Vaginal microbiome in patients with menstrual cycle disorders (review)

Abstract

Background: In the last two decades, because of the usage of non-cultural methods, new data on the female genital tract microbiome have been accumulated. However, the causes determining the predominance of certain microorganisms, and, consequently, the formation of microbiome composition, have not been finally determined. The major changes in the microbiome of the reproductive tract of women occur in response to the influence of hormones. The aim of the study: To assess the influence of menstrual cycle disorders on the vaginal microbiome composition. Materials and methods: The articles describing the role of menstrual cycle disorders in the formation of the vaginal microbiome composition, published over the past 20 years and deposited in the Pubmed, Google Academy, Scopus, Elibrary, ResearchGate, and EBSCO databases, were analyzed. Results: The data on the role of the human microbiome in the pathogenesis of somatic diseases are presented. The main characteristics of the vaginal microbiome are given, its classification is presented, the main functions of Lactobacillus in the female reproductive tract and their influence on local immunity are discussed. The vaginal microbiome during the normal menstrual cycle and in patients with menstrual cycle disorders is described. Conclusion: Despite the critical importance of the female genital tract microbiome for human reproduction, data on the role of menstrual cycle disorders in the formation of the microbiome are sporadic and are mainly concerned with the vaginal microbiome in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There are no data on the role of hyperprolactinemia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and other causes of menstrual cycle disorders in vaginal microbiome formation. Further studies of the microbiome in patients with menstrual cycle disorders, as well as its correction, are needed.