VAGINAL MICROBIOME ALTERATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders in the population of reproductive-age women. Although there is considerable research on gut dysbiosis in PCOS, alterations in the vaginal microbiome are comparatively understudied, despite their possible reproductive implications. The main aim of this review was to summarize current evidence regarding vaginal microbiome composition in women with PCOS and evaluate its associations with relevant clinical parameters. A literature search was performed using PubMed for studies published between January 2015 and November 2025. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, each examining vaginal microbiome composition in women with PCOS. The most important findings included reduced Lactobacillus dominance, increased alpha-diversity, and enrichment of anaerobic taxa, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella, and Ureaplasma species. Current evidence indicates that vaginal dysbiosis is more common among women with PCOS than in healthy controls, though it is not universal. Causal relationships in this field remain unclear, and data on interventions are insufficient. Randomized controlled trials evaluating interventions that target the microbiome and their impact on reproductive outcomes are an important research priority.