The impact of the gut microbiota on the reproductive and metabolic endocrine system

Xinyu Qi, Chuyu Yun, Yanli Pang, Jie Qiao
Gut microbes · 2021 · vol. 13(1) , pp. 1–21 · doi:10.1080/19490976.2021.1894070 · PMID:33722164 · W3137079137
review OA: gold CC0 ⤵ 47 in-corpus citations
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-08 ⓘ

The gut microbiota influences the reproductive and metabolic endocrine system by interacting with hormones, and its imbalance is linked to conditions like PCOS and pregnancy complications.

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Abstract

As the gut microbiota exerts various effects on the intestinal milieu which influences distant organs and pathways, it is considered to be a full-fledged endocrine organ. The microbiota plays a major role in the reproductive endocrine system throughout a woman's lifetime by interacting with estrogen, androgens, insulin, and other hormones. Imbalance of the gut microbiota composition can lead to several diseases and conditions, such as pregnancy complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and cancer; however, research on the mechanisms is limited. More effort should be concentrated on exploring the potential causes and underlying the mechanisms of microbiota-hormone-mediated disease, and providing novel therapeutic and preventive strategies.As the gut microbiota exerts various effects on the intestinal milieu which influences distant organs and pathways, it is considered to be a full-fledged endocrine organ. The microbiota plays a major role in the reproductive endocrine system throughout a woman's lifetime by interacting with estrogen, androgens, insulin, and other hormones. Imbalance of the gut microbiota composition can lead to several diseases and conditions, such as pregnancy complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and cancer; however, research on the mechanisms is limited. More effort should be concentrated on exploring the potential causes and underlying the mechanisms of microbiota-hormone-mediated disease, and providing novel therapeutic and preventive strategies.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Endocrine System Gastrointestinal Microbiome Genital Diseases, Female Genitalia, Female Pregnancy Complications Androgens Androgens Endocrine System Endocrine System Estrogens Estrogens Female Gastrointestinal Microbiome Genital Diseases, Female Genitalia, Female Hormones Hormones Humans Insulin Insulin

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Cited by (47)

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