Lactobacillus Gasseri and Hormonal Regulation in Obese Women

Inclusion Criteria: (1) female sex, aged 18-50 years; (2) body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2; (3) willingness to maintain habitual dietary intake and physical activity patterns throughout the study period and to comply with follow-up visits, sample collection, and questionnaire completion; (4) ability to complete blood sampling during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (days 3-5), as confirmed by self-reported menstrual timing. \- Exclusion Criteria: (1) pregnancy or lactation; (2) presence of chronic diseases or endocrine/metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders); (3) recent use of medications or dietary supplements that could affect endocrine or metabolic function; (4) non-compliance with the required washout period or prohibited use of probiotic products during the study; (5) any other conditions deemed by the investigators to be unsuitable for participation. \-