Acupuncture Research

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Clinical observation on treatment of hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism anovulatory patient with replenishing kidney-yin drugs

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1996 Sep;16(9):515-8 [Article in Chinese]
Zhou LR, Yu J. The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Shanghai Medical University.

In order to investigate the effect of Chinese herbal medicine for replenishing Kidney-Yin in treating hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism anovulatory syndrome, 35 patients were treated with replenishing Kidney-Yin drugs for 3 months, basic body temperature, ultrasonic examination and blood levels of sex hormones were taken for monitoring the ovulation, and changes of serum insulin, blood sugar as well as oral glucose tolerence test were observed before and after treatment.

Thirty-five patients showed high serum insulin and testosterone levels but normal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) level. Twenty-nine percent of their luteinizing hormone/folliclestimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio were in normal range. Twenty four cases completed the regular treatment and 20 of them showed ovulation in the 43 menstrual cycles (59.7%).

Seven of 17 (41.2%) infertile cases become pregnant within 6 months. After 3 months of treatment, blood sugar and insulin level significantly decreased but the latter was still slightly higher than normal level. Serum testosterone level decreased significantly and reached normal.

Results suggested that replenishing Kidney-Yin Drugs could provide a good microcircumstance for ovarian follicular growth, and resulted in ovulation and pregnancy. The mechanism is remained to be further explored.