Soy Isoflavones and PCOS: Role in Hormonal and Metabolic Mechanisms

The role of soy isoflavones, which are an example of functional food, is increasingly emphasised in the context of multiple diseases, including those related to fertility. One of the most common causes of female infertility is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which, in addition to hormonal disorders, is usually accompanied by metabolic and systemic disorders. Soy isoflavones may be helpful in treating conditions such as insulin resistance, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and intestinal dysbiosis. The current article is a narrative review aimed at summarizing the available scientific reports on the impact of soy isoflavones on endocrine and metabolic mechanisms in women with PCOS. Despite the limitations, current scientific evidence suggests that soy isoflavones can significantly contribute to lowering metabolic risk and affect hormonal balance in women with PCOS. Promising results have come from studies on PCOS and the gut microbiota, where a bidirectional relationship is suggested: the influence of the gut microbiota on the bioavailability of soy isoflavones and the modulation of microbiota composition by these compounds. However, further interventional studies involving humans are needed to better understand the endocrine and metabolic relationships regarding the role and importance of soy isoflavones in the pathomechanisms of the development and treatment of these disorders.