Polycystic ovarian syndrome and microbiome: Implications for women’s health

Abstract

The endocrine condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is complicated and diverse. It impacts between 4 to 20 % of women of reproductive age and is linked to a significant risk of infertility, obesity, and insulin resistance. The aetiology of PCOS remains unclear and can be multifactorial, including genetic, neuroendocrine, and metabolic causes. Recent studies in humans have shown an association between changes in the gut and vaginal microbiome and the metabolic and clinical parameters of PCOS. The aim of this review was to understand the relationship between PCOS and the microbiome, including any potential underlying mechanisms, and to look at potential therapeutic strategies to improve the therapeutic approach for patients. As a result, a hypothesis is postulated that changes in the microbiota contribute to the development of PCOS and explored the therapeutic opportunities which include probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation and IL-22.

Keywords

• polycystic ovarian syndrome
• pcos
• microbiome
• insulin resistance
• therapeutics