RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Probiotic Intake and Perimenopausal Psychological Assessments

This study is exploring whether a specific type of probiotic, which are 'good' bacteria, could help women going through perimenopause with their emotional well-being and thinking skills. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, and can bring changes in mood, memory, and concentration. Previous research suggests certain probiotics might help with these issues in other groups. This study will use computer tasks, questionnaires, and checks of blood and stool samples to see if this probiotic can make a difference. The aim is to understand if changing gut bacteria can affect emotions, thinking, and body markers during perimenopause, potentially offering a natural way to support women's health.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

106

Start

12 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2027

Emotional Processing and Cognitive Function in Perimenopausal Women Experiencing Cognitive Perturbations Perimenopause Perimenopause-Related Depression Perimenopausal Women

What is this study about?

You know how sometimes during perimenopause – that time before menopause when your body starts to change – you might feel a bit more emotional, or find it harder to focus or remember things? This study is looking into whether a special type of 'good' bacteria, called a probiotic, could help with these feelings and thinking challenges.

We already know that your gut, where these good bacteria live, is connected to your brain. This connection is sometimes called the 'gut-brain axis'. Some studies have shown that certain probiotics might help people with their moods and thinking skills. For example, they've been seen to help with processing emotions and improving memory and concentration in different groups of people. This connection is why researchers are curious to see if the same might be true for women in perimenopause.

So, this study will give some women a probiotic supplement and others a dummy pill (placebo) to see if there are any differences. They'll use various tools like computer games to test memory, questionnaires to understand feelings, and will also look at samples of blood and stool (poo) to check for changes in gut bacteria and other body markers. The hope is to find out if this probiotic could be a helpful, natural way to support women during this time of change.

Key takeaways

This study explores if probiotics can help perimenopausal women with mood and thinking.
It involves taking a daily supplement (probiotic or dummy pill).
Researchers will check emotions, thinking skills, blood, and gut bacteria.
The aim is to find new, natural ways to support women's health during perimenopause.
Participation includes computer tasks, questionnaires, and providing samples.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a woman, aged between 45 and 60, and currently experiencing perimenopause. This means you’ll notice changes in your period patterns, have symptoms like hot flushes or sweats, and might be feeling some mild to moderate changes in your mood, thinking, or have joint and muscle pain over the last year. You also need to be able to understand the study information and be comfortable speaking English. You shouldn't have given birth in the last year and would need to avoid grapefruit juice while taking part.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you're currently getting treatment for a mental health condition, or if you've had a big change in your weight recently. If you're using hormonal contraception or have used it in the last six months, you won't be able to take part. Also, if you're on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other medicines that affect your hormones, mood, or thinking, or if you have certain gut problems, this study might not be right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman aged 45-60?
Are you experiencing changes in your periods, hot flushes, or mood/thinking changes typical of perimenopause?
Are you able to speak and understand English well?
Are you not currently on HRT or other mood/hormone-affecting medications?
Have you not had a baby in the last 12 months?
Do you not have a diagnosed mental health condition or severe gut problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to take either a probiotic supplement or a dummy pill (placebo) every day. You won't know which one you're taking. Throughout the study, you'll complete some computer-based tasks that test your memory and emotional responses, and fill out questionnaires about how you're feeling. You'll also need to provide blood and stool (poo) samples at different times so researchers can check your body markers and gut bacteria. The total duration of your participation in the study will be explained to you in detail by the research team.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you the chance to support research into new ways to manage perimenopausal symptoms, and it could potentially help you understand more about your own health. While probiotics are generally considered safe, there's a small chance of mild side effects like tummy discomfort. You'll be closely monitored for any issues. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the natural transition time leading up to menopause, when your body starts making less oestrogen. It can last for several years.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live good bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for your digestive system and overall health. They are often found in fermented foods or supplements.

Will I know if I'm taking the probiotic or the dummy pill?

No, this is a 'blinded' study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know who is taking the probiotic and who is taking the dummy pill until after the study is complete. This helps make the results fair.

What does 'emotional processing' mean?

Emotional processing refers to how your brain deals with and understands emotions, both your own and those of others.

What does 'cognitive function' mean?

Cognitive function refers to your brain's ability to think, remember, learn new things, focus, and solve problems.

How to find out more

Phil Burnet, Professor

phil.burnet@psych.ox.ac.uk +44 1865 618327 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.