A new study at The University of Western Australia is investigating the link between the vaginal microbiome, reproductive hormones, and lifestyle factors such as diet, sex, exercise, stress and mood.
Led by early career researcher and PhD candidate Kristina Magoutas, from the UWA Clinical Perinatal Research Laboratories, the MICYCLE Study aims to track changes in the vaginal microbiome across the menstrual cycle.
"The vaginal microbiome is usually dominated by Lactobacillus species, but factors like ethnicity, environment, and the menstrual cycle influence its composition," Ms Magoutas said.
"During menstruation, certain Lactobacillus species decrease, which may have implications for vaginal health."
The study will examine how these microbial shifts relate to reproductive hormones and lifestyle factors.
Women with regular menstrual cycles who are not using hormonal contraception or trying to conceive are invited to participate.
Participants will complete self-assessments on stress and diet, use at-home urine analysers to measure reproductive hormones, and collect vaginal swabs throughout their cycle.
Associate Professor Matthew Payne, head of the Clinical Perinatal Research Lab, said participants could sign up online, schedule a consultation and receive materials at home, while a step-by-step video guides them through sample collection and app setup.
Professor John Newnham, Chair of The Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance, said understanding the vaginal microbiome's link to hormones and lifestyle could help women make informed health choices and reduce the risk of adverse vaginal conditions.
"It's an honour to contribute to science while empowering women who have felt unheard about their menstrual health," Ms Magoutas said.
Women who sign up for the study through the website can gain a deeper understanding of their menstrual cycles and how factors like hormones, diet, stress, and lifestyle influence vaginal health.
