Figure 8.

Species whose abundance in the vagina varies over the menstrual cycle and correlate with oestradiol levels. (a) Violin plots showing the relative abundance of species whose abundance is significantly correlated to the phase of the menstrual cycle, adjusted for contraceptive usage and lifestyle variables. Y-axis in each panel is adjusted to show the differences in the data, so scale varies. (1) Menstrual phase, (2) follicular phase, (3) luteal phase. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001. (b) Both genus Lactobacillus and the species Lactobacillus crispatus are more abundant in the presence of high oestradiol levels, although some women may present low Lactobacillus spp. abundance regardless of their oestradiol level.