Probiotics and antimicrobial proteinsFeb 29, 2024

Gut Bacteria and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: How They Are Linked and the Potential Benefits of Probiotics

Circadian Biology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Mar 26, 2026

Abstract

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) show higher numbers of specific gut bacteria like Porphyromonas spp., B. coprophilus, and F. prausnitzii.

High insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, irregular periods, and infertility are common in women with PCOS.
Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is observed in women with PCOS compared to healthy individuals.
Bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are less abundant in the guts of women with PCOS.
SCFAs play a role in regulating metabolic activities and may help reduce insulin resistance.
Probiotic supplements may improve the condition of women with PCOS by enhancing gut microbiome diversity and increasing SCFA production.

Simplified

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common disorders among women in modern societies. A variety of factors can contribute to the development of PCOS. These women often exhibit high insulin resistance (IR), hyperandrogenism, irregular periods, and infertility. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota (GMB) in women with PCOS has attracted the attention of many researchers. Porphyromonas spp., B. coprophilus, and F. prausnitzii are found in higher numbers in the gut of women with PCOS. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by the intestinal microbiota through fermentation, play an essential role in regulating metabolic activities and are helpful in reducing insulin resistance and improving PCOS symptoms. According to studies, the bacteria producing SCFAs in the gut of these women are less abundant than in healthy women. The effectiveness of using probiotic supplements has been proven to improve the condition of women with PCOS. Daily consumption of probiotics improves dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome and increases the production of SCFAs.

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Gut Bacteria and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: How They Are Linked and the Potential Benefits of Probiotics

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