Open AccessEffects of Saireito on the ovarian function of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Author(s) -
Okamoto Machi,
Sakakibara Hideya,
Yoshida Hiroshi,
Fukazawa Yuka,
Takashima Kunitomo,
Kondo Yoshihito,
Ikeda Mario,
Ishikawa Masahiko,
Hirahara Fumiki
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
reproductive medicine and biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.005
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 1447-0578
pISSN - 1445-5781
DOI - 10.1007/s12522-010-0057-2
Subject(s) - anovulation , ovulation , polycystic ovary , medicine , endocrinology , luteinizing hormone , prolactin , follicle stimulating hormone , ovulation induction , testosterone (patch) , ovary , hormone , insulin resistance , insulin
Abstract Purposes It is sometimes difficult to restore a regular ovulatory cycle in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using classic agents such as clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins. Saireito, a herbal medicine, is believed to have an effect similar to corticosteroids. We examined the effect of Saireito on ovulatory induction and endocrine status in women with PCOS. Methods Twenty‐four women with PCOS were treated with Saireito for 3 months. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T), estradiol (E 2 ), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol were measured before and after treatment, and ovulation was assessed. We compared serum LH levels between ovulation ( n = 21) and anovulation ( n = 3) groups, and compared ovulation rate and serum LH levels between obese ( n = 6) and nonobese ( n = 18) groups. Results Ovulation was restored in 21 (87.5%) of the 24 PCOS patients following administration of Saireito for 3 months. LH levels were significantly decreased 1 month after medication in ovulatory group ( P < 0.001), but only slightly decreased in anovulatory group. Ovulation rate in the nonobese group (94.4%) was higher than in the obese group (66.7%). Serum LH levels were significantly reduced in the nonobese group, but only slightly reduced in the obese group. Conclusions Saireito reduced serum LH levels and increased ovulatory rate, particularly in nonobese women.