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2 . 2024

Synbiotic as an ameliorating factor in the health-related quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Background. There are complicated mechanisms that link the disruption of the gut microbiome to the symptoms and complications of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this study, an attempt was made to assess the effects of synbiotics on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women with PCOS.

Methods. Fifty-six women with PCOS were enrolled in a triple-blind controlled trial for 12 weeks. They were randomly assigned to receive a daily 2-gram synbiotic sachets (containing Bacillus coagulans (GBI-30), Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus helveticus, and fructooligosaccharide) (n=28) or placebo (n=28). To evaluate the impact on the HRQoL, participants were required to fill 26-Item Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ-26), 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) pre and post the intervention.

Results. Finally, statistical analyses were performed on 52 participants who finished the trial. Synbiotic supplementation improved the scores of emotional (p=0.044), body hair (p=0.016), weight (p=0.033) and infertility domains (p=0.027) of PCOSQ-26 compared to placebo group. The physical score within SF-12 also had a significant enhancement (p=0.035). No significant improvement was seen in the PSS-10 score at the end of the trial.

Conclusion. This study illustrated the advantageous effects of synbiotics on the health-related quality of life in women with PCOS. Further studies are required to confirm our findings.

Trial registration: http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20211108053007N1; date of registration: 14/02/2023.

Keywords: polycystic ovary syndrome; health-related quality of life; synbiotic; bacillus coagulans

Hariri Z., Yari Z., Hoseini S., Abhari K., Sohrab G. Synbiotic as an ameliorating factor in the health-related quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. BMC Womens Health. 2024 Jan 3; 24 (1): 19. DOI: https://10.1186/s12905-023-02868-1 PMID: 38172876; PMCID: PMC10765720.

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CHIEF EDITORS
CHIEF EDITOR
Sukhikh Gennadii Tikhonovich
Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, V.I. Kulakov Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology National Medical Research Center of Ministry of Healthсаre of the Russian Federation, Moscow
CHIEF EDITOR
Kurtser Mark Arkadievich
Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, MD, Professor, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Subdepartment of the Pediatric Department, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Scientific Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
CHIEF EDITOR
Radzinsky Viktor Evseevich
Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, MD, Professor, Head of the Subdepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology with a Course of Perinatology of the Medical Institute in the Russian People?s Friendship University named after P. Lumumbа

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