Probiotic Intake and Perimenopausal Psychological Assessments
United Kingdom106 participantsStarted 2025-11-12
Plain-language summary
Recent evidence suggests multi-strain probiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum have been found to enhance emotional processing and reduce salience to negative cues in studies involving people with mood disorders, as well as improve cognitive functions, such as memory and concentration, in healthy participants. By administering computer-based tasks, questionnaires and checking biological measures (cortisol, immune markers, blood metabolites, gut microbiota) using blood and faecal samples, this experimental medicine study aims to investigate whether a probiotic supplement has an effect on emotional processing and cognition in perimenopausal women. We also aim to study changes in gut bacteria from stool samples before and after taking the supplement to see if any microbiome changes are associated with any effects in emotional processing, cognitive function, and biological markers.
Who can participate
Age range
45 Years – 60 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Female at birth
* You are aged 45-60 years and in perimenopause (determined by changes in menstrual bleeding patterns (such as changes in cycle length of 7 days or longer in either direction from what is normal for you), AND vasomotor symptoms (e.g., hot flushes and sweats) AND mild to moderate mood or cognitive disturbances, or joint and muscle pain over the previous 12 months)
* You are willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study
* You are sufficiently fluent in English to understand and complete tasks
* You are at least 12 months post-natal
* Willing to withhold from having grapefruit juice
Exclusion Criteria:
* Currently receive or seek treatment for any mental health condition
* Have a BMI \>=30 OR \<=18.5
* Have lost or gained more than 10% of body weight in a short period (e.g., 6 months), as this can affect mood and cognition
* Currently using hormonal contraception or have used hormonal contraception in the last 6 months
* Have had gender reassignment surgery or gender-affirming hormone therapy
* Had a head injury causing concussion or unconsciousness in the past 6 months
* Participated in other studies that may influence mood, cognition, or gut health in the last three months
* Are currently diagnosed with and/or treated for psychiatric or neurological disorders
* Are on perimenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) or other hormone-modulating medications (e.g., GLP…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.