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Could the untapped potential of the reproductive tract microbiome hold the key to tackling heavy menstrual bleeding?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This paper proposes that the reproductive microbiome is an underexplored determinant of menstrual health that may -reshape our understanding of disorders such as heavy menstrual bleeding, which affects 1 in 3 women and significantly -impacts quality of life. Abstract The well-studied role of the microbiome in gut physiology and pathology has led to revolutionary microbiome-targeted -treatments, but the function of the reproductive tract microbiome is yet to be delineated. This underexplored avenue could shed light on historically neglected reproductive health symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding.

Source: Reproduction

DOI: 10.1093/reprod/xaag018

Authors: Poppy F White, Jacqueline A Maybin, Erin J Williams

Institutions: MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Roslin Institute

Language: English

Topic: Menstrual Health and Disorders

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Wellcome Trust