True and sham acupuncture produced similar frequency of ovulation and improved LH to FSH ratios in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Acupuncture may represent a nonpharmaceutical treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), based on four studies.

Objective

The objective of the study was to determine whether true, as compared with sham, acupuncture normalizes pituitary gonadotropin hormones and increases ovulatory frequency in women with PCOS.

Design

This was a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial (5 month protocol).

Setting

The study was conducted in central Virginia.

Participants

Eighty-four reproductive-aged women completed the intervention. Eligibility required a PCOS diagnosis and no hormonal intervention 60 d before enrollment.

Interventions

Intervention included 12 sessions of true or sham acupuncture (Park sham device) for 8 wk.<

SUBMITTER: Pastore LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3200239 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature