Abstract
Context
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and complex endocrine disorder. Emerging animal and human data point to various changes in microbiota that could be linked with the syndrome. However, the effects of therapeutic approaches on gut microbial composition in women with PCOS remain unknown.
Objective
We aimed to assess whether gut microbial composition is altered in PCOS and to determine the potential impact of oral contraceptive (OC) use on gut microbiota.
Design
Prospective observational study.
Setting
Tertiary referral hospital.
Patients and Other Participants
The study included 17 overweight/obese patients with PCOS and 15 age- and body mass index-matched healthy control women.
Main Outcome Measures
At baseline, clinical, hormonal, and metabolic evaluations and gut microbial composition assessment by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were performed for both groups. All measurements were repeated in patients after receiving an OC along with general lifestyle advice for 3 months.
Results
Alpha and beta diversity did not show a difference between patients with PCOS and healthy controls at baseline and remained unaltered after 3 months of OC use in the PCOS group. Relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae was higher in PCOS (P = 0.006) and did not show a significant change after treatment.
Conclusion
Women with PCOS have an increased abundance of Ruminococcaceae, whereas short-term OC use does not alter compositional features of gut microbiota in the syndrome.
Risks, benefits size and clinical implications of combined oral contraceptive use in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
