Randomised trial, 2021
Does Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 help premenstrual symptoms?
It may help mood and anxiety symptoms before your period, but it does not help water retention symptoms like breast swelling.
What they did
56 healthy young women took either Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 or placebo tablets daily for 6 menstrual cycles. Researchers measured premenstrual symptoms and hormone levels.
What they found
Women in the CP2305 group reported fewer overall premenstrual symptoms, especially psychological ones like depressed mood and anxiety, compared to placebo. However, water retention symptoms like breast tenderness and swelling improved only in the placebo group. The CP2305 group had higher reproductive hormone levels during the second half of their cycle.
What it means for you
This probiotic might help psychological symptoms before your period but not physical swelling. It may work by changing hormone levels. This was a small study so larger studies are needed to confirm the findings.
56
women studied
6
menstrual cycles
mood improved
with CP2305 vs placebo
About the study
- Original title
- Daily intake of Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 ameliorates psychological premenstrual symptoms in young women: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study
- Authors
- Kensei Nishida, Daisuke Sawada, Toshiyuki Yasui et al.
- Journal
- Journal of Functional Foods
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 versus placebo, taken daily for 6 menstrual cycles
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2021.104426
Topics
Related studies
Cohort study, 2017
How common is PMS in high school students, and what symptoms and problems does it cause?
Randomised trial, 2026
Is Pilates exercise more effective than stretching for reducing PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2021
Do premenstrual symptoms affect sexual desire?
Survey study, 2020
Do girls with type 1 diabetes experience different PMS than other girls?
Systematic review, 2025
Does alcohol use affect menstrual health in teenage girls?
Systematic review, 2024
How common is premenstrual syndrome in Africa, and what factors increase the risk?