Impact of hormonal treatments for endometriosis on the reproductive microbiome: a systematic review - PubMed
6 hours ago
- #microbiome
- #endometriosis
- #hormonal therapy
- The reproductive microbiome is crucial in disease progression and fertility in women with endometriosis.
- Hormonal treatments like estro-progestins, progestins, and GnRH agonists may impact microbial communities, but their effects are not well understood.
- A systematic review was conducted to synthesize evidence on how hormonal therapies influence the reproductive microbiome.
- Six eligible studies were analyzed, showing hormonal therapies may favor colonization of bacteria linked to infertility.
- GnRH agonists were found to promote pathogenic bacteria like Gardnerella and Streptococcaceae in the endometrium.
- Oral contraceptive pills increased pathogenic microbes such as Prevotella and Ureaplasma, altering the vaginal microbiome.
- The review highlights potential negative effects of hormonal therapy on the microbiome, suggesting a need for improved management strategies.
- Future studies are needed to confirm findings and optimize treatment approaches for endometriosis patients.