Although it is a common occurrence, there is a significant percentage; as high as 70 percent of PCOS cases are not diagnosed. This is partly due to the fact that there isn’t a single diagnostic test.
The reason for PCOS remains a mystery as it is a complicated condition that is influenced by both genetics and environmental influences. What we know for certain is that the state could cause a significant emotional burden on women, specifically when it comes to the body image as well as fertility.
In the last few times, scientists have been investigating PCOS and the gut microbiome in sufferers to see if there’s any connection. Studies have revealed that the gut microbiome of women suffering from PCOS differs from women with no PCOS.
The article in question is an element of Women’s Health Matters, a series that examines the health and well-being of girls and women across the globe. From miscarriage to menopausal issues and pain to pleasure, stories in this collection will dive into the entire spectrum of health concerns for women to provide helpful knowledge, insight and information to women across all different ages.
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Women tend to have more diverse gut microbiomes compared to men. But females with PCOS have fewer types of bacteria in their stool, and that mix of bacteria is different compared to women without PCOS .
The lower diversity of gut microbes is related to increased testosterone levels as well as excessive hair growth. This is also linked to issues such as excessive cholesterol levels and weight gain, as well as insulin resistance, which occurs when the cells of your muscles, fats, and liver aren’t responding well to insulin and are unable to absorb glucose in your blood. These are all symptoms that can be seen as a sign of PCOS.
Gut Health and PCOS
A variety of factors can influence the kinds of microbes that live within our intestines, including the foods we consume, sex hormones, the quality of our sleep, where we live, and how much weight we weigh. The gut microbiome was previously thought of predominantly as digestion assistance; today, it’s seen as a key player in our overall well-being.
The research has revealed that PCOS sufferers have a higher risk of unhealthy eating habits in comparison to women who do not have PCOS. Women who have PCOS are much more likely to be overweight or overweight.
A recent theory regarding the role of the microbiome in our gut in PCOS is that a poor diet may disrupt the balance of bacteria within our hearts. This is also known as the gut dysbiosis. It is believed that this is that this dysbiosis could cause the lining of your gut permeable to allow harmful substances produced by certain bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This is also known as a leaky gut.
This is able to stimulate the immune system and disrupt the way insulin works, resulting in increased levels of insulin and increasing the production of male hormones by the ovaries, and issues with the way that ovaries produce eggs.
Numerous studies have shown that women who suffer from PCOS display less attractive bodies than women without PCOS. Mart Productions/Pexels, CC BY
The latest research has revealed that there may be an association between PCOS and certain chemicals that are produced when gut microbiota process food fiber. These chemicals affect the hormonal and metabolic aspects of PCOS, and when the intake of fiber makes them, it is believed to alleviate PCOS symptoms.
A study from 2023 also revealed that certain kinds of bile acids, which are involved in the digestion of fats – are more prevalent in those suffering from PCOS. For those suffering from PCOS, two types of bile acid are more prevalent. One of these acids, called deoxycholic acid, is related to the way in which your body uses fat as well as the levels of insulin before and after meals. It’s affected by testosterone.
It could be that the altered bile acids in patients with PCOS negatively impact gut bacteria. The changes also affect the gut’s walls, which can lead to a leaky gut, which in turn makes PCOS symptoms worse. It’s important to recognize that the relationship between the bile acids, insulin, and testosterone hormones is complex and may differ from person to person.
