Evidence Hub

Eradicating hyperandrogenism? Hormonal changes following Helicobacter pylori eradication in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an observational case series

Wutke-Ostręga J, Szul M, Pluta D

Endokrynologia Polska, 2026

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder in which hyperandrogenism represents a centralpathophysiological feature. Increasing attention has been directed toward chronic inflammatory factors that may modulate androgenexcess. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a prevalent chronic bacterial infection associated with systemic low-grade inflammation.However, its potential relationship with androgen-related hormonal parameters in PCOS remains poorly explored.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This observational mini case series included seven women with PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteriaand confirmed active H. pylori infection. Hormonal parameters including total testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosteronesulfate (DHEAS), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and free androgen index (FAI) were assessedduring active infection and after confirmed eradication. No hormonal contraception, antiandrogens, metformin, incretin-based therapies,or inositol supplements were used during the study period.

RESULTS

Following successful H. pylori eradication, consistent changes in androgen-related parameters were observed. Median DHEAS,androstenedione, and total testosterone concentrations decreased, while SHBG levels increased. Consequently, the free androgen indexdecreased in all patients. AMH levels showed a downward trend after eradication. Due to the descriptive nature of the study, no…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

Read the paper

Related studies

Go deeper in Evidence Hub

Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.

Open this study Sign up free