Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
2
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
3
Midwifery Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Background & aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disease. This study examined the effect of evening primrose oil (EPO) on hirsutism, depression, menstrual irregularities, anthropometric indices (primary outcomes), and side effects as secondary outcomes in patients diagnosed with PCOS.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 62 women aged 18 to 45 diagnosed with PCOS in Tabriz, Iran, in 2023. Using the block randomization method, participants were assigned to intervention (n=31) and control (n=31) groups. The intervention group received 1000 mg of EPO capsules daily for three months, while the control group received placebo capsules with the same dosage and administration method. Before and after the intervention, participants completed the Ferriman-Gallwey questionnaire, menstrual bleeding characteristics, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Higham Scale. Additionally, the researcher evaluated the participants' anthropometric indices.
Results: After the intervention, no significant differences were observed between groups in terms of depression (adjusted mean difference (AMD): 0.4, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.3 to 2.5), hirsutism (AMD: -0.5, 95%CI: -2.3 to 1.3), menstrual bleeding (AMD: -5.8, 95%CI: -18.7 to -7.1), menstrual cycle length (AMD: -3.1, 95%CI: -7.2 to 0.9), duration of bleeding (AMD: -3.0, 95%CI: -1.1 to 0.5), waist circumference (AMD: -0.2, 95%CI: -0.8 to 1.3), hip size (AMD: -8.1, 95% CI: -17.7 to 1.5), and body mass index (AMD: -0.2, 95%CI: -0.7 to 2.0).
Conclusion: Administration of EPO has no significant effect on clinical symptoms in women with PCOS. Nevertheless, additional research is advised to reach a definitive conclusion in this field.
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