Roles and changes of microbiota during postmenopause

Microbiota is a community of microorganisms on or within the human body with a protective, structural and metabolic role. Changes of microbiota during postmenopause are an interesting and novel way to look at the issue. It has been shown that the composition and variety of intestinal microorganisms are associated with estrogen metabolism patterns that can predict the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women; hence the risk for women whose intestinal bacteria are more effective in estrogen processing is lower. Moreover, intestinal microbiota plays a significant role in the development of postmenopausal obesity and osteoporosis, while disrupted vaginal microbiota can lead to the development of vulvovaginal atrophy. The use of probiotics, prebiotics and simbiotics to regulate intestinal ecosystem’s homeostasis and other therapeutic approaches that target intestinal microbiota could have a beneficial effect on postmenopausal women’s health.

Key words:
microbiota; obesity; post-menopause; prebiotics; probiotics