PCOS & Probiotics: Links Between PCOS and Gut Health

I’ve worked with PCOS cysters for many years. Take a guess at the most common issue they, and maybe you, face?

Gut problems!

I know from my personal experience also, digestive problems are a serious issue in PCOS. I’ve found that probiotics can be an excellent support for PCOS. Let’s talk about gut health, what it means for PCOS, and why what helps your gut will heal your hormones, too.

However, first, let’s examine some research into…

Gut diversity and “male hormones” in PCOS

Research has shown that those with PCOS often have lower gut microbiome diversity. The authors also found that “Higher total testosterone levels and hirsutism correlated with lower biodiversity in the gut microbiome.”

What does this mean?

Lower gut bug diversity is associated with higher levels of male hormones and their effects, such as excessive hair growth in women. The researchers believe this is because high testosterone reduces diversity.

Given that a high testosterone level is part of the diagnostic criteria for PCOS, gut health needs to be a focus for you to conquer your PCOS naturally. It’s one of the reasons I frequently discuss gut health.

The researchers also found something else interesting…

The microbiome and its links to PCO and PCOS

The above study found that individuals with PCOS had the least diverse gut bacteria, those without the condition had the most diverse gut bacteria, and those with polycystic ovaries (PCO) but without PCOS tended to have more diverse gut bacteria than those with PCOS, although less diverse than those without the condition. Is it possible that gut health could propel those with PCO towards PCOS with the “right” conditions?

I’ve believed for many years that those with polycystic ovaries (PCO) could progress to PCOS given appropriate circumstances. This piece of research shows that PCO may be of concern and warrants the adoption of the positive lifestyle choices so helpful in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. If true, this step could save millions from developing PCOS and the numerous issues that accompany it.

Then there is the impact of poor gut function on metabolic function

Poor gut function affects metabolic function

For some years now, although still yet to hit mainstream awareness, researchers and natural health experts have known about the link between “bad” gut bacteria and the metabolic syndrome so common in PCOS.

As HealthDirect says:

Metabolic syndrome is a collection of disorders–including high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance–that together increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is also known as syndrome X or insulin-resistance syndrome.

How is this possible?

Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus are often referred to as the “good” gut bugs due to their ability to enhance our health. Lactobacillus, in particular, can improve digestive health by strengthening the gut wall lining and reducing the ability of bacterial endotoxins (toxins released when bacteria die) to cross the intestinal lining and enter the bloodstream. This is important because when toxins exist in our body, an innate immune response mounts to kill the invader.

Makes sense, right? After all, we need to eliminate threats.

While this is a healthy response to an unhealthy invasion, it can produce inflammation and trigger increased insulin levels and insulin resistance. And this duo is a standard driver of PCOS.

Chronic Inflammation Can Make Your PCOS Worse

PCOS has long been associated with chronic inflammation. Long-term inflammation can lead to weight gain, especially around the abdominal region, as well as insulin resistance.

I’ve found clinically that many with PCOS have what is known as a leaky gut. This is where the spaces between the cells lining the gut wall ‘leak’ and allow food particles and toxins to cross from the protected inner digestive tract to the body and the bloodstream. This, in turn, can cause a systemic inflammatory response, as discussed above.

Inflammation can trigger insulin resistance and the unhealthy hormonal cascade that accompanies it. But there is hope.

Improving the Gut Microbiome Relieves PCOS Signs and Symptoms

By increasing the healthy bacteria and reducing those that can cause ill health, we contribute to lowering insulin resistance, inflammation, and altered hormones that lie at the root of PCOS. This is why gut health plays a huge role in PCOS. So how do we do this?

Improving Gut Health and PCOS with Probiotics

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition examined the effects of probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS). The aim? To find out whether this strain could prevent high-fat, overfeeding-induced insulin resistance. The results were remarkable. The researchers concluded that normal insulin sensitivity was maintained in the probiotic group both before and after consuming a high-calorie meal.

There is further evidence of the importance of digestive health for PCOS in the study, Association between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Gut Microbiota.

They examined Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a rodent model, and the effect of supplemental Lactobacillus, as well as the powerful (but perhaps unappealing) faecal microbiota transplantation (yes, it’s a poo transplant!)

These two interventions improved the menstrual cycle, decreased androgen production, and, remarkably, normalised the appearance of their ovaries. The authors went so far as to conclude that the gut could be involved in the development of PCOS, saying:

These results indicated that dysbiosis of gut microbiota was associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS.

The Evidence Suggests It Is Time To Supplement!

There are numerous probiotic formulations available on the market that can be beneficial for PCOS. Choose one that offers billions of beneficial bacteria and a healthy diversity as well.

Need some ideas?

Try…

Adding probiotics to your food plan is also a good idea…

Vitamin Bounty Pro-50 Probiotics

Pure Encapsulations Probiotic G.I.

Advanced Probiotics

Probiotics From Food

While yoghurt is the best-known probiotic-rich food, I am not a lover of dairy for PCOS. If you can’t go without it, opt for A2 only. In Australia and New Zealand, you’ll find the A2 brand. In other countries, opt for sheep or goat’s milk varieties to be sure.

Plus, there are other sources of gut healing and probiotic-rich foods to choose from:

While bone broth does not directly contain probiotics, it is healing for the gut and may promote the growth of good bacteria
Coconut kefir is a good dairy-free alternative because it’s creamy and full of probiotic bacteria and gut-friendly yeasts
Kombucha is a fizzy drink that serves as a healthy alternative to soda.
Kimchi is a spicy cabbage dish that can be eaten as a salad
Another source, originally from Germany, is sauerkraut or pickled cabbage. It’s easy to make at home
Miso, a dish of fermented soybeans, can be added to soups and casseroles for a daily probiotic boost
Idli, a South Indian rice cake, contains probiotics from fermented rice
Pickles and chutneys are good sources of probiotics

There is a range of delicious probiotic-rich foods, even if they’re new to you. You may be pleasantly surprised by how good they taste!

Want more?

PCOS and probiotics aside, read our article The 16 Point Checklist For A Better PCOS Gut for great (often easy!) tips to improve your digestive health and your PCOS.

From PCOS to perfect health, with love,

Dr. Rebecca Harwin
The PCOS Expert
Chiropractor & Bestselling Author of
Conquer Your PCOS Naturally
www.ConquerYourPCOSNaturally.com

PCOS and Probiotics: The Strong Links Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Gut Health