Changes in Hormonal Profile and Body Mass Index in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome After Probiotic Intake: A 12-week Placebo Controlled and Randomized Clinical Study

50 women with PCOS , diagnosed based on Rotterdam ESHRE criteria,were assigned to two groups - the probiotics one and the placebo one. Women from the probiotics group were given SanProbi® Barrier capsules. They were taking probiotics for 12 weeks. The placebo group received identical-looking capsules filled mainly with maize starch and maltodextrins. The study concentrates on analysing specific hormones before and after the intervention (giving the probiotics or a placebo to the patients). The serum samples were obtained on days 3-5 (early follicular phase) of menstrual cycle. In the laboratory studies, the following hormones were measured before and after 12-week intervention: Testosterone, Androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17(OH)P); follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH); estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). The weight and height were measured before and after 12-week intervention. BMI was also calculated.