Characterization of vaginal microbiota across female reproductive phases.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in women's reproductive health, but its composition and function throughout different female reproductive phases remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic variations in vaginal microbial communities corresponding to different hormonal states throughout the female reproductive phase.

Methods

Vaginal samples were collected from 150 healthy women across five reproductive phases: follicular phase, luteal phase, early pregnancy, lactation, and menopause (30 samples per group). 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the microbial composition. Alpha and beta diversity analyses were performed, and random forest models were constructed to identify key microbial taxa associated with each phase. Functio

SUBMITTER: Zhai Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12271209 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature