Acupuncture for hormonal readiness and gut microbiota in obese polycystic ovary syndrome: an open-label, randomized controlled trial
2024

Acupuncture and Clomiphene for Obese Women with PCOS

Sample size: 86 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wu Tianyu, Xu Guixing, Hong Xiaojuan, Fan Huaying, Zeng Jiuzhi, Liu Yu, Hu Jinqun, Liang Fanrong, Yang Jie, Chen Jiao

Primary Institution: Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hypothesis

Acupuncture combined with clomiphene will effectively reduce the LH/FSH ratio and improve gut microbiota in patients with obese polycystic ovary syndrome.

Conclusion

Acupuncture combined with clomiphene is safe and effective in reducing the LH/FSH ratio and improving insulin resistance in obese polycystic ovary syndrome patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • Acupuncture combined with clomiphene reduced the LH/FSH ratio more than clomiphene alone.
  • Participants receiving acupuncture showed improved insulin resistance.
  • Changes in gut microbiota were observed after treatment.
  • Acupuncture did not lead to an increase in adverse events.
  • The study adhered to rigorous clinical trial standards.

Takeaway

This study found that acupuncture with a medication called clomiphene can help women with a condition called PCOS by balancing their hormones and helping their gut health.

Methodology

This was an open-label, randomized controlled trial with 86 women aged 20-40 with obese PCOS, comparing acupuncture combined with clomiphene to clomiphene alone over three menstrual cycles.

Potential Biases

Participants and practitioners could not be blinded due to the nature of acupuncture.

Limitations

The study had a limited sample size and a short follow-up period.

Participant Demographics

Women aged 20-40 years with obese polycystic ovary syndrome.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < 0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI: -1.14 to -0.46

Statistical Significance

p < 0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fendo.2024.1509152

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