The effect of phytoestrogens (Cimicifuga racemosa) in combination with clomiphene in ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A clinical trial study

Objective: Phytoestrogens can be used as an alternative to clomiphene for ovulation induction in patients with polycystic ovarian (PCO). In this study, we evaluated the impact of phytoestrogens (Cimicifuga racimosa) in combination with clomiphene on the endometrium thickness and follicle number in women with PCO.Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective clinical trial conducted in the infertility research center of Milad Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, during ۲۰۱۶ and ۲۰۱۷ on ۱۰۰ women with PCO syndrome. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. The patients in both groups were treated by clomiphene citrate ۵۰ mg, twice a day for ۵ days, from the second day of the menstrual cycle and for three consecutive cycle periods. The intervention group received Cimicifuga racemosa tablets ۱۰ mg twice a day for ۱۰ days from the second day of the menstrual cycle, in addition to the mentioned standard treatment. The two groups were compared in terms of the number and size of follicles and endometrial thickness on the ultrasound.Results: There was no significant differences between the number of medium (p=۰.۲۸۸), large (p=۰.۰۸۶), and total (p=۰.۲۸۸) follicles between the two groups. Also, no significant difference was observed in endometrial thickness between the two groups (p=۰.۲۲۷).Conclusion: As a result, adding Cimicifuga racemosa to clomiphene could not increase the endometrial thickness and the number of follicles in PCO patients.  

Keywords:

Polycystic ovarian , Cimicifuga racemose , Phytoestrogen , Ovulation induction , Clomiphene