Homoeopathic treatment of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A prospective observational study

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age group and a leading cause of female sub-fertility. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of individualised homoeopathy on clinical and hormonal profile in women suffering from PCOS. Materials and Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted from July 2015 to June 2017 at Homoeopathic Research Foundation, Lucknow, in which 80 cases were screened, and 38 cases fulfilling the eligibility criteria were enrolled. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ) was used to evaluate the quality of life. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, progesterone, prolactin, estrogen, testosterone and insulin were tested at the baseline and 12 months of treatment. Eighteen patients completed the follow-up of 12 months. The analysis was done with 'modified Intention to Treat' approach. Results: The comparison of PCOSQ from baseline to 12 months in 34 patients using the paired t-test showed significant improvement in the overall PCOSQ of the patients (mean increase ± standard error: −2.3 ± 0.5; 95% confidence interval CI: -3.2 to -1.3 P = 0.001). The number of cysts in both ovaries reduced with a statistically significant difference. There was a mean reduction of two cysts on each side of the ovary. The most prescribed medicines were Calcarea carbonica (38.24%) and Lycopodium. (26.47%) accounting to 64.71% of the total medicines. Conclusion: The present study gives positive leads in the management of PCOS with Homoeopathic medicines. Controlled trials are further warranted.