Beyond hormones: 3PM approach to vaginal microbiota dynamics in postmenopausal women.

Abstract

Menopause marks a critical transition characterized by ceased ovarian function and declining estrogen levels, affecting multiple systems with vasomotor symptoms and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Recent evidence shows vaginal microbiota undergoes significant alterations during menopause, influencing GSM severity. This comprehensive review examined vaginal microbiota dynamics in postmenopausal women through Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine (3PM/PPPM), revealing characteristic shifts-increased alpha diversity, reduced Lactobacillus dominance, and transitions toward non-Lactobacillus species-that serve as potential predictive biomarkers for the menopausal state, premature ovarian insufficiency, and GSM symptoms. The analysis evaluated microbiota-based risk stratification strategies for vaginal dysbiosis and demonstrated the effectiveness of both hormonal interventions (systemic/local estrogen, tibolone, ospemifene) and non-hormonal alternatives (probiotics, energy-based devices, pessary) in normalizing microbiota composition and improving vaginal health. The application of PPPM/3PM transformed menopausal healthcare from reactive to proactive precision-based care by establishing microbiota-based biomarkers that predict health risks, enable early targeted interventions tailored to specific microbiota profiles, and guide personalized treatment approaches based on individual microbial compositions. While this paradigm shift significantly advances gynecological medicine, research gaps remain in validating baseline microbiota signatures as predictive biomarkers and establishing standardized screening protocols. Further studies are needed to validate interventions such as probiotics and prebiotics, optimizing strain selection for personalized, evidence-based preventive and therapeutic strategies. Developing standardized yet personalized protocols to restore a balanced vaginal microbiome could help alleviate menopause-related symptoms. Advancing microbiota-based personalized therapeutic approaches is crucial to enhancing the quality of life for postmenopausal women through targeted and individualized vaginal health management.