Your vaginal microbiome has a mind of its own—here’s how it changes every day

Think your vaginal health is set in stone? Think again. Groundbreaking new research ¹ reveals that the vaginal microbiome - a dynamic community of bacteria unique to each woman - is constantly on the move, adapting daily to everything from hormone shifts to lifestyle habits, and even intimate moments.

These daily changes don’t just affect comfort; they have a lasting impact on overall health, making this discovery a game-changer for women looking to take control of their wellness in a truly personalized way.

Your microbiome’s four moods

For years, scientists relied on methods like the Nugent score (sidenote: Nugent score A diagnostic scoring system used to assess bacterial vaginosis based on the presence and proportions of certain bacteria in a Gram-stained vaginal sample. ) ³ and Community State Types (CSTs) ⁴ to assess vaginal health. The Nugent score looks at bacteria under a microscope, identifying an “imbalance” or bacterial vaginosis if there’s a lack of beneficial bacteria. CSTs, on the other hand, are like “snapshots” of the microbiome, grouping it into five main types based on a single sample.

However, researchers recently found that these single-time-point snapshots don’t tell the full story. A new method ¹ called Vaginal Community Dynamics (VCDs) digs deeper by tracking daily microbiome changes across a full menstrual cycle, uncovering how each woman’s microbiome responds to her unique internal and external environment.

So, what did they find?

Using daily samples from 49 women, the researchers uncovered four distinct “modes” or patterns of vaginal microbiome behavior:

• Constant Eubiotic: This mode is steady and resilient, dominated by beneficial Lactobacillus (sidenote: Lactobacillus A group of beneficial bacteria commonly found in the vaginal microbiome. They produce lactic acid, helping maintain a low pH to protect against infections. ) bacteria throughout the cycle. Women with this pattern have a balanced microbiome that doesn’t change much, even with external factors like menstruation or sexual activity.
• Constant Dysbiotic: In this mode, the microbiome remains imbalanced, lacking the typical Lactobacillus protection and often showing higher levels of bacteria linked to bacterial vaginosis. This can make it more susceptible to infection.
• Menses-Related Dysbiotic: Here, the microbiome shifts into an imbalanced state only during menstruation, but returns to normal afterward. Hormones and menstrual bleeding can affect pH and nutrient levels, leading to temporary changes in bacterial makeup.
• Unstable Dysbiotic: Women with this pattern experience frequent shifts between a balanced and imbalanced microbiome, often in response to events like menstruation or unprotected sex. This mode shows a microbiome that isn’t as resilient and can change quickly, increasing the risk of discomfort or infection.

Tips for supporting your vaginal microbiome

So how can you keep your microbiome balanced and healthy? Here are a few science-backed tips:

• Add probiotics: Look for probiotics with Lactobacillus strains or enjoy probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kimchi.
• Use gentle hygiene: Stick to unscented soap and avoid douching to protect your microbiome’s balance.
• Choose period products wisely: Many women find unscented, organic tampons or silicone menstrual cups to be gentler.
• Eat a balanced diet: High-fiber, low-sugar diets support both gut and vaginal microbiomes.
• Practice safe sex: Condoms can help keep the vaginal microbiome stable by limiting new bacterial exposure.

Understanding the daily rhythms of your vaginal microbiome gives you the power to take control of your health in new ways. By tuning into these insights, you can make simple choices to support your body naturally and embrace wellness that’s truly in sync with you.