Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the modern intractable reproductive diseases. The female irregular menstruation, infertility, obesity, and so forth caused by PCOS have become a hot issue affecting family harmony and social development. The aetiology of PCOS is complex. In recent years, many scholars have found that its pathogenesis was related to the imbalance of gut microbiota. Gut microbiota can form two-way communication with the brain through the 'gut-brain axis' and affect the host's metabolism. Current research has confirmed that the gut microbiota can interfere with glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, hormone secretion and follicular development in women by altering intestinal mucosal permeability and secreting metabolites. In addition, the diversity and composition of gut microbiota of PCOS patients changed, which may affect the metabolic function of the gut microbiota and the ability to produce metabolites, and may also directly or indirectly affect the endocrine function. This study reviewed recent research advances about the role of gut microbiota in PCOS. In order to provide basis for prevention and treatment of PCOS based on gut microbiota.
