Probiotics and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Perspective for Management in Adolescents with Obesity

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects a considerable percentage of females of reproductive
age. PCOS is an obesity-related condition and its effects are greatly amplified by obesity.
Even though the pathogenesis of PCOS remains complex and has not been fully elucidated, a link
between obesity, PCOS, and dysbiosis has been described. The potential role of the gut microbiota in
the development and progression of PCOS and its associated symptoms has also been reported. The
aim of this narrative review is to present a non-systematic analysis of the available literature on the
topic of probiotics and PCOS in adolescents with obesity in order to revise the beneficial effects of probiotics/
symbiotic supplementation on hormonal and metabolic profiles and inflammatory conditions.
The effectiveness of probiotics/synbiotics in PCOS has been supported. The literature suggests that
probiotic/symbiotic supplementation may ameliorate hormonal profiles, inflammatory indicators,
and lipid metabolism disturbances caused by PCOS. Studies also show improvements in weight,
BMI, insulin, and HOMA-IR, including a potential role it plays in protecting fertility. Even though
further studies are needed to confirm these findings, particularly in adolescent patients, probiotic
supplementation may be considered a solution for managing PCOS in adolescents with obesity.