This observational study aims at identifying and comparing the vaginal microbiota of healthy post-menopausal and pre-menopausal women. The justification of carrying out this research is informed by a number of important factors:

Scientific Reasoning: The existing literature suggests that there is a significant change in the microbiome composition of the vagina that is linked to menopausal transition. Nevertheless, to create a baseline of microbiota characterization operating between diverse populations would be required to develop standardized characterizations of these alterations, which might be utilized as predictive biomarkers of menopausal condition and the associated morbidity.

Clinical Implications: The differences in vaginal microbiome between pre and post-menopausal women can help us understand the pathophysiology of GSM as well as design customized measures to restore microbial balance and reduce the symptoms of the menopausal period. This knowledge has the potential to change menopausal healthcare into aggressive instead of reactive, precision-focused care.

Methodology: Whole genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing allows the extensive, culture- independent characterization of the vaginal microbiota composition. This molecular method offers a comprehensive taxonomic distinction and enables the grouping of samples into Community State Type (CSTs) that have been confirmed as clinically meaningful groupings of vaginal microbiome profiles.

Sample Size Consideration: The suggested sample of 50 (25 in each group) implies a useful preliminary study that can give useful preliminary information on the effect size and can guide further studies that are larger and sufficiently powered. Although larger sample sizes are usually necessary to identify weakly differing species in microbiome studies, such a scale will be suitable to detect strong compositional dissimilarities between groups in dominant taxa and measures of diversity.