10 Best Probiotics for Women in 2024: Vetted for Gut, Vaginal, and…

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The best probiotic for women may aid gut, vaginal, and overall health by supporting bacteria found naturally in the body. Read on for our tips picks based on your health needs.
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A quick look at the best probiotics for women
Best for gut health: Ritual Synbiotic+ | Skip to review
Ritual Synbiotic+
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Best for urinary tract health: HUM Private Party Probiotic | Skip to review
HUM Private Party Probiotic
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Best personalized: Persona Daily Probiotic | Skip to review
Persona Daily Probiotic
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Best for travel: Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic Capsules | Skip to review
Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic Capsules
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Best for women over 50: Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Women 50 & Wiser | Skip to review
Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Women 50 & Wiser
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Best when taking antibiotics: Florastor Daily Probiotic Capsules | Skip to review
Florastor Daily Probiotic Capsules
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Best for purity: Pure Encapsulations Probiotic G.I. | Skip to review
Pure Encapsulations Probiotic G.I.
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Best for vaginal pH: Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotic Capsules | Skip to review
Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotic Capsules
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Best for constipation: Thorne Bacillus Coagulans | Skip to review
Thorne Bacillus Coagulans
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Best natural probiotic: Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Vaginal Health | Skip to review
Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Vaginal Health
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What are probiotics?
A probiotic is a live microorganism that may benefit a person when they consume it in proper amounts.
consume
Probiotics live throughout the body and are especially prevalent in the digestive tract, where they may inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. Gut bacteria also have many other functions, including supplying essential nutrients.
Imbalances in bacteria happen for several reasons, including:
including
chronic illness
a side effect of taking antibiotics and other medications
antibiotics
diet
Probiotics mainly consist of bacteria, but some yeasts could also be probiotics.
mainly consist
Various foods, particularly fermented foods such as yogurt and miso, may contain probiotics.
yogurt
Probiotics may reduce inflammatory bowel disease symptoms and may be helpful in the treatment and prevention of vaginal infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
may reduce
may be helpful
vaginal infections
urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Further research suggests probiotics may prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea and improve ulcerative colitis and gum disease symptoms.
research
diarrhea
ulcerative colitis
gum disease
Learn about dietary sources of probiotics.
dietary sources of probiotics
Best probiotics for women
Ritual Synbiotic+

Form: capsule
Number of servings: 30 per container
Dose: 1 capsule per day
CFU count: 11 billion
Shelf-stable: yes
Count: 30
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 25% off.
$54.00 AT RITUAL
*Price may vary.
Ritual claims that Synbiotic+ can help balance your gut microbiome. It contains a blend of prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic bacteria.
prebiotic
Each capsule has 11 billion CFU and different bacterial strains, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
This probiotic blend may help ease any bloating, gas, and diarrhea, alongside supporting your immune system health.
bloating
gas
diarrhea
Another bonus is that this probiotic is vegan and free from major allergens, including gluten.
gluten
The company recommends taking one capsules daily either in the morning or evening without food. You can leave this product on the shelf with your other multivitamins: it is shelf stable.
Subscriptions and savings
Ritual is a subscription-only service. When subscribing, you benefit from free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of Ritual vitamins.
Read our review of Ritual vitamins.
shelf-stable, meaning it does not require refrigeration
all ingredients are traceable
each batch undergoes testing by a third-party
subscription only
more expensive than some other options
shelf-stable, meaning it does not require refrigeration
all ingredients are traceable
each batch undergoes testing by a third-party
subscription only
more expensive than some other options
Strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12
Certifications: third-party tested for purity and potency, Non-GMO Project verified, Made Traceable
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping
Strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12
Certifications: third-party tested for purity and potency, Non-GMO Project verified, Made Traceable
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping
HUM Private Party Probiotic

Form: capsule
Count: 30
Number of servings: 30
Dose: 1 capsule
CFU count: 10 billion
Shelf-stable: yes
$26.00 AT HUM NUTRITION
*Price may vary.
HUM claims this supplement can help support your urinary tract and balance the vaginal microbiome.
vaginal microbiome
This probiotic contains 10 billion CFU and strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus reuteri, alongside cranberry extract.
cranberry
The capsules are vegan and do not contain artificial colors, sweeteners, preservatives, or GMOs. They are also free from:
milk
milk
egg
egg
fish
shellfish
shellfish
tree nuts
peanuts
peanuts
gluten
gluten
wheat
wheat
soy
soy

HUM recommends taking one supplement daily. According to the company, you may experience noticeable effects in as little as eight weeks.
Subscriptions and savings
At the time of publishing, HUM does not offer a subscribe and save option for its probiotics.

shelf-stable
contains cranberry to help support urinary tract health
free from common allergens
some reviewers say that the positive effects did not last long
some reviewers did not notice a difference after taking the probiotic for a month
some customers state they experienced more discharge while using this product
shelf-stable
contains cranberry to help support urinary tract health
free from common allergens
some reviewers say that the positive effects did not last long
some reviewers did not notice a difference after taking the probiotic for a month
some customers state they experienced more discharge while using this product
Certifications: certified to follow GMPs, vegan, gluten-free, non GMO
Strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-14), Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
Certifications: certified to follow GMPs, vegan, gluten-free, non GMO
Strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-14), Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
Persona Daily Probiotic

Form: capsule
Number of servings: 28 per packet
Dose: one capsule per day
CFU count: 3 billion
Shelf-stable: yes
$0.5 AT PERSONA
*Price may vary.
Persona offers a personalized vitamin subscription service, offering supplement recommendations specific to your health and wellness goals.
The company claims this probiotic can help support healthy digestion, immune health, and emotional well-being.
Each capsule contains 3 billion CFU of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.
The company recommends you take the probiotic differently depending on the time of day:
in the morning, take with or after breakfast
in the evening, take with a snack or dinner
at night, take an hour before going to bed

Persona states that this product is non-GMO and free from:
gluten
dairy
dairy
lactose
lactose
corn
egg
fish
shellfish
nuts
wheat
soy

However, the company also says that it manufactures the probiotics in a facility that handles these allergens, so cross-contamination may occur.
These capsules also contain gelatin, making them unsuitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Read our review of Persona vitamins.
Read our review of Persona vitamins.
Subscriptions and savings
Person is a subscription-only service. The main benefit of using this service is that the company personalizes each multivitamin and supplement pack for your wellness goals.

personalized supplements
non-GMO and free from most allergens
subscription-only service
the company cannot guarantee no cross-contamination of allergens
not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
personalized supplements
non-GMO and free from most allergens
subscription-only service
the company cannot guarantee no cross-contamination of allergens
not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Strains: proprietary Acidophilus blend (contains 3 billion live culture CFU) Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14, Bifidobacterium bidifum SD-5857, Lactobacillus salivarius Ls-33, Lactobacillus bulgaricus Lb-87
Shipping: free shipping
Price: $0.50
Strains: proprietary Acidophilus blend (contains 3 billion live culture CFU) Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14, Bifidobacterium bidifum SD-5857, Lactobacillus salivarius Ls-33, Lactobacillus bulgaricus Lb-87
Shipping: free shipping
Price: $0.50
Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic Capsules

Form: capsule
Number of servings: 30 per container
Dose: 1 capsule per day
CFU count: 10 billion
Shelf-stable: yes
$17.99 AT CULTURELLE
*Price may vary.
These capsules include L. rhamnosus GG, which may help support your digestive health and ease bloating and diarrhea. Additionally, it contains the prebiotic inulin to support your gut’s microbiome.
inulin
Culturelle states that this supplement may reduce digestive symptoms from traveling.
These probiotics are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. They are free from GMOs and the following allergens:
gluten
dairy
eggs
gelatin
tree nuts
peanuts

Culturelle recommends taking one capsule daily. You can also take an additional capsule when experiencing digestive symptoms while traveling, taking one capsule in the morning and one in the evening.
This product does not require refrigeration.
Subscriptions and savings
Enjoy 20% off with code “guthealth.”

shelf-stable
may help reduce digestive symptoms from traveling
suitable for vegetarians and vegans
some customers received broken capsules
some reviewers experienced diarrhea after taking the capsules
shelf-stable
may help reduce digestive symptoms from traveling
suitable for vegetarians and vegans
some customers received broken capsules
some reviewers experienced diarrhea after taking the capsules
Certifications: none
Strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Returns: refunds within 60 days
Shipping: free shipping
Certifications: none
Strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Returns: refunds within 60 days
Shipping: free shipping
Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Women 50 & Wiser

Form: vegetarian capsule
Number of servings: 100 per bottle
Dose: three capsules per day
CFU count: 85 billion
Shelf-stable: no

*Price may vary.
Garden of Life’s Raw probiotics capsules contains a high bacteria CFU of 85 billion and 32 different strains of bacteria, including L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium.
These supplements also contain multiple vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, D, E, calcium, and folate, alongside an enzyme blend.
vitamins
C
D
E
calcium
These probiotics may suit you if you are over 50 as it can support digestive health, immune function, nutrient absorption, thyroid function, and healthy cholesterol levels.
thyroid function
cholesterol levels
These capsules are vegetarian and free from GMOs, gluten, binders, fillers, and carriers.
Garden of Life recommends taking three capsules daily.
However, these probiotics are not shelf-stable, which means you will need to store them in the fridge.
vegetarian and non-GMO
contains multivitamins
fast delivery for Amazon Prime members
not shelf-stable
people need to take three capsules per day
vegetarian and non-GMO
contains multivitamins
fast delivery for Amazon Prime members
not shelf-stable
people need to take three capsules per day
Certifications: non GMO verified, CarbonFree certified
Strains: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium animalis sub, lactis, Bifidobacterium bidifum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefirgranum, Lactococcus lactic, Lactococcus cremoris, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus kefir, Lactobacillus parakefir, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactococcus lactis biovar diacrtylactis, Leuconostoc lactis, LEuconostoc mesenteroides, Leuconostoc cremoris, Leuconostoc dextranicum, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Breattanomyces anomalus, Debaryomyces hansenii, Saccharomyces unisporus, Saccharomyces turicensis, Saccaromyces ceravisiae, Saccaromyces exiguus, Torulaspora delbrueckii
Returns:
Shipping:
Certifications: non GMO verified, CarbonFree certified
Strains: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium animalis sub, lactis, Bifidobacterium bidifum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefirgranum, Lactococcus lactic, Lactococcus cremoris, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus kefir, Lactobacillus parakefir, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactococcus lactis biovar diacrtylactis, Leuconostoc lactis, LEuconostoc mesenteroides, Leuconostoc cremoris, Leuconostoc dextranicum, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Breattanomyces anomalus, Debaryomyces hansenii, Saccharomyces unisporus, Saccharomyces turicensis, Saccaromyces ceravisiae, Saccaromyces exiguus, Torulaspora delbrueckii
Returns:
Shipping:
Florastor Daily Probiotic Capsules

Form: capsule
Number of servings: 27 or 50 per container
Dose: 2 capsules, once or twice per day
Shelf-stable: yes
CFU count: 500 mg of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745
$44.51 AT AMAZON
*Price may vary.
This Florastor supplement contains the probiotic yeast S. boulardii, which may help prevent antibiotic-related and infectious diarrhea.
may help prevent
The yeast probiotics in these supplements are not measured in CFU. Instead, Florastor states that each capsule contains 250 mg of S. boulardii per capsule.
These probiotics are suitable for vegetarians. They are also free from gluten and GMOs.
According to Florastor, this probiotic supplement will not interact with antibiotics and may help your body break down undigested sugar and carbohydrates. It does not require refrigeration.
carbohydrates
Subscriptions and savings
Amazon offers a subscription option that saves up to 15% per order. You can choose delivery from 2 weeks to 6 months.
subscribe and save up to 15%
shelf-stable
according to the company, it is safe to take while on antibiotics
some people experienced diarrhea while taking these capsules
some customers say the capsules caused bloating and gas
subscribe and save up to 15%
shelf-stable
according to the company, it is safe to take while on antibiotics
some people experienced diarrhea while taking these capsules
some customers say the capsules caused bloating and gas
Strains: Saccharomyces boulardii
Certifications: none
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Strains: Saccharomyces boulardii
Certifications: none
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Pure Encapsulations Probiotic G.I.

Form: capsule
Number of servings: 60 per bottle
Dose: one capsule per day
CFU count: 10 billion
Shelf-stable: no
$44.20 AT AMAZON
*Price may vary.
This probiotic contains 10 billion CFU per capsule and has six strains, including L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus thermophilus.
Pure Encapsulations claims that this product may help benefit your gastrointestinal health by maintaining cellular activity, supporting the intestinal barrier, and improving immune function.
These probiotics are suitable for vegetarians. They are hypoallergenic, meaning they do not contain allergens, including:
gluten
dairy
eggs
wheat
soy
tree nuts
peanuts

These probiotics are also free from GMOs and artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
The company recommends taking one capsule daily. As these probiotics are not shelf-stable, you will need to store them in a fridge.

free from GMO and artificial ingredients
hypoallergenic
third-party tested
not shelf-stable
some reviewers mention difficulty receiving refunds or replacements
free from GMO and artificial ingredients
hypoallergenic
third-party tested
not shelf-stable
some reviewers mention difficulty receiving refunds or replacements
Certifications: certified gluten-free
Strains: Bifidobcterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bididobacterium bidifum
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Certifications: certified gluten-free
Strains: Bifidobcterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bididobacterium bidifum
Returns: free returns for Prime members
Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotic Capsules

Form: capsules
Count: 60
Number of servings: 30
Dose: 2 capsules per day
CFU count: 1 billion
Shelf-stable: yes
$28.98 AT AMAZON
*Price may vary.
This probiotic has 1 billion CFUs and 8 different strains of probiotics, including L. acidophilus and L. Gasseri. It comes in the form of a capsule.
Love Wellness claims the product may help maintain your vaginal pH balance and can support your vaginal microbiome. It is free from gluten, dairy, and preservatives.
vaginal pH balance
The company recommends emptying the capsules into a drink or smoothie if you find it hard to swallow pills. The product does not require refrigeration, and you can take it without food.
Subscriptions and savings
You can opt in to Amazon’s subscribe and save feature, saving up to 10% off future purchases. Depending on the delivery schedule you choose, Amazon will deliver the product every 2 weeks to every 6 months.
shelf-stable
subscribe and save up to 10%
gluten- and dairy-free
some customers report diarrhea and vomiting after taking the capsules
some reviewers state they did not like having to take two capsules per day
shelf-stable
subscribe and save up to 10%
gluten- and dairy-free
some customers report diarrhea and vomiting after taking the capsules
some reviewers state they did not like having to take two capsules per day
Strains: Bacillus subtilis DE111, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Strains: Bacillus subtilis DE111, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Thorne Bacillus Coagulans

Form: capsule
Number of servings: 60 per bottle
Dose: one capsule per day
CFU count: 2 billion
$31 AT OPTUM STORE
*Price may vary.
This probiotic contains a minimum of 2 billion CFU of Bacillus Coagulans per capsule.
Thorne claims this probiotic is suitable for you if you wish to support your bowel function. This product may help ease occasional gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
constipation
These probiotics are suitable for vegans and free from artificial flavors, gluten, dairy, and soy.
Thorne says recommends should take one capsule two or three times daily.
Subscriptions and savings
Amazon offers subscribe and save for this item. You can save up to 10% on each purchase.
shelf-stable
free from artificial ingredients
gluten- and dairy-free and suitable for vegetarians
some reviewers experienced broken products during delivery
some customers report side effects such as acne, bloating, and diarrhea
shelf-stable
free from artificial ingredients
gluten- and dairy-free and suitable for vegetarians
some reviewers experienced broken products during delivery
some customers report side effects such as acne, bloating, and diarrhea
Strains: Bacillus coagulans
Returns: eligible for returns
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Strains: Bacillus coagulans
Returns: eligible for returns
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Vaginal Health

Form: vegetarian capsule
Number of servings: 30 per bottle
Dose: one capsule per day
CFU count: 50 billion
Shelf-stable: yes

*Price may vary.
This probiotic has 50 billion CFUs and 38 different strains of probiotics, including L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium. It comes in the form of a capsule.
Ingredients include kefir yogurt, an enzyme blend, and raw vegetable and fruit extracts.
kefir yogurt
These vegetarian probiotics are free from GMOs, gluten, soy, binders, fillers, or carriers. However, it contains eggs and dairy. Additionally, this product is shelf-stable, meaning you do not need to store it in the fridge.
Garden of Life recommends taking one capsule daily.
Subscriptions and savings
You can subscribe for regular deliveries of this product on Amazon, saving up to 15% on each purchase.
high CFU count
shelf-stable
contains many different strains
contains dairy
some customers report receiving fewer pills than advertized
high CFU count
shelf-stable
contains many different strains
contains dairy
some customers report receiving fewer pills than advertized
Certifications: CarbonFree certified
Strains: Bifidobacterium lactic, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus salivaruys, Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefirgranum, Lactobascillus lactic, Lactococcus cremoris, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactbobacillus kefir, Lactobacillus parakefire, Lactobacillus platarum, Lactococcus lactis biovar diacetylactis, Leuconostoc lactic, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Leuconostoc cremoris, Leuconostoc dextranicum, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Brettanomyces anomalus, Debaryomyces hansenii, Saccharomyces unisporus, Saccharomyces turicensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccaromyces exiguus, Torulaspora delbrueckii
Returns:
Shipping:
Certifications: CarbonFree certified
Strains: Bifidobacterium lactic, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus salivaruys, Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefirgranum, Lactobascillus lactic, Lactococcus cremoris, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactbobacillus kefir, Lactobacillus parakefire, Lactobacillus platarum, Lactococcus lactis biovar diacetylactis, Leuconostoc lactic, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Leuconostoc cremoris, Leuconostoc dextranicum, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Brettanomyces anomalus, Debaryomyces hansenii, Saccharomyces unisporus, Saccharomyces turicensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccaromyces exiguus, Torulaspora delbrueckii
Returns:
Shipping:
How we chose the best women’s probiotics
When choosing the best probiotics, we considered the following factors:
CFUs: Most probiotic manufacturers measure bacteria count according to colony-forming units (CFUs). A higher CFU number means the product contains more bacteria. We include products with a high CFU stated clearly on the product.
colony-forming units (CFUs)
Bacteria strains: Different probiotic bacteria do different things. For example, Bifidobacterium may help with gut health, while Lactobacillus may support vaginal health. We have included probiotics with different strains, including multiple options with a blend of bacteria strains.
Use and dosage: We choose products that clearly state ideal use, including recommended dosage, when to take them, storage suggestions, and any contraindications. We also choose brands that outline possible timelines for seeing health benefits.
Safety: Companies may advertise that they have designed the probiotics for a specific purpose, such as digestive or vaginal health. However, probiotics have not been determined as universally safe or effective. We have vetted brands and chosen products that do not make unsubstantiated health claims or promises.
not been determined
Comparing the best probiotics for women’s health
The following table compares the probiotics for women in this article on key features:
Ritual
HUM
Persona
Culturelle
Garden of Life
Florastor
Pure Encapsulations
Love Wellness
Thorne
Garden of Life
Learn more about the best probiotics here.
best probiotics
Why should women take probiotics?
Taking probiotic supplements may offer a range of potential health benefits for women:
Various studies conclude that Lactobacillus supplements, delivered orally or vaginally, may help prevent the recurrence of vaginal infection by aiding to maintain a bacterial balance. These may assist in inhibiting the growth of bacteria associated with conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Various studies
inhibiting
bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Additionally, a 2022 controlled trial found that oral L. rhamnose was more effective than metronidazole at treating BV in the short- and long term.
2022 controlled trial
Learn more about probiotics for vaginal health.
probiotics for vaginal health
Multiple studies have shown that some Lactobacillus strains may ease adult antibiotic-associated diarrhea, which may affect up to 30% of people who take medication.
Multiple studies
30% of people
Additionally, a 2019 review found that the L. rhamnosus GG strain has protective factors that may benefit gut health, such as inhibiting some salmonella bacteria’s growth.
2019 review
salmonella
Learn more about the benefits of probiotics.
benefits of probiotics
Considerations when taking probiotics for women
People should consider the following when taking probiotics:
Not all probiotics are effective or safe for everyone.
effective or safe
Probiotics are sensitive to changes in temperature. Some may require refrigeration. Therefore, some may not be suitable for people who travel or do not have access to refrigeration.
sensitive
The health benefits of probiotics are strain-specific, some containing a lot of live microorganisms. This may make it difficult for a person to determine whether research supports the health benefits that the manufacturers claim.
Experts recommend that people eat a balanced diet, rich in high fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables, as these measures may be more effective for a person’s overall digestive health than taking a probiotic.
high fiber foods
Side effects of probiotics
A person taking probiotic supplements may experience the following side effects:
gastrointestinal symptoms, such as: bloatingstomach crampsdiarrheagas
bloating
stomach cramps
diarrhea
gas
dermatological symptoms, such as rashes or acne
If these side effects are severe or last longer than 2 weeks, a person should contact a doctor. While taking probiotics is mostly safe, it can lead to a serious fungal or bacterial infection in rare cases.
2 weeks
can lead
Who should not take probiotics?
Probiotics are generally considered safe, but they are not safe for everyone. Some may have a higher risk when taking probiotics. This includes:
includes
people with a compromised immune system or who are sick
premature infants
people with allergies, especially food allergies, as some probiotics may contain ingredients allergens
pregnant people or people who are nursing
People should also use caution before taking probiotics for general health conditions. For example, the American Gastroenterological Association only recommends using probiotics to prevent C. difficile infection and manage pouchitis.
American Gastroenterological Association
A person should consult with a healthcare professional before taking probiotics.
Frequently asked questions about probiotics for women
The following are common questions and answers about probiotics for women:

Some studies suggest that taking a probiotic supplement may help with conditions such as:
such as
antibiotic-related diarrhea
IBS
IBS
BV
BV
yeast infections
yeast infections
atopic dermatitis
atopic dermatitis

However, research on the benefits of probiotics is ongoing.

Before purchasing a probiotic, it is important to know that probiotic supplements are not necessary for everyone. An individual should not use probiotics as an alternative to seeking advice from a healthcare professional.

Before purchasing any products, people should contact a healthcare professional to discuss taking a probiotic.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that this may be particularly important for those with a health condition, as doctors may wish to monitor their health closely if they take any probiotics.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
The National Institutes of Health states there is no official recommendation for probiotic use. People should speak with a healthcare professional to choose the correct probiotic and dosage and to determine how long to use the product.
The National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health states there is no official recommendation for probiotic use. People should speak with a healthcare professional to choose the correct probiotic and dosage and to determine how long to use the product.
The National Institutes of Health
Fermented foods have additional microbial cultures. Yogurt has probiotics in it as part of the manufacturing process. People can purchase yogurts high in probiotics in almost every grocery store.
Fermented foods
Other foods that contain probiotics may include cereals, juices, milk, and nutrition bars. However, probiotic content will differ between brands.
Fermented foods have additional microbial cultures. Yogurt has probiotics in it as part of the manufacturing process. People can purchase yogurts high in probiotics in almost every grocery store.
Fermented foods
Other foods that contain probiotics may include cereals, juices, milk, and nutrition bars. However, probiotic content will differ between brands.
The No. 1 women’s probiotic will vary, depending on the health concerns of the women who will be taking it. The following factors indicate quality in probiotic products:
the product is manufactured under healthy conditions by a reliable company
product is not promoted with unrealistic benefit claims
the bacteria strains the product contains are clearly identified
product packaging clearly states a high CFU count, plus storage and dosage recommendations

The No. 1 women’s probiotic will vary, depending on the health concerns of the women who will be taking it. The following factors indicate quality in probiotic products:
the product is manufactured under healthy conditions by a reliable company
product is not promoted with unrealistic benefit claims
the bacteria strains the product contains are clearly identified
product packaging clearly states a high CFU count, plus storage and dosage recommendations

Complete and accurate statistics on which probiotics doctors recommend most often are not available. While some doctors may recommend using probiotics to address diarrhea, for example, some may not.
In general, physicians recommend that if a person uses probiotics, they use products with clear information and instructions, made by reputable manufacturers.
Some of the more widely used probiotics include:
widely used probiotics
Lactobacillus
Bifidobacterium
Saccharomyces boulardii

General recommendations concerning probiotics for women do not currently exist.
General recommendations
However, probiotics may help address important aspects of women’s health, such as yeast infections, UTIs, BV, cervical cancer, digestive health, and immune system support. The following strains of probiotics may support these aspects of women’s health:
strains of probiotics
Lactobacillus
L. acidophilus
L. rhamnosus

Gynecologists may recommend people take a probiotic supplement that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14.
Studies show these probiotic strains effectively prevent UTIs, which can result from the presence of bacteria that cause UTIs.
Studies
Gynecologists may recommend people take a probiotic supplement that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14.
Studies show these probiotic strains effectively prevent UTIs, which can result from the presence of bacteria that cause UTIs.
Studies
The best probiotic will:
have a higher CFU count
be a well-researched strain to treat conditions
have a stable shelf life
have a long expiration date
carry certifications such as current good manufacturing practice or U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention
current good manufacturing practice
U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention
The best probiotic will:
have a higher CFU count
be a well-researched strain to treat conditions
have a stable shelf life
have a long expiration date
carry certifications such as current good manufacturing practice or U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention
current good manufacturing practice
U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention
Summary
The best probiotic for women contains the correct bacteria for a person’s specific needs.
As with any supplement, a person should talk with a doctor before taking a probiotic, especially if they are on medication or have underlying health issues.
While probiotics may help some people, they do not cure any illness. If symptoms persist, an individual should consult a doctor.
People interested in taking a probiotic supplement should discuss it with a healthcare professional. They can help decide if probiotics would be beneficial and which strains may be most effective for specific health needs.

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