Black cohosh improves hormone levels in polycystic ovary syndrome

2013-10-30 09:20:13

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that occurs in women of reproductive age, causing imbalances in the hormones estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and results in poor quality or infrequent ovulation. This can result in problems becoming pregnant in some women.

To goal of this study was to investigate the role of the herb black cohosh, or Cimicifuga racimosa, in stimulating ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
A total of 100 women with PCOS were randomized to receive either the fertility drug clomiphene citrate 100mg daily for 5 days, or black cohosh 20mg daily for 10 days. Both groups took the drug or black cohosh starting from the second day of their menstrual cycle and continuing for three consecutive cycles. During this time, changes in the hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), FSH/LH ratio, and progesterone were tested. In addition, researchers measured the thickness of the uterine lining (endometrial thickness) and assessed the pregnancy rate in both groups.

After treatment, significant favourable changes in LH level and FSH/LH ratio were seen among women taking black cohosh. In these women, the progesterone level was higher from the first treatment cycle, indicating better ovulation, and endometrial thickness was greater. The pregnancy rate was also higher in the black cohosh group, but this difference was not significant when compared to patients receiving the fertility drug clomid. The researchers concluded that black cohosh may be an effective alternative to the drug clomiphene citrate in stimulating ovulation among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.