Purpose Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder characterized by reproductive and metabolic disturbances, including an elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio. Fenugreek seed extract has shown potential in modulating hormonal imbalance in PCOS. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of fenugreek extract in LH and FSH of women with PCOS. Design/methodology/approach A randomized controlled trial including 150 women with PCOS was conducted. Participants were divided into three groups, with 50 women in each group: Experimental Group 1 (fenugreek + metformin), Experimental Group 2 (fenugreek only) and Control (metformin only). Randomization was performed using a computer-generated random sequence with allocation concealment through sealed opaque envelopes. Hormonal measurements were taken at baseline and monthly. Statistical analysis included repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction, effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals. Findings Baseline hormonal parameters did not differ significantly between the groups (p 0.05). After three months of intervention, Group E1 exhibited significant reductions in LH levels (from 11.108 ± 0.52 to 11.469 ± 2.53; p 0.05), a significant increase in FSH levels (from 3.087 ± 0.12 to 4.615 ± 0.16; p 0.05) and a marked decrease in the LH/FSH ratio (from 3.79 ± 0.88 to 2.52 ± 0.64; p 0.05), when compared with Group E2 and the Control group. No major adverse effects were reported. Research limitations/implications To evaluate the effects of standardized fenugreek seed extract on LH, FSH and LH/FSH ratio in women with PCOS over a 12-week intervention. The limitation is that the study is done in a small population and is a single center study. Originality/value Standardized fenugreek seed extract demonstrated beneficial effects on gonadotropin balance in women with PCOS, suggesting its potential as a safe, well-tolerated complementary intervention.
Krishnan et al. (Fri,) studied this question.