Effect of Changbudodam-tang with Acupuncture in Treatment of Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Case Series

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women and can lead to complications associated with the reproductive system and metabolism. Current treatments such as metformin and oral contraceptive pills are controversial in terms of effectiveness and side effects. In traditional Korean medicine, Changbudodam-tang (CDT) is used in patients with PCOS, particularly in obese women for the management of hormone and lipid levels. Moreover, low-frequency electronic acupuncture (EA) specifically affects PCOS symptoms by reducing insulin resistance and modulating endogenous regulatory systems. However, there have been few published studies in which CDT and acupuncture were used together for the treatment of PCOS in obese patients. Herein, we report nine cases of obese women with PCOS who were treated with CDT and acupuncture. Methods: Patients were assessed for the duration of menses, size of the follicle and ovulation, body mass index (BMI), and percent body fat. Results: CDT and acupuncture treatment resulted in a decrease in weight and BMI, and showed recovery or improvement of the menstrual cycle in the state of amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. Conclusion: This study showed that CDT with acupuncture may be considered as an alternative treatment for obese women with PCOS.