Association of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) With Vaginal Microbiome Dysbiosis: A Scoping Review

June 2024 in “ Cureus ”

Maria P Pereira, Sydney Jones, Joshua M Costin

polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS vaginal microbiome dysbiosis Lactobacillus Streptococcus Actinomyces Prevotella Gardnerella Mycoplasma probiotics microbial biomarkers vaginal flora imbalance

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 Lactobacillus species and increased pathogenic species such as Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Prevotella, Gardnerella, and Mycoplasma. 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.

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Research cited in this study

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research Current Guidelines for Diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

254 citations , March 2023 in “Diagnostics”

The guidelines suggest reconsidering PCOS criteria for better diagnosis and care.

The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Normal Population According to the Rotterdam Criteria Versus Revised Criteria Including Anti-Mullerian Hormone

research The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Normal Population According to the Rotterdam Criteria Versus Revised Criteria Including Anti-Mullerian Hormone

221 citations , January 2014 in “Human Reproduction”

Adding anti-Müllerian hormone to PCOS criteria lowers the number of women diagnosed.