What is the Best Probiotic for Women?

Gut health is important for balanced health for both men and women because of its role in gut health, brain health, and more. Walking through the wellness aisle or looking online for a probiotic product though is a hard task for many. What is the best probiotic for women? To answer this question, let’s dig into the topic of probiotics and learn what benefits they can provide, their uses in women’s health, and how to choose the right product for you. 

Fast Facts on Probiotics

Probiotics are microbes like bacterium, yeast, or fungi that can help fuel the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Research shows that probiotics can help improve gut symptoms in some people, and may also help improve the health of skin, heart health, immune health, and weight status. Probiotics flourish by consuming prebiotic compounds found in foods like:

  • Asparagus
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Wheat
  • Honey
  • Banana
  • Barley
  • Tomato
  • Rye
  • Soybean
  • Peas
  • Beans

You may not realize that prebiotics are also found in human’s and cow’s milk as well as seaweed and microalgae. The combo of pre- and probiotics can enhance the health benefits of each. 

Probiotic Benefits for Women

Early research shows that probiotic strains like L. acidophilus may help prevent or treat women’s health issues like bacterial vaginosis (BV). Imbalance in the vaginal bacteria can occur because of having intercourse without protection, hormone shifts during your period or for other reasons, or poor hygiene habits, for example. Probiotics can help restore such balance in the vaginal microbiome. By helping to balance the microbiome in the vagina, probiotics can help reduce the risk of issues like BV, yeast infections, and some sexually transmitted infections. 

What is the Best Probiotic for Women?

Integrative Therapeutics Pro-Flora Women’s Probiotic: The best probiotic for women will depend on the health issues the woman in question wishes to improve. For example, if you’re having frequent urinary or yeast infections, then Integrative Therapeutics Pro-Flora Women’s Probiotic may be right for you. This combo of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 is well-known for its support of urogenital health. Research shows that this grouping of strains can help manage urinary tract infections in some people as well as help treat conditions like vaginitis in women.  Just one capsule daily of this product provides 1 billion colony forming units (CFU). 

Nordic Naturals Nordic Flora Probiotic Women’s Balance: On the other hand, if you need vaginal health support along with gut health support, then Nordic Naturals Nordic Flora Probiotic Women’s Balance may be your ideal product. This product contains twelve strains of bacterium like Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14 and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, to name a few as well as FOS, or fructooligosacharides, a type of prebiotic, which can help nourish the strains. 

The strains of bacteria in this probiotic product show promise to reduce inflammation in those with gut health issues like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) as well as overall gut health and nutrient absorption. Just 1 capsule of this probiotic contains 60 billion CFU in an array of diverse strains designed to help your gut feel its best. 

Metagenics UltraFlora Balance Probiotic Capsules: If you’re looking for a probiotic to help support gut health and immune health, then Metagenics UltraFlora Balance Probiotic Capsules could be the right choice for you.  This probiotic product contains a 50:50 blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07, with 15 billion CFU per 1 capsule serving. 

This dairy-free probiotic free of common allergens also contains no artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives. It can help support normal healthy digestion, promote and maintain balance of intestinal flora, offer immune system support, and can help support lactose digestion. Not to mention that the immunoglobulin Probio-Protein in this product provides extra gut and immune support.

The Bottom Line

No matter which women’s probiotic product you choose, it’s vital to choose a brand that you can trust to ensure its purity and potency. Not to mention you should look at the label for any inactive compounds that may be in the product that you may be allergic or sensitive to. Once you find your ideal brand, be sure to consume probiotics and prebiotics daily to reap the most health benefits. 

FAQs

Will probiotic supplements help with my digestive health and symptoms of bloating?

Probiotic supplements may help improve digestive health and reduce bloating by supporting a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains can ease symptoms like bloating, gas, and discomfort, especially if the bloating is linked to an imbalance in gut microbiota. However, results can vary between individuals, and it’s important to choose the right probiotic strain for your specific symptoms. If bloating persists, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended to rule out underlying conditions.

What types of different strains of probiotics are there, and what probiotics do women need?

Probiotics come in various strains, with the most common being Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii, each offering different benefits for gut health, immunity, and digestion. Women may particularly benefit from strains like Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which support vaginal health, balance hormone levels, and prevent urinary tract infections. It’s also helpful for women to choose a probiotic with strains that aid in digestive health and reduce inflammation, as these can help with bloating and other gastrointestinal issues.

What are possible side effects of taking probiotics?

Common side effects of taking probiotics can include mild digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, or diarrhea, especially when first starting. These effects typically subside as the body adjusts, but in rare cases, people with compromised immune systems or serious health conditions may experience more severe reactions.

Doctor

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jamy Antoine, D.C. — by Staci Gulbin — On January 14, 2025

Doctor

Staci Gulbin

Staci Gulbin has been a registered dietitian since 2010 and has treated hundreds of patients for nutrition-related issues ranging from weight management, diabetes, heart health, renal health, and bariatric surgery nutrition. She has been a freelance health writer since 2011 for sites including Shape.com, Health.com, and GoodRx.com, to name a few and has been a featured nutrition expert on websites like OprahMag.com. Through her work, Staci hopes to help people improve their relationship with food and their bodies. Staci has two cookbooks published on Amazon.com ("The High Protein Bariatric Cookbook" and "The Healthy Bariatric Smoothies Recipe Book"), a healthy living podcast No Sugar Coats found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart podcasts, as well as a blog at www.lighttracknutrition.com.