Effect of Low-Frequency Electro-Acupuncture on Serum Testosterone and Menstrual Pattern in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Compared to Physical Exercise: Randomised Controlled Trial.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, is characterized by hyperandrogenism, oligo/amenorrhea, and polycystic ovaries. We aimed to determine whether low-frequency electro-acupuncture (EA) would decrease hyperandrogenism and improve oligo/amenorrhea more effectively than physical exercise or no intervention. We randomized 84 women with PCOS, aged 18–37 yr, to 16 wk of low-frequency EA, physical exercise, or no intervention. The primary outcome measure changes in the concentration of total testosterone (T) at week 16 determined by gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was analyzed by intention to treat. Secondary outcome measures were changes in menstrual frequency; concentrations of androgens, estrogens, androgen precursors, and glucuronidated androgen metabolites; and acne and hirsutism. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, after 16 wk of intervention, and after a 16-wk follow-up. After 16 wk of intervention, circulating T decreased by −25%, androsterone glucuronide by −30%, and androstane-3α,17β-diol-3-glucuronide by −28% in the EA group ( P = 0.038, 0.030, and 0.047, respectively vs. exercise); menstrual frequency increased to 0.69/month from 0.28 at baseline in the EA group ( P = 0.018 vs. exercise). After the 16-wk follow-up, the acne score decreased by −32% in the EA group ( P = 0.006 vs. exercise). Both EA and exercise improved menstrual frequency and decreased the levels of several sex steroids at week 16 and at the 16-wk follow-up compared with no intervention. Low-frequency EA and physical exercise improved hyperandrogenism and menstrual frequency more effectively than no intervention in women with PCOS. Low-frequency EA was superior to physical exercise and may be useful for treating hyperandrogenism and oligo/amenorrhea.

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Randomised controlled trial to study the efficacy of exercise with and without metformin on women with polycystic ovary syndrome

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology ◽

10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.12.021 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 234 ◽

pp. 149-154 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Nisha Tiwari ◽

Shikha Pasrija ◽

Sandhya Jain

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Ovary Syndrome ◽

Randomised Controlled

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Improving reproductive function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome with high-intensity interval training (IMPROV-IT): study protocol for a two-centre, three-armed randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034733 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. e034733 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ida Almenning Kiel ◽

Sofie Lionett ◽

Evelyn Bridget Parr ◽

Helen Jones ◽

Maria Aurora Hernandez Røset ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Reproductive Function ◽

Interval Training ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Ovary Syndrome ◽

High Intensity Interval ◽

Randomised Controlled

IntroductionPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. Women with PCOS have a 15-fold higher prevalence of infertility, compared with women without PCOS, independent of body mass index (BMI). A healthy lifestyle is recommended to improve overall health and fertility in PCOS but there is limited evidence on the isolated effects of exercise, especially for reproductive outcomes. Previous findings indicate superior metabolic health benefits after vigorous compared with moderate-intensity exercise. Our primary aim is to determine the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIT) on menstrual frequency, as a proxy of reproductive function, in women with PCOS.Methods and analysisThe study is a two-centre, randomised, controlled trial with three parallel groups. Women (n=64) from Trondheim (Norway) and Melbourne (Australia) with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria will be randomly allocated (1:1:1) to high-volume HIT, low-volume HIT or a control group with no exercise after stratifying for BMI < or ≥ 27 kg/m2and study centre. Measurements for study end points will be undertaken at baseline, after a 16 week exercise intervention and at 12 months following baseline assessments. The primary outcome measure is menstruation frequency, measured as the number of self-reported menstrual bleedings divided by the number of expected menstrual bleedings during a 12-month period. Secondary outcome measurements include markers of cardiovascular, metabolic and reproductive health, as well as quality of life and adherence to and enjoyment of exercise.Ethics and disseminationThe Regional Committee Medical Research Ethics, Norway, and The Australian Catholic University Human Research Ethics Committee, Australia, have approved the trial protocol. This trial will provide new insight regarding the impact of exercise on fertility in PCOS. We expect this trial to contribute to new therapeutic exercise strategies as part of clinical care for women with PCOS.Trial registration numberClinical trial govNCT02419482.

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