Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Clinical Trial

Does naturopathy (herbal medicine and consultations with a naturopath) in addition to lifestyle changes improve reproductive, fertility, body characteristics and quality of life outcomes for women with PCOS?

Researchers at the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research are conducting a new trial to evaluate the role of one of the complementary medicines, naturopathy, to improve the results of diet and exercise in women with PCOS. We are looking for women aged between 18 and 44, who are overweight with a diagnosis of PCOS, to participate in a lifestyle program that includes a healthy diet, a supervised exercise program, information about the menstrual cycle and herbal medicine. 

All women on the trial will receive lifestyle intervention which includes advice about a healthy diet, a supervised exercise programme. Some women will be asked to take herbal medicine tablets and meet up with a naturopath for half an hour each month. The allocation to a group is done randomly which means you cannot choose which group you will be in. It is important that you feel comfortable with the need for the researchers to randomly allocate you to one of the groups.

The trial will go for 12 weeks, and takes place at the Campbelltown campus of the University of Western Sydney. Free parking is provided. Exercise sessions will be held at the University once per week with home based exercises twice or three times per week. A pedometer will be provided to keep track of exercise during the week and a diary for you to record the day your menstrual period starts, results of a fertility test and timing for conception. Women in the natural therapies group will also need to take 3-6 herbal medicine tablets per day. 

At the beginning of the study and at 12 weeks your weight, waist and height will be measured and at twelve weeks you may be required to present for a blood test at a pathology clinic. At the beginning of the study and at 12 weeks you will need to complete some survey questions, so you need to be able to read, write and speak English. 

Further enquiries can be directed to Susan Arentz at s.arentz@uws.edu.au or phone 0403 044 247. Join the conversation via PCOS Facebook group (opens in a new window).