ABSTRACT:
The intricate interplay between gut microbiota and metabolic disorders has sparked interest in exploring probiotics as potential therapeutic agents for Polycystic Ovary Diseases (PCOD). It is a hormonal or endocrine disorder which is a combination of biochemical and clinical including an imbalance in reproductive hormones especially elevated androgen levels (male hormones) called hyperandrogenism. PCOD, also known as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). The endocrine disruption in PCOS can affect the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and other aspects of reproductive and metabolic health. The precise origin and development of this disease are not well understood, but it is believed that a multifaceted interplay involving external factors, surrounding conditions, hormone mediated factors, genetic susceptibility, social and financial status, toxic exposure, psychological stress, Sedentary lifestyle and eating habits are presumed to be the primary ethiopathogenic determinant. A regular exercise program and a diet free of fats and sugars are also recommended to all women with PCOS in order to manage the condition. In recent years, researchers have increasingly examined the gut microbiota and its positive impact on nutritional, immunological and metabolic functions in the host. The involvement of the gut microbiome in various metabolic complications linked to PCOS, such as impaired insulin action, excessive body weight, adiposity and systemic inflammatory status suggests its potential influence on the development of PCOS. Studies reveal that the gut microbiome of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome differs from that of healthy women. Interest in the relationship between gut health and PCOS has grown, and new studies suggest that the development of PCOS related symptoms may be connected to the gut microbiota. Probiotics are live bacteria that, when consumed in sufficient amounts, offer health benefits to the host. As such, they have been investigated for their potential to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome. Probiotic supplementation results in a significant decrease in free androgen index and malondialdehyde levels, along with an increase in nitric oxide and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). It also has an advantage of reduction in body weight and body mass index, hypertrichosis, HOMA-IR and total testosterone levels of PCOS patients. However, it is essential to highlight that studies in this area are still in their infancy, and further research is necessary to provide conclusive proof. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the importance of probiotic supplements in management PCOS symptoms.