The Effect of Supplementation with Saccharomyces boulardii in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Double-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder that affects women during their reproductive age, which may cause infertility. Probiotics may be effective in PCOS by affecting the gut microbiota. We aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation on metabolic parameters and androgen levels in women with PCOS.

METHODS

This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was performed on 84 patients aged 18-45 years with PCOS. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups and received probiotics (Saccharomyces boulardii) or a matched placebo for 3 months. Anthropometric parameters, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and abdominal circumference, were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks for all patients. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after the intervention to assess fasting blood sugar (FBS), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and testosterone levels.

FINDING: Probiotic supplementation significantly decreased testosterone hormone level (P = 0.0029) and DHEA-S level (P = 0.0031) compared to the placebo group. The reduction in the BMI and FBS parameters in the intervention group was significant within the group, but the between-groups difference was not significant. Also, intragroup analysis in the placebo group revealed no significant differences in BMI, FBS, testosterone, or DHEA-S levels before and after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

Overall, probiotic supplementation of S. boulardii in PCOS women did not affect weight, BMI, or FBS but reduced testosterone and DHEA-S levels. Therefore, S. boulardii probiotics might be beneficial in the management of PCOS patients.