The abscopal (sidenote: Abscopal effect From Latin ab-, “away from”, and Greek skopos, “target,” lit. “away from target” - Regression of tumor lesions located outside the field of irradiation when irradiation of a lesion activates antitumor immune responses or enhances their effectiveness, thereby leading to the destruction of non-irradiated lesions by antitumor immune effectors. Explore https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mednuc.2024.11.007 ) effects of radiotherapy are one of the mysteries of cancer research, observed in some patients but not in others. However, in 2025, an international team made a major breakthrough, showing that intestinal low-dose irradiation (ILDR) increased the clinical benefits of chemotherapy and immunotherapies that target checkpoint inhibitors (sidenote: Immune checkpoints are used by tumors to protect themselves from immune system attacks and may be blocked by ICI therapy in order to restore the immune system function. ) , in eight retrospective patient cohorts and a preclinical murine model. This research highlights the key role of the gut environment in treatment response.

A matter of dose...

The researchers’ starting point was patients with metastatic tumors in a phase 2 multicenter trial who received stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) (sidenote: Stereotactic ablation radiotherapy (SABR), also known as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) Is radiotherapy based on the emission of numerous radiation beams from different angles that converge on the tumor. The tumor therefore receives a high dose of radiation, while beams that pass through the surrounding tissue are low-dose. This reduces the effects of radiation on the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. SBRT is administered in fewer sessions than standard external radiation therapy. SBRT can be used to treat tumors in the pancreas, lungs, liver, or spine. Explore https://cancer.ca/fr/treatments/treatment-types/radiation-therapy/external-radi… ) in combination with an anti-PD-L1 antibody. Among them, 13 patients (41%) exposed to accidental ILDR, with a median radiotherapy dose of 3.3 Gy to the duodenum, 1.0 Gy to the jejunum/ileum, and 1.3 Gy to the colon, showed a much better 24-month survival rate of 38% (5/13) versus 5% (1/19). This highlights the increased efficacy of combination therapy.

Treatment with ILDR at 1 Gy alone did not improve survival, while anti-PD-L1 alone had only transient effects (relapse). However, combining ILDR at 1 Gy with anti-PD-L1 cured 30% of animals, unlike lower (0.25 Gy) or higher (4 Gy) doses, which did not cure any mice. This shows that the effectiveness of treatment depends on a precise synergy between radiation dose, immunotherapy, and immune cells.

... and bacteria

The anti-tumor immune response and survival also appear to be linked to differences in gut flora between individuals: compared to healthy adults, non-responders to treatment combining ILDR and anti-PD-L1 antibodies harbored – prior to treatment – fewer species of bacteria typical of responders (Christensenella minuta and Ruminococcus bromii) and more species of bacteria typical of a poor response to treatment (Enterocloster aldensis and Parabacteroides distasonis).

It appears that metabolic and immune interactions between the host and the gut microbiota allow CD8⁺ T cell activation. Various strains of Christensenella minuta appear to selectively boost the efficacy of ILDR and anti-PD-L1 by allowing migration of intestinal PD-L1-expressing dendritic cells to tumor-draining lymph nodes.

For years, dentists and researchers have focused on the “bad” bacteria in our mouths, like Porphyromonas gingivalis, as the main culprits behind gum disease. But this new study from Kyushu University, Japan, reveals that the real damage may come not just from the bacteria themselves, but from the chemicals they produce. ¹

These chemicals, called metabolites, are small byproducts that microbes release as they feed and grow. Think of them as chemical footprints. And some of these footprints are toxic. Researchers found that when these metabolites build up, they can irritate and even damage the cells that line our gums, triggering inflammation that contributes to periodontal disease.

Beyond bacteria: it’s what they do that matters

To uncover these links, the researchers collected mouth-rinsed water samples from two groups: 24 people with gum disease and 22 healthy individuals. This type of sample provides a snapshot of the oral microbiome and its activity, similar to a “saliva fingerprint.”

They used advanced tools to identify not only which bacteria were more common in the disease group, but also what metabolites were present. Next, they took 20 of these metabolites and tested them directly on human gum cells in the lab.

The gingival epithelial cells (sidenote: Gingival epithelial cells These are the surface cells that form the lining of the gums and act as the first barrier against microbial invasion in the oral cavity. )  are the host’s first line of defense in the subgingival space where dental plaque accumulates, they are used to replicate what’s happening in the mouth.

This step allowed them to see not just associations, but real biological effects, giving strong clues about which compounds might be fueling gum damage.

The scientists found that several of the disease-linked metabolites, especially homoserine (sidenote: Homoserine An amino acid derivative not commonly found in human metabolism but produced by certain bacteria; it may have pro-inflammatory or cytotoxic effects on host tissues like gum epithelium. ) , propionate, succinate, and citrulline, were shown to impair host cell growth and promote inflammation, central to the development of periodontitis. These substances didn’t just sit there; they actively slowed down cell growth and triggered the release of IL-8 (sidenote: Interleukin-8 (IL-8) A signaling protein (cytokine) released by cells to attract immune cells like neutrophils to the site of infection or inflammation; elevated IL-8 often indicates ongoing tissue inflammation. ) , a key molecule in the body’s inflammatory response.

Even more unexpected? Homoserine, a compound not previously associated with oral disease, was being produced by some of the worst bacterial offenders, including Prevotella intermedia and P. gingivalis. That means these microbes aren’t just “bad guys” by association; they may be actively producing the toxins that make gum disease worse. Moreover, the presence of these bacterial metabolites is consistent with dysbiosis (sidenote: Dysbiosis Generally defined as an alteration in the composition and function of the microbiota caused by a combination of environmental and individual-specific factors. Levy M, Kolodziejczyk AA, Thaiss CA, et al. Dysbiosis and the immune system. Nat Rev Immunol. 2017;17(4):219-232.   ) of the subgingival microbiota, where an imbalance in dental plaque promotes disease onset.

So what does all this mean for you and your dentist?

This insight shifts the attention toward how specific species contribute to oral inflammation, not just through colonization but through metabolite activity in the subgingival dental environment. For a long time, the focus in treating gum disease has been pretty straightforward: find the bad bacteria and get rid of them. That’s why treatments often involve deep cleanings, antiseptic rinses, or antibiotics, to wipe out the germs.

But this study is telling us that the real issue might not just be which bacteria are in your mouth, but what those bacteria are doing.

These microbes are like tiny chemical factories. Some of them pump out substances that irritate and inflame your gums, even if the bacteria themselves aren’t in huge numbers. That’s a big deal. It means that just killing bacteria might not be enough; we may need to target the harmful substances they produce instead.

In the near future, your dentist might not just check for plaque; they might test your saliva for these damaging chemicals and tailor your treatment based on what your oral microbiome is up to. It’s a whole new frontier in personalized, microbiome-based dental care.

Why saliva and subgingival samples matter

Although mouth-rinsed water was used in this study, researchers noted that subgingival plaque samples provide an even more accurate reflection of the microbiota at lesion sites, especially in cases of periodontitis. Combining microbial and metabolite analysis from subgingival plaque could soon become a gold standard in oral health diagnostics.

Periodontal diseases (gum diseases) represent a major global health concern. A significant contributing factor to their development and progression is dysbiosis (sidenote: Dysbiosis Generally defined as an alteration in the composition and function of the microbiota caused by a combination of environmental and individual-specific factors. Levy M, Kolodziejczyk AA, Thaiss CA, et al. Dysbiosis and the immune system. Nat Rev Immunol. 2017;17(4):219-232.   ) of the oral microbiota. Historically, we've focused heavily on identifying pathogenic species of bacteria, but this new study ¹ shines a spotlight on another critical layer: the metabolites these microbes produce, and how they directly influence the health of our gum tissues.

The study shows that the imbalance in the oral microbiota directly affects the quantity and compositional balance of metabolites. Some metabolites correlated with bacteria prevalent in periodontitis can exhibit inflammation-inducing effects on human gingival epithelial cells (sidenote: Gingival epithelial cells These are the surface cells that form the lining of the gums and act as the first barrier against microbial invasion in the oral cavity. ) . This demonstrates a clear link between the altered oral microbial ecosystem, its metabolic output, and the inflammatory response in the host tissues.

Microbiome-metabolite connection

The authors, from Kyushu University Faculty of Dental Science, Japan, examined mouth-rinsed water from individuals with periodontal disease (n=24) and healthy controls (n=22). Mouth-rinsed water is considered an appropriate sample as it reflects information present in saliva. They didn't just identify the bacteria more prevalent in disease states, confirming the usual suspects like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, but crucially, they correlated these specific bacterial species with the metabolites found in the same samples. This targeted approach identified 20 metabolites strongly associated with the periodontitis microbiome. These weren't just random compounds; they included things like amino acid derivatives, short-chain fatty acids (sidenote: Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are a source of energy (fuel) for an individual’s cells. They interact with the immune system and are involved in communication between the intestine and the brain. Silva YP, Bernardi A, Frozza RL. The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids From Gut Microbiota in Gut-Brain Communication. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2020;11:25. ) , and polyamines.

Metabolites with pathogenic effects

The next critical step was to see if these identified metabolites could actually do something to human gum cells. They tested 20 correlated metabolites on human gingival epithelial cells. The results showed that several compounds exhibited clear signs of pathogenicity. Specifically, propionate, succinate, homoserine (sidenote: Homoserine An amino acid derivative not commonly found in human metabolism but produced by certain bacteria; it may have pro-inflammatory or cytotoxic effects on host tissues like gum epithelium. ) , and citrulline significantly inhibited the growth of these gum epithelial cells. Furthermore, treating cells with homoserine, propionate, and succinate significantly ramped up the expression of IL-8 (sidenote: Interleukin-8 (IL-8) A signaling protein (cytokine) released by cells to attract immune cells like neutrophils to the site of infection or inflammation; elevated IL-8 often indicates ongoing tissue inflammation. ) , a key inflammatory cytokine, indicating these metabolites can trigger local inflammation and contribute to plaque-induced tissue damage. 

Finally, while homoserine was known to be produced by other bacteria, this study presented a new finding by detecting its production by several key periodontal bacteria species, including Prevotella melaninogenica, Prevotella intermedia, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. This suggests these periodontitis-associated microbes are directly contributing to the local homoserine levels observed in diseased states confirming their host-impacting potential. 

Solutions for gum diseases?

New dental microbiome-based therapies are offering promising alternatives for treating gum disease by restoring a healthy balance of microbial communities in the mouth. Probiotics, beneficial bacteria found in supplements, have been shown to reduce inflammation and harmful microbes when used alongside traditional dental care.

Other innovative and emerging approaches, such as oral microbiome transplants ² and targeted antimicrobial peptides, are being explored in research settings, with the goal of providing gentler, more effective treatments that address the root cause of gum disease rather than simply eliminating all bacteria.

Microbiota is made up of trillions of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea, etc. It lives in our digestive tract, our skin, our mouth, our nose and our lungs. These organisms play a crucial role in our wellbeing by helping digestion, stimulating our immune system, and protecting us from infectious diseases. But beyond these functions, microbiota also influences our mood, our metabolism and even our longevity. An imbalance of microbiota, often caused by factors such as diet, lifestyle or medication, could lead to major health problems, from digestive disorders to cardiovascular problems and depression. Maintaining a healthy microbiota throughout our bodies is therefore essentialfor our general health and well-being.

This large survey was conducted by Ipsos among 7,500 people in 11 countries (the USA, Brazil, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Finland, China and Vietnam). Within each country, a representative sample of the population aged 18 y.o. and over was interviewed. Representativeness was ensured by the quota method applied to the respondent’s gender, age, region and occupation. The survey was conducted online, from January 21 to February 28, 2025.

The results were presented on June 27, 2025, on the occasion of World Microbiome Day.

About the Biocodex Microbiota Institute

The Biocodex Microbiota Institute is an international hub of knowledge dedicated to microbiota. The Institute educates the lay public and healthcare professionals on the importance of microbiota in healthcare and well-being.

BMI-25.20

Microbiota is made up of trillions of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea, etc. It lives in our digestive tract, our skin, our mouth, our nose and our lungs. These organisms play a crucial role in our wellbeing by helping digestion, stimulating our immune system, and protecting us from infectious diseases. But beyond these functions, microbiota also influences our mood, our metabolism and even our longevity. An imbalance of microbiota, often caused by factors such as diet, lifestyle or medication, could lead to major health problems, from digestive disorders to cardiovascular problems and depression. Maintaining a healthy microbiota throughout our bodies is therefore essentialfor our general health and well-being.

This large survey was conducted by Ipsos among 7,500 people in 11 countries (the USA, Brazil, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Finland, China and Vietnam). Within each country, a representative sample of the population aged 18 y.o. and over was interviewed. Representativeness was ensured by the quota method applied to the respondent’s gender, age, region and occupation. The survey was conducted online, from January 21 to February 28, 2025.

The results were presented on June 27, 2025, on the occasion of World Microbiome Day.

About the Biocodex Microbiota Institute

The Biocodex Microbiota Institute is an international hub of knowledge dedicated to microbiota. The Institute educates the lay public and healthcare professionals on the importance of microbiota in healthcare and well-being.

BMI-25.20

Is sleep connected to microbiota?

Could the microbiota play a role in sleep-related problems? 

Is there a link between microbiota, sleeping habits, and energy levels?

Sleep, mood and the gut-brain axis

In some cases, sleepless nights and episodes of insomnia could be related to psychiatric disorders. To learn more about how microbiota could influence brain health and mood, check the links below.

For years, forensic investigations in sexual assault crime cases have leaned heavily on the analysis of human male DNA, often from sperm, found on the victim. But this isn't always straightforward. Getting enough viable sperm can be tricky, especially if sampling occurs more than 48 hours after an assault. This is where the microbiome – the vast community of microbes living in and on us – steps onto the forensic stage, offering a potential new avenue for detection and identifying perpetrators in sexual crime investigations. 

This new study ¹ builds on previous work showing that microbial communities differ between body sites and individuals. If these unique microbial signatures transfer during sexual intercourse, could they leave a trace that traditional DNA methods might miss? That's the core question here, specifically focusing on the "sexome (sidenote: Sexome The collection of microbial signatures exchanged specifically during sexual intercourse. ) " – the microbial exchange during sexual intercourse.

Sex and your unique bacterial signature

The researcher recruited 12 consensual male/female couples participating in this science-driven study. Participants collected samples from their genital areas before and after penetrative sexual intercourse. The "before" samples were taken after a period of abstinence (at least 2-4 days). The "after" samples were collected 3 to 12 hours post-intercourse, mimicking a forensic sampling scenario. They then used full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing (sidenote: 16S rRNA sequencing A method that reads a bacterial “barcode” gene to identify and differentiate species. ) to analyse each sample. Think of the 16S gene as a bacterial barcode allowing for species-level resolution, which is absolutely critical for forensic applications.

As expected, male penis skin samples were generally more diverse than female vaginal samples. Couples showed different levels of microbial similarity after sex depending on their baseline profiles. So being in a couple has a significant impact on the overall composition of bacteria found.

They also saw a clear disruption to the microbial communities in both male and female samples after intercourse. Bacterial types transferred between partners.

Bacteria typically found on male skin (like Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, Finegoldia) increased in female samples, while key vaginal bacteria (Lactobacillus species) increased in male samples.

Surprising findings with forensic impact

What was surprising, even with condoms, bacteria still transfer, mostly woman to man, leaving microbial evidence behind them. Unique female-only bacteria stayed on a male partner for five days despite hygiene, extending forensic detection beyond sperm DNA. Plus, novel germs from gut or skin can appear in the genitals after sex, potentially offering fresh contact clues. This could add new dimensions to sexual assault cases.

If you are reading this piece, you probably know that the microbiome is foundational to health across so many systems, right from metabolism to immunity and even cognition. But defining what a truly "healthy" gut looks like – one that's not just present but resilient and linked to wellness – has been a massive challenge given its incredible variability across people and places.

A new study published in Cell Reports ¹ brings a fresh view with the Health-Associated Core Keystone (HACK) index. This isn't just another list of microbes; it's a single, robust ranking of 201 key gut bacterial species based on their consistent association with crucial aspects of host and microbiome health.

Not all core members are equal

The study revealed several surprising insights that challenge common assumptions in microbiome research.

Perhaps most striking is the finding that some taxa consistently identified as core-associated – meaning prevalent and tightly linked to the community in non-diseased guts – were also previously linked to multiple diseases. Table-based analysis revealed that Collinsella aerofaciens is one such example. This highlights that simply being a common resident doesn't guarantee a health benefit and reinforces the importance of combining community association with abundance stability and disease association – as the HACK index (sidenote: HACK Index A composite ranking of 201 gut bacterial species based on prevalence/community association, stability, and disease associations. ) does.

From diet to therapeutics

So, what does this mean for clinical practice? The HACK index provides a powerful new tool.

The study showed that a simple score derived from the mean ranked abundance of the top 17 HACK taxa (HACK-top-17-score) performed comparably or better than existing microbiota/microbiome health indices in distinguishing between diseased and non-diseased states, as well as stable and unstable microbiomes. 

In addition, analysis showed a significant positive correlation was observed between a taxon's HACK index and its association with a positive response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICT) therapy. This suggests the HACK index could potentially help identify gut microbes most likely to support therapeutic success in oncology and beyond.

Moreover, the index also links microbial patterns to diet. Higher HACK scores correlated with microbes more responsive to Mediterranean-style food interventions, indicating diet-based therapeutic potential.

Diet is not only a modifiable factor, but also a diagnostic lens for understanding the microbiome’s response to specific food patterns.

This article sheds new light on the intricate interplay between human microbiota and health. The HACK index marks a significant step toward a functional, clinically applicable definition of a healthy gut. And while more work is needed, especially in strain-level analysis, this robust and reproducible analysis framework already opens new paths for diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets – especially when integrated with human dietary patterns and response to medical interventions.

Analysis of such tools and indexes through large-scale microbiome data and clinical application tables is now essential in advancing personalized medicine. As gut research evolves, tools like the HACK index could guide interventions grounded not just in microbial presence, but in functional stability – from food-based strategies to immune-based treatments.

How do the hormonal changes associated with menopause alter oral, gut, and urogenital microbiota composition? To answer this question, a team of Spanish researchers analyzed more than 100 studies on the subject. 

Published in the journal npj Women Health ¹, their analysis shows that the decline in sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) significantly alters mucous membranes, with multiple impacts on the body’s various bacterial communities. Unsurprisingly, this has an impact on women’s health.

Oral microbiota

Changes related to declining estrogen levels are particularly noticeable in the oral cavity. In addition to changes in the mucous membrane that disrupt microbial communities, there is a decrease in the quantity and quality of saliva, which becomes more acidic. 

These two alterations can promote inflammation and colonization of the oral flora by pathogenic bacteria. This disrupted microbiota is less balanced, increasing the risk of lesions and diseases such as candidiasis (proliferation of Candida albicans), gingivostomatitis (inflammation of the gums), and angular cheilitis (inflammation of the corners of the mouth).

Vaginal microbiota

The decline in estrogen reduces the glycogen content of the cells in the vaginal wall, glycogen being the preferred food source for lactobacilli. These bacteria usually dominate the vaginal microbiota, secreting lactic acid which acidifies the vagina and prevents the proliferation of pathogens. 

When lactobacilli become less abundant, the vagina becomes less acidic and bacterial diversity increases. This is known as the “menopause paradox.” This imbalance in the vaginal flora opens the door to disorders such as inflammation, or recurrent infections such as bacterial vaginosis, and may contribute to endometrial cancer. It may also lead to persistent dryness. 

Gut microbiota

Studies to date do not tell us whether the decline in estrogen affects the balance of the gut microbiota. However, we do know that postmenopausal women have lower levels of bacteria from the Ruminococcus family, some of which produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs (sidenote: Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are a source of energy (fuel) for an individual’s cells. They interact with the immune system and are involved in communication between the intestine and the brain. Silva YP, Bernardi A, Frozza RL. The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids From Gut Microbiota in Gut-Brain Communication. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2020;11:25. ) ). They also have a greater abundance of Prevotella and Sutterella, two bacteria associated with obesity.

This imbalance in the gut flora may contribute to certain metabolic, digestive, and immune disorders. A balanced gut flora appears to play an essential role in overall health, including hormone regulation.

Take care of your microbiota

While further studies are needed before specific treatments targeting microorganisms in the gut, vagina, and mouth can be recommended for postmenopausal women (e.g. probiotics tailored to each flora, dietary changes, etc.), limiting damage by taking care of your microbiota seems a good place to start. 

A varied diet rich in fiber and fermented foods, daily physical activity, if possible in a natural environment, giving up smoking and alcohol, and using antibiotics as sparingly as possible: all have proven beneficial effects on the microbiota.

A healthy, balanced lifestyle is thus a sure way to support the balance of the microbial flora during menopause.

A narrative review by Spanish researchers has found that the drop in estrogen associated with the menopause significantly disrupts microbiota, with significant repercussions on women’s health. ¹ In particular, it leads to significant changes in the oral epithelium (thinning, drying out, etc.), which can affect oral health and the microbial ecosystem living on the mouth’s surface.

This alteration of the oral microbiome is frequently accompanied by a variety of oral symptoms in post-menopausal women.

Oral cavity sees significant change

Saliva becomes less abundant and more acidic, which not only increases the risk of caries and periodontal disease but also disrupts the oral microbiota. Dysbiosis (sidenote: Dysbiosis Generally defined as an alteration in the composition and function of the microbiota caused by a combination of environmental and individual-specific factors. Levy M, Kolodziejczyk AA, Thaiss CA, et al. Dysbiosis and the immune system. Nat Rev Immunol. 2017;17(4):219-232.   ) of the oral microbiota has also been observed, which is likely to promote colonization by pathogenic bacteria and the onset of mucosal lesions such as angular cheilitis, an inflammation of the corners of the mouth.

Since the cells of the salivary glands and gums carry estrogen receptors involved in immunity, fluctuating hormone levels can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes. This can affect the balance of microorganisms and promote diseases such as candidiasis, which is linked to the proliferation of Candida albicans, or gingivostomatitis, the simultaneous inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa.

Taking these changes in the flora into account could enrich oral health prevention strategies for older women.

Greater bacterial diversity in the vaginal microbiota

In the vagina, the menopause is accompanied by a decrease in the dominance of lactobacilli, which normally acidify the vagina, thereby preventing the proliferation of pathogens or an increase in bacterial diversity. This is the famous “menopause paradox (sidenote: Menopause paradox The menopause paradox, characterized by a decrease in microbial dominance but an increase in richness observed in the vaginal niche, may apply to other body sites within the microbiome community. ) .” 

These changes increase susceptibility to bacterial vaginosis and may contribute to diseases such as endometrial cancer. Post-menopausal women with severe symptoms of vaginal dryness, dyspareunia (sidenote: Dyspareunia Recurrent or persistent genital pain during sexual intercourse. ) (pain during intercourse), and vaginal pain, often present greater bacterial diversity than women who do not suffer from these symptoms.

Estrogen and microbiota: a dynamic two-way relationship

Certain bacteria in the microbiota are thought to be able to “deconjugate” estrogen bound to proteins in the blood, thereby rendering these hormones biologically active. They are known as the “estrobolome.” The estrobolome can modify the availability of estrogen and thus influence the physiological processes associated with it. But that’s not all...

While certain bacteria in the gingival and gut microbiota can modulate the effect of estrogens by breaking them down, hormones can in turn directly modulate the activity of bacteria: bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects, stimulation of growth or proteolytic activity, modulation of biofilm formation, etc.

They also pave the way for targeted interventions, such as the use of probiotics to restore protective flora.
All of these bidirectional dynamics between sex hormones and bacteria can be completely disrupted during the menopause, with significant repercussions on women’s health. 

These interactions underline the importance of a systemic approach to understanding microbiota.

Towards better care for post-menopausal women

According to the researchers, there are still many unknowns about the interactions between sex hormones and the oral, gut, and urogenital microbiomes. However, with advances in science, new studies should soon give rise to previously unexplored therapeutic avenues (dietary changes, probiotics, personalized interventions, etc.).

The ultimate aim is to alleviate the symptoms of menopause and improve women’s overall health. Stay tuned!