Microbiome and Women's Health: The Hidden Regulator
Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
The human microbiome is a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea, that naturally inhabit different parts of the human body. These microbial communities are essential for maintaining normal physiological functions such as digestion, immune regulation, metabolism, and protection against harmful pathogens. In women, the microbiome has a unique role because it is continuously influenced by hormonal changes occurring during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. A balanced microbiome supports reproductive health, hormone regulation, and healthy pregnancy outcomes, whereas microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) has been associated with conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and pregnancy-related complications. Recent studies have also highlighted the importance of the gut microbiome in estrogen metabolism through the estrobolome, emphasizing its influence on female health. This review summarizes the composition of the human microbiome and discusses its significance in women's health, with a particular focus on hormonal regulation, reproductive health, pregnancy, and emerging microbiome-based therapeutic strategies. Understanding these interactions may support the development of personalized approaches for disease prevention and women's healthcare.
Author Affiliations
- 1 Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Shram Sadhana Bombay Trust's (SSBT) Institute of Pharmacy, Bambhori, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India.
- 2 Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Shram Sadhana Bombay Trust's (SSBT) Institute of Pharmacy, Bambhori, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India.