Gut Health and Hormones: Role of Probiotics as an Adjunct Therapy for PCOS

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder with diverse clinical manifestations. Recent evidence suggests an association between gut microbiota imbalance and PCOS pathophysiology, indicating a potential role of probiotics as a therapeutic adjunct. This study was designed to assess the association between probiotic supplementation and changes in hormonal, biochemical and clinical parameters in women with PCOS. Aims: To determine the impact of probiotic supplementation on hormonal, biochemical and clinical profiles of women with PCOS. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted on 150 PCOS women at a tertiary care hospital to assess the association of probiotics and alterations in PCOS profiles. Participants received a daily dose of probiotics for 12 weeks. Hormonal parameters including luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin and Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels; biochemical parameters including lipid profile and insulin resistance; and clinical parameters including menstrual irregularities, hirsutism and body mass index (BMI) were assessed before and after supplementation of probiotics using appropriate tests of significance. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0. Results: Probiotic supplementation significantly reduced LH, testosterone and prolactin levels (LH: [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] (IU/L): [Formula: see text], testosterone: [Formula: see text] to 0.54 (ng/dL) [Formula: see text], prolactin: [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] (mIU/ml): [Formula: see text]). Lipid profiles improved significantly, with a reduction in LDL, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels ([Formula: see text]) and improved HOMA-IR scores ([Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). AMH levels showed a marginal decrease ([Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] (ng/ml), [Formula: see text]), suggesting a potential reduction in ovarian dysfunction in PCOS. Conclusions: Probiotic supplementation appears to exert a favourable influence on hormonal and metabolic profiles in women diagnosed with PCOS, enhancing insulin sensitivity and optimising dyslipidaemia and thyroid dysfunction. However, clinical profiles remained unaltered. Therefore, probiotics can act as a promising adjunct to lifestyle modification in PCOS management, potentially reducing the risk of long-term complications.