Can probiotics and estrogen combat HPV infections?

The composition of the vaginal microflora plays a crucial role in women's ability to naturally combat HPV infections. After menopause, the levels of the female sex hormone, estrogen, drop significantly, which affects the balance of the vaginal microflora. As a result, senior women may find it difficult to naturally fight off HPV infections, which can lead to cancer.

Clinical Professor Anne Hammer from the Department of Clinical Medicine and Gødstrup Regional Hospital will lead a major new clinical study investigating whether probiotics and estrogen can enhance the immune system's natural ability to combat HPV infections in senior women. By addressing HPV infections early, it may be possible to prevent the development of precancerous conditions or cancer of the cervix.

“The aim is to improve treatment options for senior women who test positive for HPV during a screening. It is often challenging to assess this demographic for precancerous conditions of the cervix, and as a result, they are more likely to undergo unnecessary procedures following an HPV-positive screening result. Many senior women also experience prolonged follow-up processes, which can lead to frustration and anxiety,” explains Anne Hammer.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has granted DKK 9.6 million for the project. Anne Hammer heads the research team, which includes participants from Hvidovre Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, and the University of Helsinki.

Contact

Clinical Professor Anne Hammer
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, and
Gødstrup Regional Hospital, University Clinic for HPV-Related Gynecological Diseases
Gynecology and Obstetrics
Mobile: +45 23 49 47 36
Email: ahlauridsen@clin.au.dk

This article is based on press material from Regionshospitalet Gødstrup