The Role of Gut Microbiota in the Development of Common Metabolic Disorders in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age worldwide. Most of the affected women with PCOS have clinical and biochemical symptoms of metabolic disorders. In recent years, researchers have shown the association between the gut dysbiosis with many types of endocrine diseases. Evidence showed that an imbalance of gut microbiota, immune disorder and environmental changes can contribute to various diseases including polycystic ovary syndrome. This study aims to summarize the role of gut microbiota in the development of common metabolic disorders in PCOS.

A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for articles published from the beginning to 2022. Only articles with English abstracts were reviewed.

The composition of gut microbiota and related secretions influence the biochemical pathways involved in ovarian metabolism and the increase of androgens. This make individuals with PCOS more susceptible to or worsen metabolic disorders such as obesity, dyslipidemia, liver dysfunction, diabetes and heart disease. Furthermore, studies have shown that interventions targeting the gut microbiota can lead to improvements in metabolic indices. This study provides a comprehensive roadmap for identifying factors that contribute to the progression of PCOS and potential treatment methods.

Reversing gut dysbiosis by affecting metabolic pathways may be effective in the prevention and treatment of PCOS.