Gut Microbial Composition on Dienogest Therapy in Patients with Endometriosis

In: Microbiology Research · 2025 · vol. 16(8) , pp. 169 · doi:10.3390/microbiolres16080169 · W4412843994
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Dienogest therapy in endometriosis patients significantly altered gut microbiota composition by decreasing the Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio, reducing Staphylococcus spp., and increasing beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus spp. and Collinsella aerofaciens.

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Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, characterized by pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and endometriosis pathogenesis, mediated through hormonal regulation, immune modulation, and systemic inflammation. Dienogest (DNG) is widely used for endometriosis management, but its effects on gut microbiota remain underexplored. This study investigates the impact of DNG on gut microbial composition in endometriosis patients, aiming to elucidate its therapeutic mechanisms beyond hormonal modulation. DNG therapy led to a significant reduction in the Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio (p = 0.0421), driven by decreased Staphylococcus spp. (p = 0.0244) and increased commensal bacteria such as Lactobacillus spp. and Collinsella aerofaciens (p = 0.049). Species richness and alpha diversity indices showed a non-significant upward trend. Notably, C. aerofaciens, a butyrate producer linked to gut barrier integrity, was detected twice as frequently during therapy. The study also observed reductions in facultative anaerobes like Enterococcus spp. and a trend toward higher titers of beneficial Bacteroidota. This study provides the first evidence that DNG therapy modulates gut microbiota in endometriosis patients, favoring a composition associated with anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective effects. The observed shifts—reduced opportunistic pathogens and increased symbionts—suggest a novel mechanism for DNG’s efficacy, potentially involving the microbial regulation of estrogen metabolism and immune responses.

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Condition tags

endometriosisdysmenorrheainfertility

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