Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects 8-13% of women at reproductive age worldwide. This disorder is usually associated with menstrual disorders, infertility, obesity, and insulin resistance. The underlying cause of this syndrome is unknown, however in recent years, researchers have shown an association between intestinal microbiota alterations )dysbiosis( and many types of endocrine diseases. Therefore, this review article aimed to improve understanding about the role of intestinal microbiome in development and progression of polycystic ovary syndrome and the underlying mechanisms of this disease. Based on recent findings on the role of intestinal microbiota in the development of this disease, metabolic control may help to prevent that, however it is not yet conclusive. Exploring possible underlying mechanisms is of particular importance for providing new treatment approaches in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Studies showed that modification of intestinal microbiome in women with PCOS using probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation could be effective in improving many of the symptoms of this syndrome and preventing further complications. Therefore, gut microbiota modification is recommended to be considered along with other common treatments. Of course, more research is needed in this field.