Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition, affecting 5–10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It has serious reproductive implications and causes mood disorders and metabolic disorders, such as type-2 diabetes. Because PCOS reflects multiple abnormalities, there is no single drug that can treat all its symptoms. Existing pharmaceutical agents, such as oral contraceptives (OCs), are suggested as a first-line therapy for menstrual irregularities; however, OCs are not appropriate for women pursuing pregnancy. Additionally, insulin-sensitizing agents, which appear to decrease insulin levels and hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS, have been associated with a high incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects. It is a common practice in Chinese society to receive traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of gynecological problems and infertility. Current research demonstrates that several herbs and herbal formulas show beneficial effects in PCOS treatment. In this study, we conducted the first large-scale survey through the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program database to analyze TCM utilization patterns among women with PCOS in Taiwan during 1997–2010. The survey results revealed that 89.22% women with newly diagnosed PCOS had received TCM therapy. Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San and Xiang-Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi) were the most commonly used formula and single herb, respectively, in the database. In addition, we found that the top five commonly prescribed single herbs and herbal formulas have shown promise in treating symptoms associated with PCOS.
Highlights
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in humans, affecting 5–10% of women of reproductive age worldwide [1]
Research over the last few decades has revealed that PCOS is strongly associated with metabolic disorders, including an increased risk of insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases [4]
Some reports have suggested that women with PCOS might have an increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and high C-reactive protein levels [5,6,7]
Summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in humans, affecting 5–10% of women of reproductive age worldwide [1]. It has serious reproductive implications, such as anovulatory infertility, oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism, and pregnancy complications [2]. Some reports have suggested that women with PCOS might have an increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and high C-reactive protein levels [5,6,7]. Management approaches for metabolic disorders include treatment with metformin and thiazolidinediones, which appear to decrease insulin levels and hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS [16]. Because of the possibility of cardiovascular adverse events, thiazolidinediones are not suggested for nondiabetic women with PCOS [18,19]
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