During the 2025 Probiotics, Prebiotics & New Food congress, nutritionist Silvia Soligon and gynecologist Franco Vicariotto presented the English edition of Microbioma al femminile, a book dedicated to the intricate relationship between the microbiota and women’s health. We asked Dr. Soligon to highlight the main takeaways.
The female microbiota exhibits unique characteristics: it is estimated that nearly 9% is located in organs exclusive to women, such as the vagina, uterus, and breast, and—according to recent findings—also in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Beyond this localization, the estrobolome plays a pivotal role by regulating estrogen circulation and influencing hormonal balance.
Nutrition emerges as a key modulator, shaping not only the gut microbiota but also the vaginal microbiota. This occurs through indirect pathways—such as inflammation, hormonal regulation, and microbial transfer—as well as direct effects, with growing evidence pointing to the role of specific fats, vitamins, and minerals like calcium.
In light of these insights, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration—particularly between gynecologists and nutritionists—is essential to developing prevention and treatment strategies that are truly personalized. The overarching message is clear: there is no single formula or quick fix. Instead, advancing women’s health requires integrating diverse strands of scientific evidence to build tailored approaches that respond to each woman’s individual needs.