Mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: A review

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological endocrine disorder characterized by infertility and menstrual irregularities as primary symptoms, significantly impacting the physical and mental health of women of reproductive age. Due to its complex etiology, there is currently no unified standard treatment for PCOS. With the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in recent years, many studies have demonstrated its potential therapeutic effects on PCOS. In this review, we summarized the TCM dialectical approach to PCOS, its underlying mechanisms with TCM interventions, and some emerging therapeutic concepts, which are related to multiple signaling pathways. Briefly, TCM can improve PCOS by regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, improving insulin sensitivity, and exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, which are related to multiple signaling pathways. In addition, some studies have also suggested that TCM can promote the repair of the ovarian microenvironment and affect related cell signal transduction and proteins to improve PCOS. In summary, this review aims to provide theoretical support and new treatment perspectives for the clinical treatment strategies of PCOS.