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Top 5 Women’s Probiotics in 2024

Linda Moore
Health Editor

Linda is a naturopathic medicine practitioner deeply committed to preventive care and promoting natural healing. She believes that embracing healthy routines empowers people to maximize their life potential.

How We Found the Best Probiotics Supplements

  • 68 Probiotics Supplements

     

     

     

  • 3 Experts
    Consulted

     

     

     

  • 5 Top Picks

     

     

     

Advertiser Disclosure

One size does not always fit all, especially when it comes to probiotics and women. As women, we know that our bodies are complex and require a more targeted approach to address our specific concerns, such as menopause symptoms, hormonal balance, healthy weight management, vaginal health, and fighting candida overgrowth, excessive bloating, and UTIs.

Just like the stomach has both “good” and “bad” bacteria so does the vaginal and urinary tract. That’s why it’s critical for you to find an effective probiotic that not only helps support proper digestive health but also has the right kind of probiotics and other key ingredients to support urogenital and vaginal health too.

A quick search of the web or any store’s aisles leads to endless probiotic brands, all claiming to cater to women, but most miss the mark. Some boast of high culture counts without the strains beneficial for women’s health, while others may not survive the journey to the vaginal tract. And then there are those that, despite their claims, lack the rigorous scientific backing or quality control to truly stand out.

How To Pick A Good Probiotic Supplement & Avoid The Junk

Ladies, the good news is that we have compiled months of research about the vital probiotic strains shown in studies to offer real benefits specifically for women. We also figured out which herbs and botanicals are essential for both vaginal pH balance and the various stages of perimenopause and menopause. Whether you are a busy mom, a grandmother enjoying your grandkids, a career woman, or all of the above, we considered which products are the easiest to incorporate into your daily routine. We also considered pill size and whether refrigeration is necessary.

This short guide will help you know what to look for and what to avoid so you can make an informed decision. We will also list the top 5 women’s probiotic supplements sold today.

Let’s take a closer look at how probiotics work for women and why they should be added to your daily routine.

Women’s Probiotics:What Are They All About?

Within your stomach is an impressive world known as the gut microbiome, with thousands of different types of bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. While some bacteria can offer significant health benefits, others can be harmful.

Probiotics are living microorganisms that act as reinforcements to support a healthy microbiome balance. You probably heard that probiotics are helpful for digestive health, but they also play an essential role in the immune system, mental health, and, notably, women’s specific health needs.

From the discomforts of menstrual cycles to the significant changes of of perimenopause and menopause, probiotics offer targeted support where it’s most needed. They can help in managing symptoms such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), candida overgrowth, otherwise known as yeast infections and vaginal health issues such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).

The right kind of probiotic strains, in combination with crucial herbs and minerals, can also aid in nutrient absorption, which is vital for energy and overall vitality. They can also play a role in bone density and weight management, which can be a concern for many women as they age or undergo hormonal changes.

A Good Women’s Probiotic Can:

Supports Healthy Weight1-4

Fight Candida5

Ease Perimenopause and Menopause6

Promote urinary tract health1

Reduce Bloating, Diarrhea, Constipation, and Gas7-11

Support Bone Health12

Improve Anxiety and Mood13,14

Support Hormonal Balance15,16

Improve Digestive Disorders17

Support Immune System Response18,19,20

3 Things To AVOID
When Buying A Women’s Probiotic

1. LIMITED STRAIN VARIETY

Variety is crucial in a probiotic supplement for addressing women’s health concerns. A product with only one or two strains might not cover the broad spectrum of benefits your body needs. To support proper microbiome balance avoid formulas that don’t offer at least 16 sixteen different strains.

2. LACK OF SUPPORTING INGREDIENTS

For a women’s probiotic to truly be a well-rounded formula, it must have additional ingredients beyond just probiotics to support your unique health needs. Avoid formulas that don’t include ingredients such as Cranberry and D-Mannose, which have urinary and bone health benefits.

3. PLASTIC BOTTLES

Moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) studies on probiotics packaged in plastic bottles have shown that they can allow too much moisture to enter, causing lower strain survival rates and a shorter shelf life overall.21

Don’t throw away your hard-earned money on probiotics in cheap plastics bottles that can allow harmful elements to enter during storage and shipping, risking your probiotics arriving dead at your doorstep.

Which Probiotics Strains areBest for Women?

Which Probiotics Strains areBest for Women?

Many probiotic brands claim to contain strains specific to women's health. Still, the primary strains used in their formulas, like L. Saliverius and L. Reuteri, are no different from those found in any general probiotic supplement. While those are essential strains to have in any probiotic formula, our research indicates that for a true women's formula to be complete, it must include the following top strains, which have very specific women's health benefits.

Lactobacillus Gasseri (L. Gasseri)1. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

Healthy Weight Support: A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 152 overweight adults concluded that L. rhamnosus supports healthy weight management. The study also showed the strain helped decrease binge eating tendencies.22

A separate study over 24 weeks found that L. rhamnosus had more of an impact on women compared to men when it came to weight management.23

Mood & Anxiety: Lowers anxiety, reduces stress and boosts mood by changing the expression of the chemical messenger, GABA, which communicates with the brain and produces a calming effect.24,25,26

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus (L. Rhamnosus)2. Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Bacterial Vaginosis Protection: L. Acidophilus has been extensively studied for its role in producing high lactic acid levels, promoting an acidic environment in the vagina necessary to keep proper bacterial balance, and helping to avoid the harmful condition known as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).27

Urinary Tract Infections: E. Coli is one of the most common bacteria causes of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Lactobacillus Acidophilus has been shown to prevent the growth of this bacteria to provide support to prevent UTIs.28

Candida: Reduces the risk of yeast infections by helping inhibit the overgrowth of the harmful bacteria Candida albicans, the most common cause of genital yeast infections.29

***Stack Tip: Look for a formula that pairs L. rhamnosus HN001 with L. acidophilus La-14, two of the most common strains in the vagina, which studies show work synergistically to maintain vaginal health by fighting off pathogenic bacteria. In a trio of clinical trials with healthy adults, women who took capsules combining L. rhamnosus HN001™ with L. acidophilus La-14™ for two weeks saw healthy bacterial colonization associated with improved vaginal health.30,31,32 You’ll see below our top pick, does exactly that with the addition of HOWARU® Feminine Health blend, within their formula, which pairs L. rhamnosus HN001 with L. acidophilus La-14.

Lactobacillus Reuteri (L. Reuteri)3. Bifidobacterium lactis

Fight Abdominal Fat: Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease as women age, affecting metabolism. These hormonal changes can lead to a loss of muscle mass and increased belly fat. 33 Studies have shown that Bifidobacterium lactis can help manage weight and reduce visceral fat.

Editor’s Advice: Our research has revealed most companies include generic Bifidobacterium lactis strains in their formulas while premium brands use Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B420. This specific patented strain has been documented in more than 60 scientific studies, including 16 clinical trials, including a groundbreaking human clinical trial where it was shown to reduce calorie intake by approximately 210 kcal/day compared to the placebo group.34,35 Look for a women’s probiotic with the strain B420 for superior weight management support.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus (L. Acidophilus)4. Lactobacillus Gasseri

Improve Metabolism: A review of over a dozen human randomized controlled trials concluded that L. gasseri supports healthy weight management. Other studies have shown this strain to support the reduction of fatty tissue and improve metabolism.36,37,38

Bone Density: Shown to have anti-menopausal effects by increasing bone mineral density and lowering pain sensitivity.39

Top 4 Herbs and Vitamins forWomen’s Health

1. Chromium Picolinate

As women enter perimenopause and menopause, we often notice an increase in insulin resistance, leading to hormonal weight gain.40 Research shows that chromium picolinate can help improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier for our bodies to handle sugar. It can also assist in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and even help maintain lean body mass.41,42

Look for a women’s probiotic supplement containing Chromax®, a patented form of chromium picolinate. Chromax is 15X more 43 bioavailable than other forms of chromium picolinate on the market. Thirty-five human clinical trials support its benefits for weight management, appetite control, and better absorption compared to generic forms of chromium picolinate.

2. Cranberry Extract

Studies have shown that cranberry extract supports bladder health and function. This fruit contains proanthocyanidins (PACs,) which can prevent E. coli bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, thereby reducing the risk of UTIs in post-menopausal women and those with recurrent UTIs.44

3. D-Mannose

D-mannose is a type of sugar related to glucose that occurs naturally in your body and is also found in some plants in the form of starch. A meta-analysis review of studies concluded that it can help reduce urinary tract infection (UTI) recurrence in adult women and has comparable results to antibiotics but fewer side effects. It is thought to work by preventing bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract, allowing them to be flushed out more easily.45,46

Recently scientists have been researching the role of D-mannose in combination with vaginal estrogen therapy (VET) and its beneficial effect on recurrent UTIs in postmenopausal women. Additionally, studies have indicated the potential for D-mannose to improve bone mineral density (BMD) and overall bone health.47

4. Hibiscus Flower Extract

Hibiscus has long been hailed for offering a variety of health benefits, specifically in the extract format. Studies have suggested that Hibiscus extract can help with healthy weight management and help protect against obesity. It has been shown to have powerful antioxidant benefits that help fight the growth of bacteria and support heart and liver health.48-51

Top 5 Essential Criteria For A Quality Probiotic Supplement

We spent months researching probiotics and gathering user feedback. Specific aspects differentiate high-quality probiotics from generic ones. Below are the five most essential criteria to consider when deciding which probiotic brand is best for your needs.

2024’s Top Women’s Probiotic Supplements

Our review encompassed 68 different probiotic supplements, putting each through our rigorous Review Scout assessment process. To determine 2024’s Top 5 Women’s Probiotic Supplements, we looked for predicted effectiveness, safety, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction.

PROS
  • 24 Diverse Probiotic Strains & 70 Billion CFUs (live probiotic cultures)
  • Includes ALL Top-4 Strains & Prebiotic NutraFlora®
  • Contains both D-Mannose and Cranberry for urogenital health
  • Contains Chromax® Chromium Picolinate to combat hormonal weight gain and help suppress appetite
  • Dark Amber Glass Bottle for light and moisture protection
  • Endorsed by a Doctor Specializing in Gut Health
  • Delayed-Release and Vegetarian Acid-Resistant Capsules, Non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten and Soy Free, No artificial ingredients
  • Verified 90-day 100% money-back return policy
  • Manufactured in USA
CONS
  • Often out of stock due to high demand
Why We Chose It

Stonehenge Health’s Dynamic Biotics+ For Women is Review Scout’s top choice. This formula contains a potent 70 Billion CFU dose of 24 diverse clinically studied strains, including all four essential women’s health strains: L. Rhamnosus HN001™, L. Acidophilus La-14™ , Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B420, and L. Gasseri.

Dynamic Biotics+ For Women differentiates itself in a crowded market by appealing directly to women with a more personalized approach tailored to women’s specific digestive and vaginal health needs. This probiotic goes a step beyond other formulas by including five different herbs and minerals, including Cranberry Extract, D-Mannose, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Moringa Leaf, and Turmeric 95% extract, to name a few. We were happy to see that this formula also includes premium ingredients, prebiotic NutraFlora®, which helps nourish the probiotics, supporting their ability to survive and grow, and Chromax® Chromium Picolinate, to support hormonal weight management and appetite control. After completing a comprehensive search, we determined that no other brands combined Chromax® with NutraFlora® prebiotics and probiotics to maximize benefits unique to women.

In reviewing dozens of probiotic brands, most package these light and moisture-sensitive live cultures in cheap plastic bottles, increasing the risk you will receive a probiotic that is dead on arrival. We liked that Stonehenge Health uses a dark amber glass bottle to protect its probiotics and improve survivability. With the correct probiotics and prebiotics at the proper CFU strength, Dynamic Biotics+ For Women has what it takes to offer women help in supporting healthy weight, menopause, vaginal, digestive, and bone health, and a robust immune system.

We were able to verify that Stonehenge Health’s formula does not contain any synthetic fillers or artificial ingredients, is non-GMO, uses vegetarian capsules, and is manufactured in the USA. Stonehenge Health also backs its products with a no-questions-asked, 90-day money-back guarantee and is one of the few brands endorsed by a board-certified doctor specializing in digestive health. We also like that they offer customers discounts on bundles. Click on the link below to see their current specials.

*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.

#2 Garden of Life Once Daily Women’s Probiotics

A-

Overall Grade

#2 Garden of Life Once Daily Women's Probiotics

  • OVERALL RATING 8.7/10
  • Predicted Effectiveness 9.1/10
  • Ingredient Quality 8.8/10
  • Value 8.2/10
  • Return Policy 8.8/10
  • User Rating 8.6/10
PROS
  • 16 Diverse Probiotic Strains
  • 50 Billion CFUs
  • Includes L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, bifidobacterium lactis and L. gasseri
  • Veggie caps, Non-GMO, Dairy & Soy Free
CONS
  • Does not contain B. lactis B420
  • Does not include any key herbs or minerals
  • Plastic bottle instead of glass
  • User complaints of bottle having a strong chemical smell
  • Limited return policy
Why We Chose It

Garden of Life Once Daily Women’s Probiotics is a well-established brand and contains a dose of 50 billion CFUs with 16 diverse strains. We were happy to see that this formula included 4 of the top 4 strains, L. rhamnosus,L. Acidophilus, bifidobacterium, and L. gasseri. However, we were disappointed to see they did not include B. lactis B420 or any specific strain at all. Therefore, we assume their formula is less effective and has less clinical research to back its efficacy in comparison to our top-rated pick.

While Garden of Life Once Daily Women’s has a decent diversity of strains, it falls short of being a well-rounded women’s targeted formula by not including any of the key herbs, such as Cranberry, D-mannose, Chromium, or Hibiscus extract, for urinary and weight management support.

This product comes in vegetarian capsules, which are great for health-conscious users. Still, the inclusion of microcrystalline cellulose, a refined wood pulp used as a bulking agent during manufacturing, is not desirable as it may lead to digestive discomfort for some users in the form of bloating, gas, or constipation. We prefer to see products made from minimally processed ingredients. A common and growing complaint amongst users is a strong chemical smell emitting from the plastic bottle.

Garden of Life offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, but we would have preferred a 90-day guarantee to allow consumers more time to assess whether it is right for them

*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.

#3 Happy V Women’s Daily Prebiotic + Probiotic

B-

Overall Grade

#3 Happy V Women's Daily Prebiotic + Probiotic

  • OVERALL RATING 7.6/10
  • Predicted Effectiveness 8.8/10
  • Ingredient Quality 8.3/10
  • Value 6.8/10
  • Return Policy 6.1/10
  • User Rating 7.8/10
PROS
  • Includes L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, bifidobacterium lactis, and L. gasseri
  • Contains clinically studied prebiotic
  • Delayed-release Veggie caps, Non-GMO, Gluten & Dairy Free
CONS
  • Lack of diversity in probiotic strains
  • Limited potency of 20 Billion CFUs
  • Does not include any key herbs or minerals
  • Misrepresenting inclusion of digestive enzymes not found in the formula
  • Contains Magnesium Stearate
  • 30-Day return policy limited to unopened bottles
Why We Chose It

Happy V Women’s Daily Prebiotic + Probiotic has gained popularity through the company’s heavy online advertising. We liked that this formula contains the top-4 strains L. rhamnosus, L. gasseri, L. acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis (with a specified strain). However, the biggest challenge with this formula is that it only includes 7 strains, with a relatively low potency at 20 billion CFUs. We prefer to see formulas that have at least 16 strains and 50 Billion CFUs per dose. We also prefer a once-a-day, easy-to-swallow capsule. Happy V Women’s Daily Prebiotic + Probiotic requires two capsules per day.

We would have also preferred to see herbal and mineral ingredients included that have more uniquely focused benefits for women’s digestive and vaginal health and weight management, such as HOWARU Femine Health Blend and Chromax, as seen with the top-rated brand on our list. Interestingly, Happy V does sell a separate product, “D-Mannose + Cranberry,” but you would have to pay an additional $40 for that product. That would bring your total monthly cost to $80 and require you to take 4 pills per day.

In analyzing this brand, we found places on both their brand site and Amazon listing page that indicate that this product contains digestive enzymes in the form of, “Digezyme (Amylase, Protease, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase – 50mg.”) Their brand product page in the “Quality Transparency” section has a link to a Certificate of Analysis, which clearly shows the digestive enzymes in the formula. Their Amazon listing under ingredients also indicates “Transparency Compliant Label” and lists the digestive enzymes. However, their product labels do not mention any digestive enzymes whatsoever. It is challenging to believe the brand is focused on transparency when they are misrepresenting what is in their formula. Happy V backs its product with a minimal 30-day refund period, which only applies to unopened bottles. This is less than ideal. This formula uses a vegetarian capsule and is non-GMO.

*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.

#4 Renew Life Women’s Care Probiotic

C+

Overall Grade

#4 Renew Life Women's Care Probiotic

  • OVERALL RATING 7.2/10
  • Predicted Effectiveness 6.7/10
  • Ingredient Quality 7.1/10
  • Value 6.6/10
  • Return Policy 8.8/10
  • User Rating 6.8/10
PROS
  • Includes L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis
  • Delayed-Release Capsules, Non-GMO, Dairy & Soy Free
CONS
  • Only 12 Probiotic Strains
  • Only 25 Billion CFUs
  • Does not include any key herbs or minerals
  • Does not contain prebiotics
  • User complaints of digestive discomfort
  • Limited return policy
Why We Chose It

Renew Life Women’s Care Probiotic formula contains 3 of the top 4 strains of probiotics but at a low dose of only 25 billion CFUs. The other challenge with this formula is that it only includes 12 strains. We like to see a minimum of 16.

Although marketed specifically as a women’s probiotic, it does not stand out as a targeted women’s formula because it does not include key herbs such as Cranberry, D-mannose, or Hibiscus extract for urinary and weight management support. It also lacks prebiotics, which are important to help the probiotics survive, grow, and populate.

Like the top-ranked brand on our list, Renew Life Women’s Care Probiotic utilizes a delayed released capsule to help protect the probiotics from harsh stomach conditions. However, the inclusion of microcrystalline cellulose, a refined wood pulp used as a bulking agent during manufacturing, is not desirable as it may lead to digestive discomfort for some users in the form of bloating, gas, or constipation which happens to be a growing complaint from users of this product. We prefer to see products made from ingredients that are minimally processed.

We noticed that Renew Life Women’s Care Probiotic recommends refrigeration, but it’s not required. This seems confusing and inconsistent with industry standards. When probiotics are freeze-dried during manufacturing, they are shelf-stable, so they shouldn’t need refrigeration.

Renew Life offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, but we would have preferred a 90-day guarantee to allow more time for consumers to assess whether it is right for them.

*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.

#5 Provitalize

D

Overall Grade

#5 Provitalize

  • OVERALL RATING 6.7/10
  • Predicted Effectiveness 6.5/10
  • Ingredient Quality 7.2/10
  • Value 6.2/10
  • Return Policy 7.5/10
  • User Rating 6.2/10
PROS
  • High CFU Count
  • Includes L. gasseri and Bifidobacterium lactis
  • Delayed-Release Capsules, Soy, Dairy & Gluten Free
CONS
  • Only includes 2 of the top 4 strains
  • Lack of strain diversity
  • Does not include any of the key herbs or minerals
  • Does not contain Prebiotics
  • Plastic bottle
  • User complaints results not achieved
  • Poor Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating
Why We Chose It

Provitalize by Better Body Co. is a popular product, partly thanks to its heavy online advertising. The brand, which appears to be based in Singapore, makes some questionable claims that it can improve digestive health, weight management, and the relief of hot flashes for menopausal women.

However, even with all the advertising geared towards this product helping women “fight menopause,” the frequently asked questions page states, “Provitalize works for men just as well as for women,” leading us to believe this company markets to women but included no ingredients unique to women’s health needs.

While we liked that the product contains 68 Billion CFUs, it has a notable lack of strain diversity, as it only has three strains in total. Compare that to the top-rated brand on our list, which has 24 unique strains, including all four top-rated strains, and even contains all three of Provitalize’s probiotic strains. Provitalize also requires you to take two pills per day.

Provitalize uses a considerable amount of marketing hype and aggressive claims; they have an F rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), compiling 79 complaints, 25 of which were in the last year alone, which gives us some real pause for concern. While some users have reported benefits from taking Provitalize, we found many users who reported no results. We recommend avoiding brands with claims that seem too good to be true. Choose a formula with a variety of probiotic strains, including key herbs and minerals targeting women’s health, and that prebiotics that are shown in studies to help offer vaginal and urogenital benefits as well as support for microbiome balance, digestive and immune system support, and weight management.

*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.

Citations
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