Association of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) With Vaginal Microbiome Dysbiosis: A Scoping Review
June 2024
in “
Cureus
”
TLDR PCOS is linked to changes in vaginal bacteria, with fewer good bacteria and more harmful ones.
This scoping review investigated the relationship between vaginal microbiome dysbiosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), analyzing 81 articles and ultimately focusing on 5 relevant studies. The findings suggest a link between PCOS and alterations in vaginal flora, characterized by decreased <i>Lactobacillus</i> species and increased pathogenic species such as <i>Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Prevotella, Gardnerella</i>, and <i>Mycoplasma</i>. This dysbiosis may lead to bacterial and fungal vaginitis. The review highlights the need for further research on using probiotics to restore a healthy vaginal microbiome in PCOS patients and suggests that microbial biomarkers could aid in diagnosing PCOS.