Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age. It is one of the most common causes of infertility as it interferes with a woman's ability to ovulate - to release an egg for fertilization. Other complications of PCOS include irregular or absent menstrual cycles, high levels of androgens or "male hormones," which can cause symptoms such as acne, hirsutism - excessive facial hair growth, and hair loss, insulin resistance, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, chronic low-grade inflammation, pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, obesity, sleep apnea, high cholesterol levels, and heart diseases... A nice little array of symptoms that are difficult to live with on a daily basis.
The causes of PCOS, however, are less clear, with scientific research not yet yielding a single explanation or multiple explanations. There are many theories on what triggers PCOS, including genetic and environmental factors. A relatively new theory, but one currently being explored by scientists and researchers worldwide, is that an imbalance of microbes in the gut may trigger the development of PCOS.
The Gut Microbiota
The gut microbiota consists of microorganisms (MO) that help us perform many bodily functions and protect us from "bad" MO. We have a symbiotic relationship with our normal flora, or "good bacteria." For these bacteria to thrive, we must produce a favorable environment for them; otherwise, "bad" bacteria can multiply, causing a disruption of MO or intestinal dysbiosis.
Studies have shown that women with PCOS have less significant dysbiosis and intestinal bacterial diversity than women without PCOS, which may contribute to the symptoms and progression of the disease. Complications associated with PCOS, such as obesity, insulin resistance, etc., can also exacerbate dysbiosis, further complicating matters. Two biochemical factors have always been in agreement and observed in the majority of women with PCOS: the presence of chronic inflammation and insulin resistance (metabolic dysfunction). Many studies have found a correlation between the gut microbiota and metabolic dysfunction, where it is said that mediators of the brain-gut axis, through which messages.
Probiotics and PCOS
Whether you're looking to bolster your immune function, reduce disease risks, or simply improve your overall health, probiotics can be a valuable addition to your daily routine.
Moreover, some people - including billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates - even believe that probiotics could be the key to ending malnutrition worldwide someday.
What are probiotics? Probiotics are a type of organism that can help increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in your gut. Inside your gut are billions of these living microorganisms that make up the microbiome.
They are also found in dietary supplements, fermented foods (such as tempeh, natto, and miso), and probiotic drinks, such as kombucha.
Different microbes living in your gastrointestinal tract play a role in promoting health or disease. For example, many bacterial cells are considered "good bacteria" and help support immune function, improve nutrient absorption, and promote the synthesis of key neurotransmitters and other compounds.
- The primary major benefit of probiotics is promoting good digestive health. A 2019 review explains that probiotic consumption has been shown to improve immune, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems in healthy adults.
- Skin health: The benefits of probiotics for the skin also appear to be related to reducing inflammation observed in healthy gut bacteria. L. casei, a particular strain of probiotic, "can reduce antigen-specific skin inflammation." Indeed, research suggests that a balanced gut environment has benefits for human skin, both healthy and diseased.
- While there is still much to learn about the impact probiotics may have on vaginal health, some evidence indicates that supplementation can reduce the risk of recurrent vaginal infections and the irritating symptoms they cause. One study demonstrated the potential of probiotic supplements to improve vaginal health, such as for bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vaginal odors. Another study showed that probiotic supplementation for 30 days had helped to create a healthy vaginal flora in up to 90% of patients.
