Role of complementary and alternative medicine in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), being a reproductive endocrine disorder, is characterized by multiple ovarian cysts; chronic anovulation because of hyperandrogenism leading to menstrual disturbance; hirsutism; acne; and metabolic dysfunction. Because of its complex etiology, its pathogenesis involves the interplay of endocrine, genetic, and environmental factors. To date, there is no specific, compliant, promising treatment for PCOS. Therefore it is direly needed to develop a compliant and efficacious alternative treatment with minimal adverse effects and maximum patient compliance. This chapter reviews the efficacy of complementary and alternative treatments, including mechanistic evidence for the use of herbal remedies, nuts, vitamins, and indigenous functional foods to counter the burden of PCOS with maximal efficacy and minimal side effects. Studies have revealed that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments are cardioprotective and have a beneficial role as antiinflammatory agents in the mainstream line for restoring metabolic, endocrine, and reproductive disturbances. In PCOS patients, they decrease ovarian reserve and improve subfertility. Nevertheless, available studies are nonrandomized and uncontrolled in this context. Therefore extensive research with well-designed studies is required in the future to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CAM in PCOS.