most-studied strain for weight management, making this a solid option for those who are taking a probiotic for healthy body composition goals.*
Reviewers report results almost immediately, and note that UltraFlora Control helps promote regularity and ease bloat, too.*
There are no extra bells and whistles here. But Metagenics is known for its rigorous purity, potency, and transparency standards, so you'll get what you pay for with this simple but effective product.
Active ingredients: B.lactis B420
Best capsule: Thorne Women's Daily Probiotic
Pros
- Affordable
- One easy-to-swallow capsule a day
Cons
- Plastic packaging
Serving size:
1 capsule dailyDietary considerations:
Gluten-freeDairy-freeSoy-freeVeganNon-GMOActive ingredients:
L. plantarum UALp-05L. crispatus LBV88L. rhamnosus LBV96L. gasseri LBV150NL. jensenii LBV116L. reuteri RC-14L. rhamnosus GR-1L. plantarum UALP-05L. acidophilus UALA-01Researched for:
Vaginal healthVaginal pHCFU:
10 billionThorne's supplement combines two proprietary bacterial blends that support a healthy urinary and vaginal bacterial environment: ASTARTE and UREX. It's designed to balance the growth of unwanted yeast and reinvigorate the microbiome with beneficial Lactobacillus strains. Thorne recommends taking it as an everyday supplement for gut and vaginal health.*
While proprietary blends aren’t typically ideal, Thorne includes these strains at meaningful doses backed by science. Their blend is also an affordable way into the probiotics space, and you only need to take one capsule a day, with or without food.*
Active ingredients: L. plantarum UALp-05, L. crispatus LBV88, L. rhamnosus LBV96, L. gasseri LBV150N, L. jensenii LBV116, L. reuteri RC-14, L. rhamnosus GR-1, L. plantarum UALP-05, L. acidophilus UALA-01
Advertisement
Best powder: Designs For Health Probiotic Synergy
Pros
- Powder format may be more appealing to some
- 60 servings per container
Cons
- Plastic packaging
- Needs to be refrigerated
Serving size:
1/2 teaspoon dailyDietary considerations:
Gluten-freeDairy-freeSoy-freeVeganNon-GMOActive ingredients:
L. plantarum SD5870B.lactis SD5859L.acidophilus NCIMB 30559L.paracasei DSM 13434L.plantarum SD5870B.longum SD5844Researched for:
Weight managementGut health & comfortCFU:
20 billionIf you prefer your probiotic in powder form so you can more easily incorporate it into meals or drinks, this Designs For Health option is solid. A manageable serving of 1/2 teaspoon a day delivers 20 billion CFUs of five probiotic strains. Strains featured in the proprietary blend include Bifidobacterium lactis for healthy weight support and Lactobacillus plantarum for nutrient absorption support.*
While it's on the pricey side, you'll get 60 daily servings in each container. Note that Designs for Health does recommend shipping the product in a cooler to protect its contents from heat, which will cost you extra.
Active ingredients: L. plantarum SD5870, B.lactis SD5859, L.acidophilus NCIMB 30559, L.paracasei DSM 13434, L.plantarum SD5870, B.longum SD5844
Best during prenatal period: MegaFood Baby & Me 2™ Prenatal Probiotic + Prebiotic
Pros
- Contains 14 clinically studied strains for pregnant & breastfeeding women.*
- B Corp certified
- Added prebiotics and ginger
Cons
- Needs to be refrigerated
Serving size:
2 capsules dailyDietary considerations:
Gluten-freeDairy-freeSoy-freeVeganNon-GMOActive ingredients:
PrebioticGingerL.acidophilus SD-5212L.casei SD-5213L.plantarum SD-5209L.rhamnosus SD-5217L.salivarius SD-5208L.brevis SD-5214L.bulgaricus SD-6833L.gasseri SD-5585L.lactis SD-5584B.longum SD-5588B.bifidum SD-6576B.infantis SD-6720S.thermophilus SD-5207CFU:
30 billionDesigned with mom and baby in mind, this probiotic from MegaFood features 14 unique probiotic strains that can be taken at all points of the pregnancy journey and into early breastfeeding. Its strains have been shown to promote a diverse gut microbiome, which is even more essential during pregnancy. The blend is fortified with stomach-soothing ginger to promote a comfortable pregnancy, plus prebiotics from dandelion root and beetroot.*
You'll want to pop these in the fridge or freezer once they arrive, but they should be fine without refrigeration during transit. MegaFood, a certified sustainable B Corp, recommends taking two capsules daily with food.
Active ingredients: Prebiotic, Ginger, L.acidophilus SD-5212, L.casei SD-5213, L.plantarum SD-5209, L.rhamnosus SD-5217, L.salivarius SD-5208, L.brevis SD-5214, L.bulgaricus SD-6833, L.gasseri SD-5585, L.lactis SD-5584, B.longum SD-5588, B.bifidum SD-6576, B.infantis SD-6720, S.thermophilus SD-5207
Advertisement
Best for skin: Skinesa® Skin Probiotic
Pros
- Contains 6 targeted, clinically studied strains for skin health*
Cons
- 7% of reviewers note no change in skin health
Serving size:
1 capsule dailyDietary considerations:
Gluten-freeDairy-freeSoy-freeVeganNon-GMOActive ingredients:
B. Lactis BPL-1B. longum ESL. rhamnosus (CNCM I-4036)L. casei (CECT- 9104)Researched for:
Gut health & comfortHealthy skinCFU:
6.3 billionCaveat: We still have a ton to learn about how probiotics can benefit skin health (you can learn more about this fascinating area of research here). But Skinesa's probiotic is made with some of the most promising strains researchers have identified for clear, less stressed skin. Take L. rhamnosus CECT-8361, which was included in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 90 adults over 12 weeks. Participants reported clearer skin both at the end of the trial and in a six-month follow-up.*
This probiotic doesn't work for everyone, and 7% of reviewers note no difference in their skin texture or appearance, but you can combine it with an antioxidant-rich diet for the best chance at positive results.
Active ingredients: L. Casei (CECT- 9104), B. Lactis BPL-1, B. longum ES, L. rhamnosus CECT-8361, L. rhamnosus (CNCM I-4036)
How we picked
- For women: These formulas boast good bugs (probiotics!) targeted for women's needs and wants, from supporting the vaginal microbiome and urogenital tract health, to targeted strains for gut health, and more.*
- Probiotic specificity: Since each probiotic strain has unique characteristics and health benefits, we prefer to elevate products that share genus, species, and strain info per probiotic, as well as CFU dose info per strain.
- Quality testing: We elevate reputable brands that prioritize quality testing to ensure the potency of the probiotic and prebiotic ingredients while also placing an emphasis on purity (limiting heavy metals, microbials, etc.).
- Sustainability: From ingredient sourcing to packaging decisions, we prefer products created with sustainability in mind. As such, we highlight key certifications, as well as recyclable and eco-friendly containers.
Should women take probiotics?
Your entire body, from your mouth9 down to the skin on your toes, is teeming with bacteria, fungi, archaea, and eukaryotes1, but the lower digestive tract of the gut is where they're most concentrated. (Your gut microbiome alone weighs about 5 pounds10!)
Think of the microbes in your body as a cascade of specialized helpers, working diligently to keep a certain aspect of your health in check. The more robust and diverse11 your workforce, the more vibrant your health will be.
Not getting enough sleep, stressing too much, passing through over-sanitized environments, eating a poor diet, and using antibiotics are just a few ways to deplete your microbial diversity and lead to suboptimal health.
You can recolonize your system with "good bacteria" by making lifestyle changes, consuming foods or drinks that contain probiotics, and playing around in the dirt every now and then.
Taking a probiotic supplement is a more targeted way to infuse your microbiome with beneficial bacteria. Women, in particular, may benefit from taking a daily probiotic since they're more likely to deal with certain digestive issues than men. The latest surveys show that women are twice as likely to experience bloating and struggle with regularity—things that a high-quality probiotic can help with.*
How to choose
With so many probiotics on the market, it pays to take the extra time to do a little research before deciding which one's best for you. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Consider your needs.
Just like you wouldn't take your car to a mechanic and tell them to "fix it" without more information about the actual problem, you shouldn't take a probiotic without a specific goal in mind—be it more regular digestion, improved vaginal health, or less bloating.*
Look for strain-level specificity.
Once you've identified your "why" for taking a probiotic, you can look for strains that have been researched for that purpose. Here's where it gets a little tricky: Not every company will share the exact strains that they use in their products. They'll just share the genus and species, which, as Ferira previously put it, is like saying you're from planet Earth but not saying which country or state you live in.
It's important to know what strains you're working with (hence why we listed out each strain, when available, in this article) because different strains, even from the same species, can have wildly different impacts on the body.
Go with research-backed strains.
A high-quality probiotic will contain strains that have been researched for the specific purpose listed on the bottle (i.e., a probiotic for weight management should have a strain that's been studied for that, like Bifidobacterium lactis B420.)* There are thousands of probiotic strains in the world, with more being discovered with each passing year. To learn which ones have actual science behind them, head here.
Pay attention to dose: More isn't always better.
Probiotic doses are often listed in colony-forming units (CFU), which list the number of live microbes in a product. When it comes to CFUs, more isn't always better. The important thing is to look for clinically relevant doses, or ones that have been shown to be effective in research studies for the benefit you're seeking.
Buy from a transparent company.
There are countless ways to make a probiotic. You'll want to invest in a company that's doing it right with transparent sourcing and production, clear information about how to store their product (psst... shelf-stable probiotics are not lower-quality than refrigerated ones), respect for research, and a short list of added ingredients.
Side effects and safety
Probiotics are considered very safe for most people, though you should always check in with your doctor before starting a new regimen. Initial side effects may include gas, bloating, and irregularity, but they should fade once your body adjusts to the new bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when you take probiotics every day?
It depends on the product and the strains it uses. Depending on the type you're taking, you can expect to experience less gas and bloating, clearer skin, or a more positive mood after taking probiotics daily for a few weeks.*
What food is highest in probiotics?
Foods that are high in probiotics include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. Be sure to consume foods with prebiotic fiber to feed and nourish these good bacteria too.
What are the best probiotics for gut health?
Strains that have been studied for gut health include B. lactis Bi-07, B. lactis B420, and L. acidophilus NCFM. Metagenics UltraFlora Control and mindbodygreen probiotic+ are two products that use these strains in clinically relevant doses, making them solid picks for gut health and comfort.*
How many CFUs should be in your probiotic supplement?
The optimal number of CFUs (colony-forming units) in a probiotic supplement can vary based on individual needs and strains used. However, a common recommendation is to look for supplements with 1-10 billion CFUs per serving. Research, however, shows that a higher CFU count does not necessarily improve the product’s health effects. It's also been shown that because probiotics must be consumed alive to have health benefits and they can die during their shelf life, users should look for products labeled with the number of CFU at the end of the product’s shelf life, not at the time of manufacture.
The takeaway
Probiotics leverage the fascinating world of microbial science to deliver products that can help with many aspects of women's health—from digestion to vaginal balance.*
Be sure to check in with your doctor before taking a new probiotic, do your research to find one that's right for you, and pair the product with other microbe-friendly habits like eating a nutrient-dense diet, managing stress, and spending plenty of time outside.
Meet The Experts
11 Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6920072/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9366906/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2021.631972/full
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8899668/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5819037/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9379122/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7929795/#
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34109594/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6503789/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4191858/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33086688/
Watch Next
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
What Is Meditation?
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins
Box Breathing
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
What Breathwork Can Address
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance
Nutrition | Rich Roll
What to Eat Before a Workout
Nutrition | Rich Roll
How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life
Nutrition | Sahara Rose
Messages About Love & Relationships
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel
Love Languages
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel