The 9 Best Probiotics For Women (With Actual Science Behind Them)

Lactobacillus is the bacterial genus that dominates most of your vaginal microbiome. Ora's probiotic contains six research-backed strains of Lactobacillus that naturally settle along the vaginal canal and urinary tract and promote vaginal health. The strains in this blend can also contribute to a healthy inflammatory response and microbial makeup in the nether regions. Resistant to stomach acid, these strains can help tip the scales toward a healthy pH down there—which is essential for overall women's health.*

Bonus: Ora's blend contains an added dose of 725mg of prebiotics (from Jerusalem artichoke inulin) to feed the beneficial bacteria you're consuming. Take two capsules within 30 minutes of mealtime to reap the benefits of this targeted probiotic.

This estrogen-free synbiotic sets out to lend support during menopausal—and if the reviews are any indication, it really works. Fans of the product note that it's helped them with temperature regulation, stress management, sleep, and more. Some noticed a difference within a few days, while others needed to take the product for 1-2 months before seeing improvement.*

While the Menolabs website lists the product's probiotic species, specific strains (and specific dose of each strain) are not listed. This is a bit of a red flag because it makes it difficult to know the exact research behind the proprietary blend. However, this supplement is more than a probiotic—and it also contains prebiotics, herbs, vitamins, and minerals that are science-backed to carry women through menopause more comfortably.*

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This single-strain probiotic delivers clinically relevant amounts of Bifidobacterium lactis B420: a strain that supports a healthy weight through reductions in caloric intake, abdominal fat mass, and waist circumference. B420 is the most-studied strain for weight management, making this a solid option for those who are taking a probiotic for healthy body composition goals.*

Reviewers report results almost immediately, and note that UltraFlora Control helps promote regularity and ease bloat, too.*

There are no extra bells and whistles here. But Metagenics is known for its rigorous purity, potency, and transparency standards, so you'll get what you pay for with this simple but effective product.

Thorne's supplement combines two proprietary bacterial blends that support a healthy urinary and vaginal bacterial environment: ASTARTE and UREX. It's designed to balance the growth of unwanted yeast and reinvigorate the microbiome with beneficial Lactobacillus strains. Thorne recommends taking it as an everyday supplement for gut and vaginal health.*

While proprietary blends aren’t typically ideal, Thorne includes these strains at meaningful doses backed by science. Their blend is also an affordable way into the probiotics space, and you only need to take one capsule a day, with or without food.*

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If you prefer your probiotic in powder form so you can more easily incorporate it into meals or drinks, this Designs For Health option is solid. A manageable serving of 1/2 teaspoon a day delivers 20 billion CFUs of five probiotic strains. Strains featured in the proprietary blend include Bifidobacterium lactis for healthy weight support and Lactobacillus plantarum for nutrient absorption support.*

While it's on the pricey side, you'll get 60 daily servings in each container. Note that Designs for Health does recommend shipping the product in a cooler to protect its contents from heat, which will cost you extra.

Designed with mom and baby in mind, this probiotic from MegaFood features 14 unique probiotic strains that can be taken at all points of the pregnancy journey and into early breastfeeding. Its strains have been shown to promote a diverse gut microbiome, which is even more essential during pregnancy. The blend is fortified with stomach-soothing ginger to promote a comfortable pregnancy, plus prebiotics from dandelion root and beetroot.*

You'll want to pop these in the fridge or freezer once they arrive, but they should be fine without refrigeration during transit. MegaFood, a certified sustainable B Corp, recommends taking two capsules daily with food.

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Caveat: We still have a ton to learn about how probiotics can benefit skin health (you can learn more about this fascinating area of research here). But Skinesa's probiotic is made with some of the most promising strains researchers have identified for clear, less stressed skin. Take L. rhamnosus CECT-8361, which was included in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 90 adults over 12 weeks. Participants reported clearer skin both at the end of the trial and in a six-month follow-up.*

This probiotic doesn't work for everyone, and 7% of reviewers note no difference in their skin texture or appearance, but you can combine it with an antioxidant-rich diet for the best chance at positive results.