Targeting the gut microbiome: an integrated probiotic and prebiotic strategy for polycystic ovary syndrome management

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine-metabolic disorder in which gut dysbiosis acts as a key environmental driver. This review synthesizes how probiotics and prebiotics remodel the gut ecosystem and ameliorate PCOS through multi-pathway mechanisms:restoring intestinal barrier function, modulating microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs), bile acids(BAs)), attenuating chronic inflammation, and regulating androgen metabolism. We further propose a novel "integrated microbiome‑centric management" framework, demonstrating how microbiota-targeted interventions synergize with dietary, pharmacological, and behavioral strategies to enable personalized, multi-modal PCOS care. This work provides a transformative perspective for translating gut microbiome science into clinical practice across disciplinary boundaries.