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Top 5 Women’s Probiotics For Better Gut Health 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

     

     

     

Top 5 Probiotic

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 menopause. Whether you are a busy mom, grandmother enjoying your grandkids, or superwoman taking the working world by storm, 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 for women work and why it’s the one thing you want to be sure to add 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 menopause, probiotics offer targeted support where it’s most needed. They can help in managing symptoms such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), candida overgrowth, and vaginal health issues such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).

The right kind of probiotic strains, in combination with crucial herbs, 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 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 Response18-20

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. Acidophilus 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.24-28

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus (L. Rhamnosus)2. Lactobacillus Jensenii

Vaginal Immune Health: Lactobacillus jensenii is part of the normal vaginal microbiota, and studies show by producing hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins, this strain enhances the vaginal barrier protecting against infections by pathogenic bacteria and yeast, reducing the risk of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections.29-30

Vaginal pH: Helps maintain a low pH in the vagina by producing lactic acid, which is crucial for inhibiting the growth of pathogenic organisms.31

Lactobacillus Reuteri (L. Reuteri)3. Lactobacillus Crispatus

Bacterial Vaginosis Protection: L. crispatus 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).32

Urinary Tract Infections: Provides female support to combating and easing the effects of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s).33

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.34

***Stack Tip: Look for a formula that pairs L. Jensenii with L. Crispatus, two of the most common strains in the vagina, which studies show work synergistically to maintain vaginal health by fighting off pathogenic bacteria.

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.35-38

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

Top 3 Herbs and Vitamins forWomen’s Health

1. 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.40

2. 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 inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract, allowing them to be flushed out more easily.41-43

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.44

3. 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.45-48

Top 4 Essential Criteria For A Quality Probiotic Supplement

We spent months researching probiotics and gathering user feedback. There are specific aspects that differentiate high-quality probiotics from generic ones. Below are the 4 most essential criteria to consider when deciding on 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.

#1 Stonehenge Health Dynamic Biotics+ For Women

A+

Overall Grade

#1 Stonehenge Health Dynamic Biotics+ For Women

  • OVERALL RATING 9.7/10
  • Predicted Effectiveness 9.8/10
  • Ingredient Quality 9.7/10
  • Value 9.5/10
  • Return Policy 9.8/10
  • User Rating 9.7/10
PROS
  • 24 Diverse Probiotic Strains & 65 Billion CFUs
  • Includes ALL Top-4 Strains & Prebiotic NutraFlora®
  • Contains both D-Mannose and Cranberry for urogenital health
  • 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
CONS
  • Often out of stock due to high demand
Why We Chose It

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. Stonehenge Health’s Dynamic Biotics+ For Women is Review Scout’s top choice. This formula contains a potent 65 Billion CFU dose of 24 diverse clinically studied strains, including all four essential women’s health strains L. Rhamnosus, L. Jensenii, L. Crispatus, 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 seven different herbs, 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 includes the prebiotic NutraFlora®, which helps nourish the probiotics, supporting their ability to survive and grow.

In reviewing dozens of probiotic brands, we found that 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, and uses vegetarian capsules. Stonehenge Health 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. gasseri
  • Veggie caps, Non-GMO, Dairy & Soy Free
CONS
  • Only includes 2 of the Top-4 Strains
  • Does not include any key Herbs
  • 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. While we were happy to see this formula included 2 of the top-4 strains, L. rhamnosus and L. gasseri, we were disappointed it left out the highly researched and effective strains L. jensenii and L. crispatus.

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

This product comes in vegetarian capsules, 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 ingredients that are minimally processed. 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 to see a 90-day guarantee to allow more time for consumers to assess if 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. crispatus, and L. gasseri
  • Contains clinically studied prebiotic
  • 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
  • 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 use of heavy online advertising. We liked that this formula contains three of the top-4 strains L. rhamnosus, L. gasseri, and L. crispatus but were disappointed to see if missing the highly researched and effective strain L jensenii. However, the biggest challenge with this formula is it only includes 7 strains, we prefer to see a larger diversity of at least 16 strains, and the relatively low potency at 20 Billion CFUs. We prefer to see formulas that have at least 45 Billion CFUs per dose.

This brand includes Biotin at 15 mcg which we presume was intended to help with metabolism, but the dosage needed for this benefit is 30 mcg, which is twice the amount included in this formula. We would have preferred to see herbal ingredients included that have more focused benefits for women’s digestive and vaginal health 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” 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 their product with a minimal 30-day refund period, which only applies to unopened bottles. 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
  • 12 Diverse Probiotic Strains
  • 50 Billion CFUs
  • Includes L. rhamnosus 
  • Delayed-Release Capsules, Non-GMO, Dairy & Soy Free
CONS
  • Only includes 1 of the Top-4 Strains
  • Does not include any key Herbs
  • Does not contain prebiotics
  • User complaints of digestive discomfort
  • Limited return policy
Why We Chose It

Renew Life Women’s Care Probiotic formula contains a dose of 50 billion CFUs from 12 diverse strains. The challenge with this formula is that it only includes 1 of the top-4 strains, L. rhamnosus, leaving out the other 3 highly researched and effective strains, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, and L. crispatus.

We liked the CFU potency of this formula, but it does not stand out as a targeted women’s formula because it does not include any 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.

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
  • Delayed-Release Capsules, Soy, Dairy & Gluten Free
CONS
  • Only includes 1 of the Top-4 Strains
  • Lack of strain diversity
  • Does not include any of the key Herbs
  • 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.

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, and only one of them is on our top-4 list for women’s health. That one strain is L. gasseri, leaving this formula shot of the other 3 highly researched and effective strains, L. jensenii, L. rhamnosus, and L. crispatus. 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.

Label transparency has been a growing demand among consumers. Provitalize is causing considerable confusion among its consumers by stating in the images on its Amazon page that the product contains the strain B. lactis. But, in a review of the supplement facts image, there is no listing of B. lactis; instead, it indicates the strain B. animalis. So, what should a consumer believe to be true? This marketing confusion is not the kind of transparency we want from a manufacturer.

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 for women’s health and prebiotics, shown in studies to help offer vaginal and urogenital benefits as well as support for microbiome balance, digestive and immune system support.

*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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