Remedies

How to Pick the Best Probiotic for PCOS for Hormone Balance

Learn the best probiotic strains to manage PCOS symptoms.

If you have PCOS, the odds are your gut bacteria is out of balance. An unhealthy gut can lead to weight gain, bloating, acne, and other unpleasant symptoms.

The best probiotic for PCOS can help you to lower inflammation, testosterone, and insulin resistance. Then, you’ll have a better chance of achieving a healthy weight and increased fertility.

This matters because years of research provide evidence of the connection between PCOS and gut health. One paper, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, points to several studies showing “significant difference in composition of gut microbiome between PCOS patients and healthy controls”. These differences can negatively affect your immunity and metabolism. 

While there are plenty of probiotics available, you need to find the best probiotic strain for PCOS.

And to be clear: even though probiotics can benefit your overall health, diet, and exercise play a significant role too.

Is taking a probiotic good for PCOS?

Probiotics are beneficial for polycystic ovary syndrome. They can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and obesity, which are common conditions associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. Probiotics can support hormonal balance in the body, reducing PCOS symptoms. Research has also shown that probiotics may help to lower inflammation and oxidative stress, which can be beneficial for those of us with PCOS. Additionally, probiotics can enhance the immune system.

Several studies support these benefits. A review of the research into gut health and PCOS find probiotics can lower LDL cholesterol, the bad type of cholesterol linked to heart disease and stroke.

For another trial, researchers recruited over 100 women who suffer from PCOS. To examine the relationship between probiotics and PCOS symptoms, researchers randomly assigned participants to receive either a placebo or a probiotic. The results of the study suggest that the supplement was successful in regulating blood sugar, insulin, and testosterone for women with PCOS.

Another 2020 meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials investigated the use of probiotics in women with PCOS. The analysis studied the results of nine trials involving 587 patients. This study found probiotic supplementation when used in conjunction with "dietary and lifestyle modifications” regulated menstrual cycles and improved testosterone levels.

In short, the findings underscore diet’s role in managing PCOS. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help regulate blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. Additionally, eating a low-glycemic diet can lower inflammation and promote hormone balance. Avoiding simple sugars and processed foods can also help keep blood sugar levels stable. Popular diets for PCOS include the insulin resistance diet and the anti-inflammatory diet.

Exercise can be an effective part of managing PCOS symptoms as well. Regular physical activity helps to control weight, increase insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation. It can also improve hormone levels and lower cholesterol. 

You’ll also want to discuss your concerns with a medical professional. I visited my doctor to deal with my persistent PCOS bloating. I started a gut repair diet where I eliminated dairy, most starches, some proteins, and certain sugars for a month.  I also supplemented with probiotics and drank aloe vera juice. Doing this not only improved my digestive health, but also helped reduce my bloating symptoms. My doctor also prescribed hormone supplements to help reduce inflammation and other hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS. 

By taking the time to understand what was causing my bloating and working with a medical professional, I was able to find relief from some of my PCOS symptoms. 

 

Can you lose weight with probiotics with PCOS?

 

Some studies suggest probiotics can aid weight loss, while others are inconclusive. A Human Fertility study found probiotics had “beneficial effects” on weight and BMI. Probiotic strains including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were linked with weight loss, according to the Nutrients journal. Many studies, however, recommend probiotic supplementation alongside exercise and healthy eating.

 

Which probiotic should I take for PCOS?

There are a few probiotics that are known to help improve PCOS symptoms. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are two of the most common, and several studies have shown that they improve PCOS symptoms by boosting gut health. These probiotics can also help regulate hormones and inflammation, both of which are associated with PCOS. 

The PLOS One journal said whether a probiotic works or not is “strain-specific and disease-specific”:

“Important factors involved in choosing the appropriate probiotic include matching the strain(s) with the targeted disease or condition, type of formulation, dose used and the source (manufacturing quality control and shelf-life).”

And while there is a lot of information on PCOS and probiotics, researchers note:

“...the probiotics, and their dosages, used in studies varied widely, and that is why future studies will face the standardization of these aspects.”

Generally, when choosing a probiotic the Cleveland Clinic recommends checking:

  • The number of bacteria in each dose (colony-forming units)
  • The type of bacterial strain 
  • Studies proving the effectiveness of specific strains or brands 

Below, we’ll look at the best probiotic strain for PCOS, based on research. 

 

Best probiotic for PCOS, according to science

 

The best probiotic strains have been shown to improve PCOS symptoms, and can make a note to look for these particular strains. In one trial, patients took a multi-strain probiotic, including: 

 

  • Lactobacillus acidophilus 
  • L. rhamnosus 
  • L. reuteri
  • L. casei 
  • L. fermentum
  • Bifidobacterium bifidum 

 

Along with the multi-strain probiotic, subjects also made various dietary changes. Their periods became regular and the level of male androgens dropped.

 

This animal study published in the Food and Function journal found:

 

“Lactobacillus plantarum HL2 was protective against ovary pathological changes and restored luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone levels. Bifidobacterium longum HB3 also alleviated ovary abnormalities and decreased testosterone levels.”

 

One review of the research discussed different probiotic strains and their effects on PCOS. Key findings include:

  • L. casei, L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. bulgaricus, B. breve, B. longum, and Streptococcus thermophiles led to lower insulin levels 
  • Probiotic containing Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Lactobacillus fermentum contributed to Homeostatic Model Assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) levels
  • Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and selenium lowered  testosterone and hirsutism levels in women with PCOS
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus gasseri improved inflammation  

While all of these strains have potential benefits for PCOS, it's important to work with a professional to choose one that will work best for you.

Here are the best probiotic strains for PCOS:

Please note: as an Amazon affiliate, I may earn on qualifying purchases.

Now pick the best probiotic for PCOS and see the results

 

There's a lot of buzz around probiotics and their potential role in managing PCOS. Probiotic supplementation seems to work best alongside other lifestyle changes. And, always check in with your healthcare provider before taking any supplement.

Although there’s no cure for PCOS, taking the right steps can help you manage your symptoms and live a healthier, more balanced life.

Featured image credit: Photo by Kindel Media

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