You've heard about the gut microbiome, but another lesser-known, equally vital ecosystem of bacteria you should be aware of is the vaginal microbiome. Just like the gut, the vagina contains a unique ecosystem of bacteria, yeast and fungi that are important for healthy functioning, as well as for maintaining a balanced vaginal pH. Factors like hormonal birth control, antibiotics, or the onset of perimenopause and menopause can disrupt this microbiome, which can contribute to issues like recurrent vaginal infections.
This is why Bonafide launched a probiotic menopause supplement specifically targeting feminine health, Clairvee. Clairvee is a probiotic designed to support vaginal health taken orally that has been specifically formulated to target the disruption of the vaginal microbiome and the symptoms that may occur as a result, such as vaginal odor1, discomfort, itching and discharge.*
The Benefits of Taking a Probiotic for Vaginal Health
"The microbiome of the vagina, similar to other microbiomes in the body, is composed of multiple organisms that are in an incredibly well-orchestrated balance," says Dr. Alyssa Dweck, Bonafide's Chief Medical Officer. "There are many disruptors that women see on a day-to-day basis, regardless of whether they are pre, peri, or postmenopausal that can disrupt this microbiome and cause an imbalance of the typical flora."
Because women can encounter at least some microbiome disrupters every day, taking a probiotic for vaginal health, targeted to optimize the vaginal microbiome, can be extremely helpful for bringing more balance and preventing associated symptoms, such as vaginal odor or discharge, that disruptors can cause.
"Vaginal symptoms, including itching, irritation, discharge and odor, can suggest microbiome disruption. Taking a probiotic for women, one that is specifically geared towards vaginal health can help maintain normal flora so women can minimize these symptoms, feel more comfortable and lessen infection recurrence," says Dr. Dweck.
Common Vaginal Microbiome Disruptors
In order to prevent symptoms like those described above and to maintain good general vaginal health, it's important to understand the common environmental and natural disruptors that can have an impact on your feminine health. Below, we’ve outlined some common disruptors that could contribute to an imbalanced vaginal microbiome, or disrupted vaginal pH, which can contribute to frustrating symptoms such as vaginal odor, irritation, and discharge.
Oral Contraceptives
"Oral contraception can be a disruptor to the vaginal microbiome," says Dr. Dweck. This is because oral contraceptives alter the hormonal environment in the vagina, which can contribute to an imbalance of the bacteria in the vaginal microbiome.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to treat infections and other issues caused by harmful bacteria. But when you take antibiotics, oftentimes good bacteria are also wiped out. For this reason, antibiotics can disrupt the vaginal microbiome and vaginal pH balance, which is why taking a probiotic for vaginal health during or after finishing a course of antibiotics can be helpful for reducing the risk of symptoms such as vaginal odor, discharge, or irritation.
Perimenopause and Menopause
According to Dr. Dweck, hormonal changes experienced during the menopausal transition are also a microbiome disruptor. “Symptoms such as vaginal odor, itching and discharge might occur due to a microbiome imbalance without a diagnosed infection," says Dr. Dweck.
How Clairvee is Different than Other Probiotics for Vaginal Health
If you already have a probiotic sitting in your medicine cabinet, you may wonder why you need another probiotic or how Clairvee is different than a probiotic geared towards gut health.
First, Clairvee is a vaginal health supplement formulated to replenish the good bacteria naturally found in the vagina that can become compromised from environmental disruptors and hormonal changes, like those that occur during menopause. It also helps prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria, since that can lead to potential issues, as well as infections.
Probiotics on the market all contain a variety of different strains of bacteria that are studied to do different things. Clairvee strategically uses a blend of two strains of Lactobacilli bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, that are specifically found in the vagina and are clinically shown to support women's feminine health, as well as aid in maintaining the vagina’s natural defense system.*
What sets Clairvee apart from other vaginal probiotics and menopause supplements, in addition to the specific targeted lactobacilli strains used to support vaginal health, is the dose. You'll find a dose of Clairvee contains 5 million colony forming units (CFUs), which is a standard dose, according to Dr. Dweck, as well as the dose used in clinical studies. She adds that even though you may find other vaginal probiotics for women with increased amounts, more is not always better.
Not only is the probiotic dose in Clairvee effective, but it's also thoroughly tested for safety.
"When you talk about the balance of the vaginal microbiome, you want to take the right amount of probiotic that's been clinically studied to be effective and not have side effects. And the dose that's in Clairvee has been clinically tested to be both safe and effective," says Jim Komorowski, Bonafide’s Chief Science Officer.
Lactoferrin and Folate Help Support Vaginal Health
Clairvee also contains lactoferrin and folic acid, two additional key ingredients that work synergistically with the probiotic strains. "Lactoferrin is a prebiotic; a peptide that is helpful in promoting the formation of a protective biofilm in the vaginal tissue. This biofilm aims to prevent bad bacteria from sticking to it," says Dr. Dweck. “This helps to prevent recurrence of infection." It can also help to support the microbiome and stave off symptoms such as vaginal odor and discharge, among others.
The folic acid found in the menopause supplement Clairvee, is not only a helpful vitamin booster, but it also supports the growth of good bacteria, specifically lactobacilli, according to Komorowski.
Probiotic Benefits That Build Over Time
One of the benefits of using Clairvee is that you don't have to take it every day to see results. In fact, Clairvee works best if you take the vaginal probiotic for 15 consecutive days per month. “When you change your vaginal microbiome, you want to do it gradually," says Komorowski. "And taking Clairvee for 15 days allows for that gradual, healthy change."
Studies show that the probiotic strains found in Clairvee continue to increase in the vagina for 7 days after taking the last dose.2 "Evidence suggest that these levels remain elevated throughout the month, even on ‘off’ days, until you start taking Clairvee again the next month," says Dr. Dweck.
How to Take Clairvee
In terms of timing, you can take Clairvee first thing in the morning if you like, with or without food. If you are taking an antibiotic, Dr. Dweck suggests taking Clairvee a few hours apart. If you take other medications in the morning, wait about 30 minutes before taking Clairvee. While Clairvee is designed to support vaginal health, potentially helping with the reduction of symptoms such as vaginal odor, discharge and discomfort, it’s intended to be taken orally, once a day, for 15 days.
Who Should Use a Probiotic for Vaginal Health, Like Clairvee?
Clairvee is a vaginal probiotic for women that has been clinically shown to help women with symptoms related to disruption of the vaginal microbiome.3 It can be a helpful menopause supplement or one for women in perimenopause looking to support their vaginal health.* If you aren't sure what your symptoms may be or the cause, always discuss them with your healthcare provider and never attempt to self-treat or self-diagnose problems that require medical attention.
Where Can You Find Clairvee Reviews from Customers?
While Clairvee was launched in October of 2021, many women have already had great success with the product, specifically in their journey toward reducing vaginal symptoms such as odor, discharge and irritation, in addition to maintaining balance of their vaginal microbiomes.* You can check out some of our customer Clairvee reviews below, and all reviews are available directly on our Clairvee product page.
Comfort from Clairvee
A review by Deb
As a postmenopausal woman, the lack of hormones can cause imbalance, which leads to discomfort. I was surprised that after just two weeks using Clairvee, the itchiness was gone, and comfort had returned. Balance is very important for making you feel young again! Thank you Clairvee!
THIS ACTUALLY WORKS!
A review by T.
I was as skeptical as you can get. I ordered it and just assumed I had wasted what little money we have but I was so miserable, I had to try it. IT ACTUALLY WORKS!! I used to have the worst burning, for some reason after a shower was the worst, and this was for many years since perimenopause. I no longer have any burning and the most minimal itching. Everyone has a subscription for everything these days, but this is a must so you can feel better.
Clairvee is a miracle!
A review by Laura
I have just finished my first course of Clairvee, and I can't believe what a difference I feel already. It's like someone found and flipped the switch to turn off the itch and dryness that have been plaguing me for so long. THANK YOU! Thank you for creating such a wonderful product. I have tried so many different things and nothing else has worked, and it was so discouraging, but Clairvee WORKS.
Very Grateful
A review by Diane
I began to have much less vaginal skin sensitivity and discomfort after initial dosing regimen of Clairvee. Things are much more comfortable and irritation has been totally eliminated with sustained comfort. I'm using a combination of Clairvee monthly dosing recommendation and a new topical skin care regimen; Clairvee is 1 prong of a 3-prong approach to balance my post-menopausal health needs.
What a Relief!
A Review by Joy
I had no idea that vaginal itching was a symptom of Menopause. The itching came out of nowhere and I knew it wasn't a yeast infection. I didn't know what to do with myself until I found your product and oh, what a relief it is. Me and my lady parts are back to normal. THANK YOU!
* These products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Resources
- Odor data from an open label clinical study
- Russo R, Karadja E, De Seta F. Beneficial Microbes.2019;10(1): 19-26
- Russo R, Karadja E, De Seta F. Beneficial Microbes.2019;10(1): 19-26
Comments
Post commentI just want to thank you for being right on time with the information education and products needed to face such a harrowing time. You’re a Godsend for women. I love you 🥰