Women's Health

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Executive Summary

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Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Research into Chinese medicine treatment for Women's Health" summarising the research below and using language that can be easily understood by patients and avoiding medical jargon using a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Researched Chinese medicine treatments for Women's Health" summarising the research below in an objective and easy to understand way, and using language that can be easily understood by patients. Group the article into Chinese medicine treatments first, followed by nutrition and other treatments. Avoid using medical jargon and use a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write me a concise but easy to understand executive summary on the topic of "Chinese medicine treatments for Women's Health" based on the following research that I will give you. Your summary should be 2 paragraphs long in Australian English spelling and include references to the studies.

A published in 2024 in the journal Life found that Pomegranate extract could potentially benefit women's reproductive health, enhance fertility, regulate menstrual cycles, support pregnancy, and help treat polycystic ovary syndrome. In establishing the potential benefits of pomegranate extract in women's reproductive health, a wide array of methods was employed. Primarily, these included in vitro studies, animal modeling and certain clinical trials. Analyses of the antioxidant properties of the extract were done to ascertain its effectiveness in reducing oxidative stress and consequently, improving fertility. The influence of pomegranate extract on hormonal imbalances and menstrual regulation was also studied. Discussions on the results emphasized the potential of pomegranate extract in supporting women's reproductive health. The extract was found beneficial in enhancing fertility, regulating menstruation and supporting pregnancy. Further, it could help in polycystic ovary syndrome therapy by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing oxidative damage. Its rich nutrient composition was appreciated for potentially fostering placental development and fetal growth, thus possibly mitigating the risk of early birth. Apart from reproductive health, some studies pointed towards pomegranate extract's potential anticancer properties, primarily against breast cancer.

A Systematic Review published in 2024 in the journal Advances in Nutrition found that Regular consumption of nuts improves sperm parameters such as motility, vitality, and morphology, potentially promoting successful reproductive outcomes in healthy males. The researchers in this study carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis, exploring the impact of nut intake on fertility outcomes. They sourced data from four databases: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus, from their inception until June 2023. The inclusion criteria for articles were humans of reproductive age who had consumed nuts for a minimum of three months, with any consequent fertility-related outcomes reported. The researchers undertook a random-effects meta-analysis to produce a collective estimate of the effect of nut consumption on four specific sperm characteristics: total motility, vitality, morphology, and concentration. In this review and meta-analysis, the researchers involved four studies, evaluating a total of 875 participants, composed of 646 males and 229 females. For males, two randomized control trials involving 223 individuals revealed that a daily consumption of at least 60g of nuts led to an improvement in sperm motility, vitality, and morphology, compared to those consuming fewer nuts, though it did not affect sperm concentration. Conversely, the non-randomized studies could not discern an association between nut consumption and traditional sperm parameters in males, nor could they establish a link between nut intake and embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy or live birth in males and females undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

A Systematic Review published in 2023 in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that Pomegranate can significantly enhance women's health during and after menopause by reducing hot flashes severity and other menopause symptoms. The study aimed at understanding the impacts of pomegranate on women's health through and following menopause. To gather data, a rigorous search was conducted on various academic platforms, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, and Google Scholar, up to the end of 2022. All forms of clinical research studies, from randomized clinical trials to case series, were considered for review. The material was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool specifically for quality assessment of randomized clinical trials. To quantify the effects of the pomegranate intervention, standardized mean differences were calculated using a random effect model. It was found that pomegranate significantly reduces the severity of hot flashes in menopausal women, improves their high-density lipoprotein levels, and reduces the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). However, no significant improvement was noticed in the low-density lipoprotein, body mass index, and body weight. Despite these findings, the study recognized that the results' conclusiveness was hampered due to small sample sizes and the lack of study design elements such as blinding and randomization.

A Clinical Study published in 2023 in the journal Metabolites found that Consuming bicarbonate-calcium mineral water, low in sodium, can help manage calcium imbalance and support bone health in perimenopausal women. The study involved 120 perimenopausal women who consumed 2 liters of a specific bicarbonate-calcium mineral water (Lete) daily for six months. This water was chosen because it is rich in calcium and bicarbonate but low in sodium. The study aimed to determine the impact of this water on bone health and overall metabolism. The participants’ urine and blood serum were analyzed using NMR-based metabolomic procedures. These analyses were conducted to assess the effects of the water not only on calcium metabolism but also on the broader systemic metabolism. The findings indicated that the Lete water effectively compensated for calcium dysmetabolism and supported bone health and integrity in perimenopausal women. While the study primarily focused on bone metabolism, it also provided insights into the potential system-wide metabolic effects of this specific type of mineral water. This suggests that such water could be a valuable dietary supplement for addressing calcium-related metabolic issues, particularly in perimenopausal women.

A Animal Study published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients found that A combination of soybean germ extract and a probiotic significantly improved menopause-related conditions and mood in an ovariectomized rat model. The study employed an ovariectomized rat model to understand the effects of a combination of soybean germ extract containing 30% isoflavone and a probiotic. The methodology included assessing the effects of this combination on several health markers including body weight, estrogen markers, uterine and bone health, vascular markers, and neurotransmitter levels in these rats. Once implemented, the combination of soybean germ extract and the probiotic showcased significant improvement in body weight and uterine and bone health of the rats. There were also noticeable effects on the lipid profile, liver function, and vascular markers. Most interestingly, the combination had a positive impact on the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, indicating potential mood-enhancing effects, which are crucial in managing symptoms post-menopause. This essentially shows the potential of a dietary approach towards menopausal management, especially given the observed benefits without the side effects typically associated with hormone replacement therapy.

A Systematic Review published in 2023 in the journal Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine found that Acupuncture may have a positive impact on clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), although the results are limited by the heterogeneity of the current evidence. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of acupuncture on embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 49 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 9422 women were analyzed. The results indicated that acupuncture had a significant positive impact on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) compared to the control groups (odds ratio [OR]=1.65 for CPR, 1.34 for LBR). Subgroup analyses showed that traditional acupuncture was more beneficial for women aged < 35 years, those receiving ≥ 3 sessions, and those with lower baseline CPR rates in the control group. However, significant heterogeneity was observed among the studies. In conclusion, while there were some benefits of acupuncture in improving CPR and LBR in IVF, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the variability in the current evidence.

A Network Pharmacology published in 2023 in the journal F&S Science found that Combining Crila with green tea extract (EGCG) has been found to synergistically hinder the growth of human uterine fibroid cells. In the methodological process, human uterine leiomyoma (HuLM) cells were treated with varying concentrations of Crila, either alone or combined with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), employing various tests. Prominently, assays were performed to examine cell proliferation, with additional analyses conducted to measure protein and gene expressions of proliferation markers. The interaction of Crila and EGCG resulted in a notable reduction in HuLM cell viability, showing an increased inhibitory effect over singular treatments. This decrease in cell proliferation is attributed to a synergistic efficacy derived from using Crila and EGCG in combination. It was notably characterised by the reduced presence of the proliferation marker, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, both at the messenger RNA and protein levels. It was observed that the process does not induce cell apoptosis, implying that the cell viability reduction is primarily due to decreased cell proliferation.

A Animal Study published in 2023 in the journal Food Research International found that Fermented soy milk significantly improves lipid profiles and fertility in a model of premenopausal mice, due to increased bioavailability and action of beneficial compounds. In this study, non-fermented soy beverage (SB) and soy beverage fermented with Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum INIA P815 (FSB) were tested on both cyclic and acyclic C57BL/6J aged female mice which mimic premenopause and menopause conditions respectively. Over a period of 36 days, the beverages were given to the mice and the variables measured included body weight, lipid and inflammatory profile and fertility. In addition, hepatic gene expressions were examined and the faecal microbiota composition was assessed to further understand the effects of the two beverages. In the results, FSB displayed a higher concentration of the aglycones daidzein and genistein as well as increased antioxidant activity due to the fermentation process. The cyclic mice that were given FSB experienced a significant rise in the number of oocytes and zygotes retrieved. It was also noticed that the triglycerides were lower in the groups that were given FSB compared to the SB groups. However, it was found that neither of the treatments significantly influenced the inflammatory profile or caused a major shift in intestinal microbiota or hepatic gene expressions in either of the groups. Still, it was observed that FSB had more health benefits than SB with regards to the lipid profile and fertility in the cyclic mice, likely due to the increased bioavailability and bioactivity of compounds due to fermentation.

A Cohort Study published in 2023 in the journal Journal of Global Research in Public Health found that Young coconut water has been found to be more effective than carrot juice in reducing the severity of dysmenorrhea in teenage girls. In this experimental study, research was conducted using a pre-experimental research design with a two group comparison pre-test and post-test. The research population was compiled of teenage girls from a school in the City of Kediri. The investigators selected a sample of 32 respondents using purposive sampling methods, and utilized observation sheets and pain scale measurements from the Femoralis Rectus Sheath as their primary data collection tools. The results of the study highlighted a significant difference in the effectiveness of the two tested interventions, young coconut water and carrot juice, for the alleviation of dysmenorrhea symptoms. In this comparison, it was found that young coconut water showed higher effectiveness in reducing the pain severity in teenage girls than carrot juice.

A Systematic Review published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients found that Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduces pain levels in people suffering from primary dysmenorrhea. In the methodology of this study, a systematic database search was conducted for randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of oral vitamin D supplementation on relieving the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. The trials included comparisons of vitamin D treatment with placebo or standard care. Pain levels due to dysmenorrhea were gauged using a visual analogue or numerical rating scale. Analyses were conducted using a standardized mean difference in a meta-analysis. The results indicated that pain levels were considerably lower in participants who took vitamin D compared to the placebo, showcasing vitamin D's effectiveness in managing dysmenorhea-related pain. Notably, these relief effects were recorded regardless of the vitamin D administration duration (more or less than 70 days) and frequency, provided that the average weekly dosage was above 50,000 IU. This suggests that the significant pain relief provided by vitamin D supplementation could make it a potent alternative treatment for primary dysmenorrhea.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2023 in the journal Bioscientia Medicina : Journal of Biomedicine and Translational Research found that Dark chocolate decreases the severity of menstrual pain in female hospital employees. The researcher undertook an experimental study with 32 female employees of the Cabangbungin General Hospital, Bekasi Regency, as participants. After being selected, these subjects were systematically analyzed in both singular and joint approaches using SPSS version 25. The results supported the study's initial hypothesis that dark chocolate can alleviate menstrual pain. The statistical test results used confirm a significant effect of dark chocolate on dysmenorrhea, demonstrating a fundamental link between the consumption of dark chocolate and the easing of menstrual pain in subjects.

A Systematic Review published in 2023 in the journal Modern Care Journal found that Saffron shows promising improvements in dealing with women's health issues related to labor, childbirth, premenstrual syndrome and menopause. For the methodology, the investigators implemented a systematic review by utilizing the PICO process to explore various databases like PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, among others, until February 2023. A strategically designed search was conducted using a set of keywords related to saffron and women's health conditions. From a pool of 164 articles, 20 randomized controlled trials that met the minimum score based on the Jadad scale were included in the study. In terms of results, the investigation revealed that saffron holds positive impacts on labor and childbirth, such as enhancing Bishop's score, fostering labor progression, and reducing labor pain intensity and fatigue. Moreover, it helps with episiotomy healing and ameliorates mood swings and psychological symptoms associated with menopause and premenstrual syndrome. The study also acknowledges some influence of saffron on postpartum depression.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2023 in the journal Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan significantly reduced menstrual pain in primary dysmenorrhea patients with heat-burning blood-stasis syndrome, without notable adverse effects. In the methodology, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Eligible patients suffering from primary dysmenorrhea with heat-burning blood-stasis syndrome were randomly placed into two groups – one received Guizhi Fuling Wan, the other a placebo, administered twice daily across three menstrual cycles, with a 3-month follow-up. The primary measurement was the change in pain intensity from the beginning to the 6th month, gauged by using a Visual Analog Scale. In the discussion of results, data showed that the pain intensity (measured using Visual Analog Scale) significantly decreased in the Guizhi Fuling Wan group compared to the placebo over the 6 month period. Secondary measurements also indicated a greater reduction in Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores in the Guizhi Fuling Wan group compared to the placebo. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups when measuring the Self-rating Depression Scale. Furthermore, no serious adverse events were observed during the trial.

A Review Article published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients found that Green tea helps alleviate symptoms in multiple benign gynecological disorders, primarily due to a compound called Epigallocatechin-3-gallate. The paper reviews the role of the compound Epigallocatechin-3-gallate found in green tea, and its effects on various benign gynecological conditions. The compound is noted for its antioxidant and prooxidant qualities, allowing it to interact with multiple cellular pathways that are crucial for disease pathogenesis. The studied conditions include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, adenomyosis, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome. The research accounts for the specific mechanisms through which the compound might affect each condition, such as anti-fibrotic, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic mechanisms. The results suggest that green tea consumption can lead to improved symptom management in these disorders. It was found to lessen the intensity of symptoms associated with uterine fibroids and endometriosis, by invoking anti-fibrotic, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic mechanisms. It also helped manage pain linked with dysmenorrhea and adenomyosis through reducing uterine contractility and widely felt pain. Additionally, it showed efficacy in weight and osteoporosis control during menopause, and showed potential benefits in managing polycystic ovary syndrome. However, claims regarding its influence on fertility were deemed controversial.

A Cohort Study published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients found that Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea component, showed potential in treating uterine fibroids and associated infertility without causing liver toxicity or folate deficiency. The study involved the pre-testing of a green tea substance known as Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on a cohort of premenopausal women, aged 18 to 40, with and without uterine fibroids, in order to evaluate its safety. The subjects were randomized into three groups, each receiving different treatments. One group took just a daily dose of 800 mg of EGCG, one group combined this EGCG dose with 100 mg of Clomiphene citrate for five days, and the third group combined it with 5 mg of Letrozole for the same period. The results showed that none of the subjects displayed signs of drug-induced liver injury, and all had normal serum folate levels. Hence, the findings suggest that the daily intake of 800mg of EGCG, whether consumed alone or in combination with Clomiphene citrate or Letrozole for five days, is well-tolerated and not related to any liver toxicity or folate deficiency in women of reproductive age.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal European Journal of Integrative Medicine found that Both dark chocolate and music medicine significantly reduced menstrual pain and anxiety in young women with period pain. Mean menstrual pain intensity and mean anxiety level in the dark chocolate and music group decreased significantly after the intervention. No significant difference was observed in the control group. The difference between menstrual pain intensity and anxiety levels of the groups was tested by analysis of variance, and the standardized effect size calculated at 95% confidence level, and α = 0.05 was 0.35 and 0.42, respectively.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Journal of Integrative Medicine found that Acupuncture, when used in conjunction with medicine or alone, appears to improve certain PCOS outcomes such as ovulation rate and recovery of menstrual cycle. This overview consolidates existing systematic reviews (SRs) on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Methodological quality, risk of bias, and confidence in evidence were assessed from these SRs to guide clinical practice and future research directions. However, due to the inconsistency and low quality of evidence, a definitive conclusion regarding the benefits of acupuncture for PCOS remains elusive. Notably, though all included SRs suggest potential benefits, their conclusions are undermined by defects in individual SRs and the limited reliability of evidence. Acupuncture, when used in conjunction with medicine or alone, appears to improve certain PCOS outcomes such as ovulation rate and recovery of menstrual cycle. Adverse events are mild, and while some evidence points to favorable effects on various outcomes, confidence remains too low to draw firm conclusions. The review highlights methodological shortcomings in SRs' assessments and calls for robust future studies. These studies should feature pre-registered protocols, comprehensive literature retrieval, detailed statistical methods, thorough reporting of trial characteristics and funding sources, and strategies to address bias and heterogeneity. In spite of potential benefits, the current evidence's poor quality and inconsistencies necessitate further high-quality research to establish acupuncture's effectiveness and safety for PCOS definitively.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that In women with polycystic ovary syndrome, cinnamon reduced insulin resistance and testosterone levels similar to metformin, and ginger decreased follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. In the methodology of the study, 100 women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome were divided into four groups. Each group received a different treatment: cinnamon, ginger, metformin, or placebo. The dosage for these treatments was 500 mg, three times a day, administered over a period of 8 weeks. The participants' sex hormones, weight revelations, along with glycemic and lipid markers were monitored before and after this period. Several participants were disqualified because of unspecified factors, resulting in a final sample size of 83. In terms of results, all groups saw a decrease in weight and body mass index. The metformin and cinnamon groups specifically had notably decreases in their insulin resistance, meaning that these treatments were effective in improving metabolic health. Additionally, the ginger group experienced a reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels unlike the other groups. Testosterone levels were lowered in the metformin and cinnamon groups, but no significant changes in dehydroepiandrosterone were observed in any of the groups. These results indicate the potential use of cinnamon and ginger as alternative treatments in managing polycystic ovary syndrome.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal Menopause found that A diet low in fat, vegan, and inclusive of daily cooked soybeans significantly reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The methodology used involved the selection of 84 postmenopausal women who reported at least two moderate-to-severe hot flashes. These women were randomly divided into two cohorts, one prescribed the dietary intervention of a low-fat, vegan diet coupled with daily servings of cooked soybeans and a control group which did not alter their diet. Over a 12-week period, a mobile application was used to track hot flashes in terms of frequency and severity. Further, the participants’ vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual symptoms were assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. In some participants, the presence of urinary equol, a compound formed in the gut after consuming soy, was measured following the intake of the specified amount of soybeans for 3 days. In discussing the results, a remarkable decrease was noted in the frequency and severity of hot flashes experienced by the group assigned the dietary intervention versus those in the control group. In addition, after 12 weeks, half of the participants adhering to the vegan diet and daily soy intake reported complete cessation of moderate-to-severe hot flashes. Furthermore, notable decreases were reported in the intervention group in menopause-specific quality of life domains including vasomotor, physical, and sexual. Neither the season nor the participant's ability to produce equol played a notable role in these improvements.

A Experimental Study published in 2022 in the journal Morphologie found that Pomegranate juice extract may reduce the damage to the endometrium in Polycystic ovary syndrome through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-proliferative effects. To test the possible benefits of pomegranate juice extract (PJE) on endometrial injury in Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), forty adult albino rats were divided into four groups, control, PJE-treated, letrozole-treated (PCOS), and PJE & PCOS groups. The respective treatments were administered for a duration of three weeks. Serum and tissue samples were assayed for Follicle-stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone, testosterone, estradiol, and malondialdehyde. Uterine samples were also tested using a range of histological staining techniques and a scanning electron microscope. In the rat model of PCOS, significant increases in certain biochemical indicators in serum samples were observed while uterine sections showed numerous alterations to the endometrium, signs of inflammation and an increase in the endometrial collagen fiber content. Additionally, there was increased expression of certain immunohistochemical staining markers and a decrease in the mean number of pinopodes observed through scanning electron microscopy. However, these various potentially harmful biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical alterations were efficiently reduced with the administration of PJE. This points towards the potential benefits of PJE in addressing and potentially reducing endometrial injury associated with PCOS.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology found that PCOS patients suggests that combining acupuncture with metformin might enhance pregnancy and ovulation rates, as well as improve insulin resistance. The study initially screened 330 relevant articles, eventually including nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria. These trials encompassed 1,159 patients with PCOS who underwent acupuncture or acupuncture combined with metformin treatment. Using the GRADE method, a "Summary of Findings" table was employed to evaluate the quality of evidence for various outcome measures. The main results indicated that acupuncture combined with metformin exhibited superiority over metformin alone in terms of pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, and HOMA-IR (insulin resistance). Subgroup analysis highlighted that diagnostic criteria and random methods contributed to heterogeneity in results. However, the evidence's quality was predominantly low or very low due to study limitations, inconsistencies, and imprecisions. The intervention measures, such as acupuncture methods and treatment parameters, varied substantially among studies. Challenges in contacting original authors and incomplete information posed further limitations. The study suggested potential improvements in pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, and HOMA-IR with acupuncture combined with metformin, but these findings were subject to uncertainties related to diagnostic criteria and overall evidence quality. Consequently, the conclusive efficacy of acupuncture combined with metformin for treating PCOS remains uncertain due to the dearth of high-quality research. The study called for well-designed and well-executed RCTs to address this question under standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols for acupuncture and metformin.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal Journal of Asian Multicultural Research for Medical and Health Science Study found that Honey, combined with Iron (Fe), effectively enhances hemoglobin levels and reduces oxidative stress markers in anemic expectant mothers. This quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design involved 30 pregnant women divided into two groups: one receiving Fe (Control Group) and the other Honey + Fe (Intervention Group) for 60 days. Blood and urine analyses revealed a remarkable increase in hemoglobin levels in the Honey + Fe group (2.80 ± 0.26 g/dl), surpassing the Fe control group (0.80 ± 0.13 g/dl). Moreover, the Intervention Group demonstrated a notable decrease in 8-Ohdg levels (-4.23 ± 1.32 nmol/ml, p = 0.031), indicating reduced oxidative stress, while the Fe control group exhibited less significant changes (2.98 ± 1.30 nmol/ml, p = 0.322). Independent T Test confirmed the Honey + Fe group's superior effectiveness in increasing hemoglobin levels and decreasing 8-Ohdg levels in anemic pregnant women (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). The study underscores the synergistic benefits of honey and iron supplementation in enhancing hemoglobin levels and mitigating oxidative stress among anemic pregnant women. The robust findings, supported by statistical significance, emphasize the potential clinical relevance of incorporating honey into anemia management strategies, offering a more effective approach compared to iron supplementation alone.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2022 in the journal Nutrition Research found that Green tea supplementation can significantly reduce body weight in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, hence potentially beneficial in its clinical management. The research carried out was a systematic review of randomized controlled trials that focused on women with polycystic ovary syndrome, examining the effects of green tea supplementation versus a placebo. Relevant studies were sourced from electronic databases such as MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE via Elsevier, Cochrane Library, LILACS via BVS, and Web of Science using specific terms related to the illness and green tea. Criteria for the evaluation included effects on body weight, fasting insulin, body mass index, body fat percentage, daily caloric intake, waist and hip circumference, and the waist/hip ratio. Among the studies considered, there were a total of 169 women, with 85 allocated to the green tea group and 84 to the placebo group. It became apparent that there was a significant reduction in body weight for the group that received green tea supplementation. This leans towards the potential of green tea to be beneficial in the management of this syndrome.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal BMC Research Notes found that The intake of date palm enhances the sexual function in infertile couples. The research employed a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial approach involving infertile couples who frequented infertility clinics in Iran in 2019. The intervention group was administered with a capsule of date palm, while the control group was given a placebo. The data on the sexual function of the subjects was gathered using the female sexual function index and the International Index of Erectile function. All areas of sexual function in both males and females, which include erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, arousal, lubrication, and pain during intercourse, showed a significant enhancement in the group that consumed date palm in contrast to the control group. This study continued for a month and it demonstrated that date palm indeed has a favorable effect on the sexual functioning of infertile couples.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal Evidence-Based Practice found that Chamomile was found to be less effective than mefenamic acid for relieving cyclic menstrual pain. In the methodology deployed, the researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of chamomile and mefenamic acid in treating menstrual pain. The patients involved in the study were randomly assigned to receive either chamomile or mefenamic acid as a form of treatment for their cyclic menstrual discomfort. In the subsequent discussion of results, it was determined that chamomile was not as effective as mefenamic acid in alleviating menstrual pain. The patients who were administered chamomile did not experience as much relief from their discomfort as those who were given mefenamic acid. Despite chamomile's widely acknowledged health benefits, in this case, it did not prove as successful as the more traditional treatment method in providing sufficient pain relief.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Four weeks' treatment with pomegranate supplement greatly helps in alleviating menopausal symptoms and enhancing the quality of life in menopausal women. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a total of 78 healthy women were selected to study the effects of pomegranate on menopausal symptoms. The participants were interviewed at three different stages: before receiving either the pomegranate supplement or placebo, after the completion of the treatment, and again after a period of three weeks wherein no intervention was given. The women were asked to fill out a series of questionnaires to provide their demographic information, and to assess their menopausal symptoms and their menopause-specific quality of life. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the quality of life and menopausal symptoms of the women from the pomegranate group, as opposed to the placebo group. These improvements were consistent as shown by the significant changes in their responses to the questionnaires before and after the treatment. In addition, it was observed that the positive effects of the pomegranate treatment were still evident even after four weeks of no medical intervention. This suggests the beneficial and prolonged effects of pomegranate in managing menopausal symptoms and enhancing the quality of life in menopausal women.

A Systematic Review published in 2022 in the journal Medicine found that High prevalence of insomnia, anxiety, and depression among perimenopausal women, emphasizing the importance of exploring acupuncture as a potential green therapy for effectively addressing these interconnected issues. This passage discusses the prevalence of insomnia among perimenopausal women, its association with anxiety and depression, and the potential of acupuncture as a green therapy for treating these issues. The passage outlines the objectives and methods of a systematic review aiming to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in improving sleep quality and alleviating anxiety and depression in perimenopausal women, highlighting the need for safer alternatives to conventional medications and the significance of such a study.

A Experimental Study published in 2022 in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that Si Wu Tang has improved menstrual symptoms by increasing estradiol content and antioxidative effects as a result of its herbs' synergistic relationships. In the methodology of the study, a testosterone-treated MCF-7 cell model was employed to determine the effects of each herb in the SWT formula. Key metrics that were considered included the regulation of estradiol, antioxidative effects, and the total polyphenol and polysaccharide contents as quality markers. The study also explored the potential ability of certain elements within the formula to act as an aromatase promoter, notably catalpol and other elements. In terms of results, certain herbs in SWT such as catalpol showed an ability to significantly increase estradiol content and boost upregulation in cell culture, indicating their role as potential aromatase promoters within the formula. Antioxidant activity was also strong in other compounds like pentagalloylglucose, gallic acid, and ferulic acid. These antioxidative effects were attributed to the presence of polyphenols in the herbs. Furthermore, the herb with the strongest antioxidant effects could possibly help ameliorate menstrual disorder patterns due to its ability to prevent ROS damage to the ovaries.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2022 in the journal Nutrition Research and Practice found that Isoflavone supplementation noticeably impacts menopausal symptoms and hormonal changes in postmenopausal women. In order to examine isoflavones effects on menopausal symptoms and the associated hormonal alterations, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. To do this, the PubMed and EMBASE databases were used, but the selected studies were restricted to random controlled trials (RCTs) assessing isoflavone supplementation's impact on menopausal symptoms. Overall, 11 studies were chosen for the final quantitative evaluation, and the isoflavone intervention amount varied among these studies. The Meta-analysis displayed that supplementing isoflavones meaningfully increased estradiol levels and the Kupperman index (a composite scoring of multiple menopausal symptoms intensity). Yet, there were no significant impacts observed on hot flashes, or the release of two specific hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. It should be noted that there was a significant inconsistency in estradiol levels and Kupperman index findings among different studies.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that Acupuncture's potential in reducing menopausal hot flush frequency compared to sham acupuncture, and its similarity in impacting hormone levels to hormone therapy. This study aimed to assess acupuncture's effectiveness and safety in treating menopausal hot flushes and its impact on hormone levels. Through meta-analyses of thirteen randomized controlled trials involving 1784 patients, it found that acupuncture reduced hot flush frequency compared to sham acupuncture, but didn't affect end scores of frequency or severity. Acupuncture demonstrated hormone level effects similar to hormone therapy. However, due to limited trial quality and quantity, further high-quality trials are necessary for definitive conclusions.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2021 in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology found that Tea supplements, especially green tea, significantly decrease fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels and reduce body weight in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching published literature in different databases from 1985 to September 2021. The data from randomized controlled trials were extracted to assess the effectiveness of tea versus placebo in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Weighted mean differences were pooled using a random-effects model. A total of six trials with 235 participants were included in this review. The study resulted in finding that consumption of tea supplements improved body weight, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin more significantly when compared with a placebo. Notably, green tea was effective on body weight, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, and certain reproductive hormone indexes. The therapy was also found to be safely tolerated by the patients. It's important to note that tea had significant effects on fasting blood glucose and hormone levels in trials with intervention duration of 3 months or more. Differences were noticed among Asian and Caucasian PCOS patients regarding the effect of tea on weight and fasting insulin.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2021 in the journal The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that A combined treatment of soy and hop extract is a safe and effective alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy for improving postmenopausal symptoms. In this double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, researchers administered a combination of soy and hop extract to 78 postmenopausal women with moderate to severe symptoms. Conducted in the gynecological outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital, all subjects had modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) scores over 20. Participants either received the treatment or a placebo, as the researchers sought to evaluate their menopausal symptoms over the course of 12 weeks. The changes to their menopausal symptoms were tracked through self-reported KMI scores at multiple intervals. They also gauged measures such as the serum levels of bone metabolism markers, ultrasonographic parameters, hormone profiles, and safety assurances, amongst others. In terms of test results, after undergoing the 12-week treatment, the group receiving the combined soy and hop extract saw more considerable improvements in their symptoms compared to the placebo group. They particularly noted notable enhancements in conditions like fatigue, paresthesia, arthralgia, and myalgia, palpitations, and vaginal dryness. Lowered increases in urine N-telopeptide, a biomarker for bone metabolism, were observed in treatment group participants aged 50 and older. Meanwhile, endometrial thickness and hormonal profiles did not display any significant shifts in either group. Importantly, throughout the trial, no harmful side effects or events arose, speaking to the safety of the treatment.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2021 in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that Curcumin supplements have comparable effects to placebos in alleviating symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome and dysmenorrhea in young women. In the methodology of this study, a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was carried out. Women who were affected by both Premenstrual Syndrome and dysmenorrhea were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the curcumin or placebo group. Participants were given a capsule, containing either 500mg of curcuminoid or a placebo, once daily, starting from 7 days before menstruation and continuing till three days after menstruation. This was maintained for three continuous menstrual cycles. As per the results, upon the completion of the trial, both the curcumin and placebo groups witnessed a significant decrease in the severity of Premenstrual Syndrome and dysmenorrhea symptoms, as evident by a decrease in the scores of the Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Tool and the visual analog scale. Therefore, curcumin was found to have similar effects to the placebo, in terms of relieving symptoms of both Premenstrual Syndrome and dysmenorrhea.

A Clinical Study published in 2021 in the journal Gynecological Endocrinology found that Simultaneous administration of vitamin D and Epigallocatechin gallate significantly reduces the size of uterine fibroids in premenopausal women, and decreases menstrual flow duration. In this study, 16 premenopausal women with uterine fibroids of varying sizes aged over 40 years old were given doses of Epigallocatechin gallate, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin D daily for 90 days. The women were selected based on specific criteria including their fibroid size and lack of other causes for abnormal uterine bleeding. Each woman kept a detailed daily diary recording details about their bleeding and pelvic pain. The analysis of the data revealed that there was a noteworthy decrease in both the average size of fibroids for each woman and the size of individual fibroids. This effect was especially pronounced in women with predominantly intramural fibroids in comparison to subserosal fibroids. While menstrual cycle duration and intensity did not change, the length of menstrual flow was decreased. Uterine and ovarian volume as well as endometrial thickness did not exhibit any significant changes. The treatment was generally highly satisfactory to the participants, with no adverse effects reported.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Journal of Ovarian Research found that Cinnamon supplementation may significantly enhance metabolic status in women with polycicstic ovary syndrome, notably improving high-density lipoprotein and insulin sensitivity, and decreasing low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and blood glucose levels. The systematic review employed a PICO framework where the population was subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the intervention was oral cinnamon supplement, the comparison group was either a control or a placebo group, and the outcome measured were changes in inflammatory, oxidative stress, lipid profile, glycemic, hormonal and anthropometric parameters, and ovarian function. To gather relevant research studies, databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were searched right from their inception until January 2020 using specific, relevant keywords. Out of the initial 266 studies found, only nine met the criteria for evaluation. The types of studies considered for this review included all clinical trials, animal studies, and english-language journal studies. The results showed a promising improvement in metabolic status in PCOS patients with cinnamon supplementation. This was shown through increased high-density lipoprotein and insulin sensitivity, and a decrease in low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and blood glucose levels in these patients. However, the impact of cinnamon on body weight and body mass index was inconsistent across the studies. Similarly, while the studies showed improved results regarding the effects of cinnamon on oxidative stress and ovarian function, the specific mechanisms behind these effects still need to be fully elucidated. Future studies should focus on observing clinical changes after cinnamon supplementation in PCOS through clinical trials with higher doses of cinnamon and a longer duration of intervention.

A Experimental Study published in 2021 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that The Licorice and Jujube formula is seen as commonly used and potentially effective for treating menopausal symptoms as per classical Chinese medicine. The methodology of this study involved exploring classical Chinese medicine textbooks to find the most frequent herbal mix used for symptoms similar to menopause. The approach taken was to sort and identify the formulas from the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a comprehensive resource in this field. Following this, a thorough review of randomized controlled trials was performed in order to determine the efficacy of the most common formula. In terms of results, it was discovered that the Licorice and Jujube formula (LJF) was the most commonly found, mentioned in 36% of the analyzed references. The review of controlled trials revealed that the LJF might be effectively utilized for the improvement of sleep-related symptoms. Additionally, experimental studies hinted at potential benefits of the LJF, including sedative, antidepressant-like, estrogenic, and antiprogestogenic effects.

A published in 2021 in the journal Nutrients found that Moderate daily consumption of beer, both with and without alcohol, can significantly alleviate menopause-related symptoms and improve cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women. In the research, 37 postmenopausal women were voluntarily put through a parallel controlled intervention trial, involving three study groups. The trial involved 16 women consuming beer with alcohol (330 mL/day), 7 women consuming non-alcoholic beer (660 mL/day), and 14 women as control. In assessing the results, it was found that both interventions, beer with and without alcohol, substantially reduced the severity of menopause-associated symptoms. Specifically, beer with alcohol positively contributed to reducing psychological discomforts linked to menopause when compared to the control group. It was additionally noted that these beneficial effects could be traced to the non-alcoholic section of the beer, as the sex hormone profile remained largely unchanged across the different study groups. In addition, the group that consumed non-alcoholic beer conveyed improvements in their lipid profiles and exhibited lower blood pressure levels, indicating better cardiovascular health.

A Review Article published in 2021 in the journal Metabolites found that The date palm enhances both male and female fertility parameters through its nutritional attributes and antioxidant functionality. The research conducted a thorough review of the role of date palm in treating infertility. The health benefits of date palm and its varied components were explored, with a focus on their effects on reproductive parameters in both sexes. The comprehensive review shed light on how the substantial nutrients and antioxidant features of date palm can be beneficial for people dealing with infertility. In men, the study found direct links between consumption of date palm and improved hormonal levels alongside notable enhancements in seminal vesicle parameters and sperm quality. For women, this natural remedy showed a positive impact on the process of oogenesis, hormone regulation, and improving pregnancy outcomes. The focus was on the potential of date fruit as a natural enhancer of fertility, downplaying the role of any synthetic or invasive medical interventions. The study thus testifies to the innovative use of a widely available natural resource in addressing a pressing health issue.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that The addition of CHM to clomiphene may improve pregnancy rates. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for subfertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). They conducted a comprehensive search across databases and trials registries, ultimately including eight randomized controlled trials with 609 participants. The trials compared various interventions, such as CHM versus clomiphene, CHM plus clomiphene versus clomiphene alone, CHM plus other treatments versus those treatments alone. The evidence quality was generally very low, and the primary outcome of live birth rate was not reported. While some comparisons suggested potential benefits, such as the addition of CHM to clomiphene leading to higher pregnancy rates, the overall uncertainty and lack of consistent evidence hindered conclusive findings. The study underscores the need for well-designed trials focusing on live birth rates and safety indicators in assessing the use of CHM for subfertile women with PCOS.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Medicine found that Acupuncture can effectively improve the post voided residual urine, maximal cystometric capacity, and bladder capacity for first voiding desire values of patients with urinary retention after hysterectomy. There is insufficient evidence that acupuncture can increase the patient's MFR, BR, and UIR. However, acupuncture can effectively improve the PVR, maximal cystometric capacity, and bladder capacity for first voiding desire values of patients with urinary retention after hysterectomy. Although limited due to the quality and methodological limitations of the included studies, acupuncture can still be used as an effective and safe treatment for women with urinary retention after hysterectomy.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found that Phytoestrogens, used in various forms, have shown improvement in urogenital menopause symptoms and improved women's sexual function, promoting overall quality of life. A thorough and systematic review was conducted on databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Scopus and ProQuest, spanning from the years 2000-2020. The focus was solely on randomized clinical trials. An evaluation of the quality of selected papers was carried out using the CONSORT checklist. In total, 33 high-quality papers were reviewed which discussed the different forms and uses of phytoestrogens. The results of this systematic review reveal that phytoestrogens including Pueraria Mirifica, fennel, Hop plant, Glycine Max, soy, red clover, black cohosh, ginsing, cimicifugaracemosa, genistein, diadzein, glycitein and isoflavone, used as various products such as oral capsules, pills, food supplements, enriched powders, vaginal gels, creams and suppositories, improved menopausal urogenital symptoms. Particularly, the recovery rate was found to be higher when these were applied vaginally. Further implication of these findings is the enhancement of women's sexual function following treatment, validating the use of phytoestrogens as a safe, low-risk and accessible method to alleviate urogenital symptoms.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Acupuncture alone or traditional Chinese medicines (taken orally) in combination with western medicine significantly increased the pregnancy rate of PCOS patients and CAM was more effective than western medicine alone for improving hormone levels. This review identified 13 RCTs involving 1,297 PCOS patients with abnormal endometrial status. This systematic review suggests that CAM has potential for improving endometrial thickness, endometrial type, serum hormone level, and pregnancy rate in PCOS patients. However, due to the limited quantity and the general low quality of the methodology of the included trials, more in-depth research is required before CAM can be applied more widely in clinical practice. Thus more rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled trials should be conducted to confirm the efficacy of CAM in improving endometrial condition in PCOS patients.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2021 in the journal Reproductive BioMedicine & Society Online found that Women receiving IVF perceived that acupuncture or sham acupuncture gave them a psychological advantage through increased relaxation, reduced psychological stress, and enhanced well-being and self-efficacy. In this qualitative study, participants reported that compassionate care and an opportunity to rest during IVF, and especially following embryo transfer, had an emotionally important effect. All women in the trial underwent the same procedural practices which involved bed rest during needling, among other comforts. Some women described benefitting purely from this opportunity to rest quietly in a supportive environment amidst the maelstrom of IVF. There was also recognition that this ‘oasis’, albeit brief, was an important time for allowing the meaning of having an embryo transferred to ‘soak in’, and presented an oppportunity to ‘be in the moment’.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that Isoflavones found in soybeans can reduce risks of certain cancers and alleviate menopause-related symptoms among women, such as vasomotor syndromes, spinal bone loss, and hypertension. The study overviewed soybeans' chemical composition and focused mainly on isoflavones. The research examined the processes of soybean preparation that includes cleaning, drying, crushing, and dehulling, and extraction methods to derive various soy products, particularly focusing on isoflavones - daidzein, genistein, and S-equol. Various soy products such as refined soy oil, soy lecithin, free fatty acids, glycerol, and soybean meal were discussed, along with the presence of the minor biological constituents in remaining components. The study explored the relationship between isoflavone consumption and disease prevention, particularly in relation to heart disease, cancer incidence—of the breast, bladder, and endometrial and colorectal—and menopause-related symptoms. The therapeutic effects of isoflavones were studied in the context of vasomotor syndromes, spinal bone loss, hypertension regulation, depressive symptoms during pregnancy, and in vitro glycemic control. In contrast, it failed to find definitive effects of isoflavones on cognition improvement and urogenital symptoms. The inconsistencies in defining the ingredients, doses, study durations, and outcomes of isoflavone studies proved challenging for the research.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Cureus Journal of Medical Science found that A systematic analysis indicates that ginger has a higher safety profile than NSAIDs for pain relief, with a smaller number of gastric side effects and fewer kidney risks. The use of ginger is very useful and effective as NSAIDs because of the increasing trend in the use of traditional medicine and herbal medicine, particularly for people who do not want to use chemical drugs with more side effects.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Cureus Journal of Medical Science found that Based on beneficial effects and minimal side effects, ginger may be a potential adjunct treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. This review has shown that ginger can minimize pain in one or two periods. The present analysis provides compelling proof of the impact of ginger on relieving menstrual pain. The finding in this study has verified the possibility of ginger efficacy in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, though no/small side effects have been identified and its use is associated with health benefits. Ginger is easily accessible due to its low cost. It can also be commonly used in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. The use of ginger is very useful and effective as NSAIDs because of the increasing trend in the use of traditional medicine and herbal medicine, particularly for people who do not want to use chemical drugs with more side effects. We strongly recommend that further research be performed with a greater number of patients regarding the effectiveness and protection of various doses of ginger.

A published in 2021 in the journal Frontiers in Medicine found that Adding acupuncture to conventional therapy may decrease the subsequent endometriosis risk in female rheumatoid arthritis patients. Between 1998 and 2010, female subjects with RA were recruited from a nationwide database (5,736 patients; age ≥20 years). Enrolled patients included 2,407 acupuncture users and 2,407 nonusers randomly selected using propensity scores. The occurrence of endometriosis was recorded through the end of 2012. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) associated with acupuncture use. Results: During the follow-up period, 35 acupuncture users and 94 non-users developed endometriosis, with incidence rates of 2.36 and 4.91 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. Acupuncture use was associated with a 55% lower endometriosis risk. Those who received high intensity acupuncture (≥15 packages) had the greatest benefit. The results of multivariable analysis demonstrated that the use of acupuncture was related to a significantly reduced risk of endometriosis. In the subgroup analysis, the medium- to high-level intensity acupuncture use was found to possibly lessen the risk of having endometriosis for more than 70%. We discovered that the post-rheumatoid arthritis acupuncture use would significantly reduce the risk of endometriosis in a dose-dependent manner.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal American Journal of Reproductive Immunology found that Various types of genital mycoplasma infections are significantly linked to female infertility. The researchers carried out a systematic review of literature to study the connection between genital mycoplasma infection and female infertility. They used three electronic databases, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL, to gather studies conducted between January 2000 and January 2020. They derived pooled odds ratios and confidence intervals from a fixed effects model to determine the likelihood of female infertility due to genital mycoplasma infection. The gathered studies showed that women suffering from infertility had higher odds of having some form of genital mycoplasma infection. The meta-analysis included a total of eight studies from six different countries. Subgroup analysis indicated a significant relation of infertility with particular infections, namely, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum. This key finding supports the development of guidelines targeting the diagnosis and treatment of these infections as a means to prevent female infertility.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Molecules found that Current evidence shows that short-term honey supplementation following surgical or physiological menopause exerts an oestrogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the female reproductive system. A systematic literature search using Scopus, MEDLINE via Ovid and Cochrane Library databases was conducted. Records were screened and identified for preclinical and clinical studies addressing the effects of HS on the FRS. Data on populations, interventions, outcomes and methodological quality were extracted. Studies were synthesised using tables and written summaries. Of the 198 identified records, six fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All six records were used for data extraction: two experimental studies using rats as the model organism and four human clinical studies of honey on female reproductive health. HS elevated the progesterone levels, restrained body weight increase, prevented uterine and vaginal atrophies in ovariectomised rats, attenuated symptoms of candidiasis and improved oxidative status in patients.

A Experimental Study published in 2021 in the journal JBRA Assisted Reproduction found that Pomegranate seed oil, rich in conjugated linolenic acid, potentially acts as a cytotoxic agent on tissue tumor cells, reducing polycystic ovary syndrome manifestations. First, data for this study was collected from several databases including the Cochran library, Medline, PubMed, SID, and Science Direct. Keyword searches incorporating phrases such as "medicinal plants", "polycystic ovary syndrome", "plant", "pomegranate extract", and "menstrual irregularities" were used to uncover relevant articles spanning from 1985 to 2021. The focus of the research was to investigate the impact of pomegranate seed oil, particularly its conjugated linolenic acid (CLN) content, on polycystic ovary syndrome, a prevalent endocrine disorder among women. The results revealed that CLN, found abundantly in pomegranate seed oil, had been previously reported to exert a potent cytotoxic effect on tumor tissue cells within the body. This characteristic placed CLN as a potential agent in predenting cancer, lowering LDL cholesterol in the blood, reducing triacylglycerol accumulation in the liver, and importantly, mitigating the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome. Alongside this, the research also underscored the beneficial effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), another group of linoleic acid isomers, in cancer growth inhibition, risk reduction of atherosclerosis, and body fat decrease.

A Experimental Study published in 2021 in the journal Gaceta Sanitaria found that Ginger honey supplementation does not reduce cortisol levels, however, it significantly increases glutathione and estrogen levels in test mice. The methodology involved an in vivo pretest-posttest control group design study conducted on 2-3 month old female Balb/c mice, selected due to not having experienced conception. These mice were split into a negative control and an intervention group, the latter receiving 28mg/20g body weight of ginger honey for 14 days. Prior to the supplementation, the mice were subjected to swimming-induced stress. Cortisol, glutathione, and estrogen levels were assessed using the ELISA testing method. In the discussion of results, the findings indicated that 14 days of ginger honey supplementation did not significantly affect cortisol levels in the female mice. Contrastingly, a considerable boost was observed in both glutathione and estrogen levels. This suggests a potential role for ginger honey supplements as complementary therapies, though not for the management of cortisol-related stress.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal BioMed Research International found that Endometriosis and Adenomyosis can have impact on miscarriage risk in pregnancy. The study analyzed 39 publications involving 697,984 women to assess the impact of endometriosis (EMS) and adenomyosis (AD) on miscarriage risk. Women with EMS showed increased miscarriage risk in spontaneous conception (SC), but similar risk in assisted reproductive technology (ART) compared to tubal infertility. AD was associated with higher miscarriage risk in ART. Sensitivity analyses supported these conclusions. EMS staging did not significantly alter miscarriage risk. Early-stage EMS showed higher early abortion risk. No significant associations were found between EMS and low birthweight, placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, or preeclampsia. EMS correlated with higher odds of antepartum hemorrhage, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm birth, placenta praevia, and stillbirth. SUP and DIE were linked to increased miscarriage risk, while OMA showed no significant association. The findings suggest the need for closer monitoring and follow-up for pregnant women with EMS or AD, particularly in early pregnancy. Standardized recording of EMS types, stages, and miscarriage timing is recommended for future studies.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal European Journal of Integrative Medicine found that Compared with western medicine, acupuncture significantly increased the pregnancy and ovulation rates, as well as reducing the rate of miscarriages among Chinese women with infertility. Twenty-four eligible RCTs (n=2095) were included in this review. The NMA data showed that warm acupuncture had the highest chances of increasing the rate of pregnancy while acupuncture most positively affected the ovulation rate. On the other hand, a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion had the most significant improvement in endometrial thickness and could reduce the rate of pregnancy loss.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing found that Modified Tao-Hong Siwu Tang (MTST) appears more effective than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and a combination of Tao-Hong Siwu Tang with oral contraceptives (OCs) offers benefits over OCs alone for treating primary dysmenorrhea. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Tao-Hong Siwu Tang (TST) in treating primary dysmenorrhea. Conducted across various databases, the review identified five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed suggestive evidence that modified TST (MTST) might have a favorable effect compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in managing primary dysmenorrhea (RR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.37–1.72), with one RCT indicating MTST's superiority in reducing recurrence rates (RR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.15–0.63, P = 0.001). Furthermore, combining TST with oral contraceptives (OCs) appeared beneficial compared to OCs alone (RR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.02–1.79, P = 0.04). However, moderate evidence quality due to bias uncertainties and limited RCTs highlighted the need for cautious interpretation. The study emphasized the demand for alternative treatments, given NSAID and OC limitations, while stressing the need for rigorous large-scale trials to clarify TST's role in primary dysmenorrhea management.

A Review Article published in 2020 in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that Herbal medicines were shown to normalize female hormones, diminish male hormones, recover the estrous cycle, ameliorate insulin resistance, and improve lipid metabolism in PCOS. In this review, a total of 27 studies involving 22 herbal medicines exhibited beneficial effects on PCOS. Herbal interventions in the 27 studies comprised four compounds isolated from herbs (6 studies), nine individual herbal extracts (11 studies), and nine herbal formula decoctions (10 studies). Herbal medicines were shown to normalize female hormones, diminish male hormones, recover the estrous cycle, ameliorate insulin resistance, and improve lipid metabolism in PCOS. The mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of herbal medicines on PCOS are associated with anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, inhibition of autophagy and/or apoptosis, and ovarian NGF reduction. Chinese herbal medicines can be considered as promising resources in the development of effective therapeutic agents for PCOS.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2020 in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that Concentrated pomegranate juice consumption can potentially lower cardiovascular disease risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The study used a randomized clinical approach, enrolling 44 women identified with polycystic ovary syndrome, aged 18 to 40 years and above a certain body weight index. These participants were randomly divided into two groups: one group was given concentrated pomegranate juice (CPJ), while the other served as a control. Both groups were monitored over a period of 8 weeks, with baseline measurements taken for anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters set at the onset and then compared at the end of the trial. Upon completion, the group that consumed CPJ showed reductions in blood pressure and serum triglyceride levels — a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. There was also an increase in the amount of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (good cholesterol) and a decrease in the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio. However, an increase was observed in levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (bad cholesterol). No adverse events or complications arose from CPJ consumption during the study period.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Journal of International Medical Research found that For primary dysmenorrhoea, cinnamon/fennel/ginger effectively reduced pain intensity, and cinnamon shortened the duration of pain. Nine studies with 647 patients were selected. Compared with the results in the control group, pain intensity was significantly relieved in the trial group when assessed by the intervention, observation period, and study quality. Pain duration was significantly shorter in the trial group. No publication bias was observed for either outcome.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Clinical trials categorize botanical parts of date palm as being most effective in eight different areas such as obstetrics, oncology, and endocrinology. In the study, a comprehensive review was conducted on all types of clinical trials (including randomized, pilot, quasi-experimental, cross-over, and non-randomized) assessing the clinical impacts of date palm for the period between 2000 to August 2019. These trials were sourced from both English and Persian language papers. The methodological quality of these trials was scrutinized based on the risk of bias assessment laid out by the Cochrane handbook of systematic reviews and subsequently, results were reported via the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. The study saw twenty-six research works fitting the criteria set for inclusion. These studies spanned across eight categories based on the varied botanical derivatives of the date palm. These categories consisted of fields like obstetrics, gynecology, oncology, dermatology, hematology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, metabolism, and infertility. However, there were concerns raised regarding existing biases in trial conduction, with about 80% of the studies indicating performance and detection bias, roughly half indicating selection bias, and about 20% indicating attrition and reporting bias. Regardless, these clinical trials provide useful insights into the possible health benefits of various date palm components.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal International Urogynecology Journal found that Antenatal perineal massage reduces severe perineal trauma and postpartum complications. This meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials involving 3467 patients found that antenatal perineal massage significantly reduces the risk of perineal tears and episiotomy, especially severe tears. Additionally, it leads to shorter second-stage labor, less postpartum perineal pain, and improved wound healing. While some heterogeneity and publication bias were noted, this study supports the routine recommendation of antenatal perineal massage for labor preparation, emphasizing its benefits in reducing perineal trauma and improving obstetric outcomes. Further research with larger sample sizes is encouraged to confirm these findings and explore additional benefits, such as postpartum sexual satisfaction and incontinence reduction.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Cinnamon supplementation may help manage metabolic parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome patients by reducing fasting blood sugar, insulin, LDL-C, total cholesterol, and triacylglycerol levels. In order to evaluate the effect of cinnamon supplementation on metabolic parameters of PCOS patients, relevant clinical trials were systematically reviewed and analysed. Data was collated from multiple credible databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, Scopus and Web of Science, up until August 2019. Studies were selected that provided information specifically about the impact of cinnamon supplementation on metabolic parameters amongst PCOS patients. Standard methods were used to assess heterogeneity, publication bias and sensitivity analysis with five clinical trials pooled together using a weighted mean-difference calculation. The findings of the meta-analysis showed that cinnamon supplementation does not significantly affect body weight and body mass index in PCOS patients. However, it was found that cinnamon supplementation led to a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR, along with reducing the serum levels of LDL-C, total cholesterol, and triacylglycerol. Additionally, there was an observed improvement in serum concentration of HDL-C with cinnamon supplementation. Ultimately illustrating that cinnamon supplementation may play a significant role in managing metabolic parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome patients.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2020 in the journal Jurnal Kedokteran Brawijaya found that Consuming 330 ml of green coconut water can be an effective non-pharmacological approach to alleviate dysmenorrhea pain. The study used a non-pharmacological, randomized controlled trial to identify the optimal dosage of green coconut water as a magnesium source for reducing dysmenorrhea pain. A group of 21 participants was evenly divided into three groups. Treatment group 1 received 330 ml of green coconut water, treatment group 2 received 165 ml of green coconut water, and the control group was given 330 ml of mineral water. Each dosage was repeated three times every 4 hours. The study relied on the Visual Analogue Scale questionnaire to assess the severity of pain experienced by the participants both before and after the administration of the assigned drinks. In the results discussion, it was identified that the group that ingested 330 ml of green coconut water experienced the most significant decrease in pain compared to the other two groups. Conversely, treatment group 2 showed only a minor reduction in dysmenorrhea pain. Meanwhile, the control group, which only consumed mineral water, did not display any notable changes in their levels of pain intensity. From these findings, it was concluded that a 330 ml dosage of green coconut water is an effective non-pharmacological treatment alternative for dysmenorrhea pain.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science found that The present study indicated that acupuncture had an advantage over hormone replacement therapy in reducing serum FSH level and increasing serum E2 level in women with premature ovarian insufficiency. Eight eligible RCTs with a total of 496 POI patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that there was a significant reduction in the basal serum FSH level and a remarkable elevation in the basal E2 level in the acupuncture group when compared with the control. Subgroup analysis showed that compared with HRT, a significant decrease in the FSH level was observed in both acupuncture alone and acupuncture plus HRT, while a remarkable elevation of E2 was only found in acupuncture plus HRT. There was no significant difference in the LH level between acupuncture and HRT, only one trial reported AMH, and no significant difference was found between acupuncture and HRT.

A published in 2020 in the journal Deutsches Arzteblatt International found that Acupuncture may be considered in patients with persistent, idiopathic vulvar pruritus. Vulvar pruritus is a complex symptom of multifactorial origin, frequently affecting the patient’s quality of life. The treatment of patients with chronic pruritus (>6 weeks) is particularly challenging and often requires a multimodal strategy with an interdisciplinary approach. Besides the elimination of potential triggers and continuous lipid-replenishing basic care, antifungal agents and glucocorticoids are paramount. Medical professionals not specialized in the field should refer patients with refractory and/or suspicious lesions to an experienced gynecologist. A specimen should be obtained by punch biopsy for histological evaluation to rule out (pre-) malignant lesions. It is central to the management of vulvar pruritus to offer a detailed discussion of the condition and treat patients with empathy. Their complaints should be taken seriously and patients should be informed about what could cause their symptoms and which treatment options are available for them.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2020 in the journal Complementary Medicine journal found that The combination of ginger and chamomile was as effective as mefenamic acid in managing dysmenorrhea pain and more efficient in reducing related symptoms. The methodology used was a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 400 female students from Arak University. Four groups of participants were created, each with 100 students. The treatments given to these groups were ginger with honey, chamomile with honey, a mix of ginger and chamomile with honey, and mefenamic acid. The participants consumed their respective treatments three times daily, starting from two days before menstruation and continuing into the first three days of the cycle, for two consecutive periods. The pain intensity, related symptoms, and bleeding were evaluated over the first three days of each cycle, both one month before treatment and two months after it. The study found that all four treatment options significantly decreased pain severity, painful days, low back pain, analgesic consumption, total symptom score, and bleeding. Again the blend of ginger and chamomile was notably better than the other treatments in lowering the total symptom score. Meanwhile, mefenamic acid was particularly effective at reducing bleeding loss. Despite these differences, there was no significant variation among the groups outside of total symptom score and bleeding loss.

A Review Article published in 2020 in the journal Biomolecules found that Avocado and soybean unsaponifiables may effectively reduce inflammation and symptoms related to osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, and menopause. The research involves summarizing various studies on the biological effects of the avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), highlighting its potent anti-inflammatory properties. The extracted ASU are a combination of elements derived from the fruits and seeds of avocados and soybeans. To understand its impact, the researchers categorized the applications of ASU in treating different conditions such as osteoarthritic pain, hip and knee osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, and menopause-related symptoms amongst postmenopausal women. The discussion revealed significant links between avocado and soybean unsaponifiables and symptom improvement in areas of osteoarthritic pain, autoimmune conditions, and postmenopause. Particularly notable is the ASU mixture's potential role as an adjunct treatment, meaning it’s meant to supplement primary treatments for such conditions. Its benefits were not only limited to physical reduction of inflammation and associated pain, but also improved mood and quality of life for postmenopausal women by significantly reducing menopause-related symptoms. The study also delves into the safety, toxicological considerations, and regulatory practices related to the use of ASU.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Journal of Pharmacopuncture found that Chamomile shows promise in alleviating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. This review examines the efficacy of chamomile in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a condition characterized by physical and psychological symptoms. Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria out of 27 identified studies. Chamomile, known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-anxiety properties, showed promise in alleviating PMS symptoms. It was compared with Mefenamic Acid (MA), placebo, and no treatment, with positive results. While existing studies suggest chamomile's effectiveness, the authors emphasize the need for further trials with diverse forms and doses, larger populations, and longer durations. Chamomile, as a readily available herbal remedy, offers potential relief for PMS symptoms in women.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that Range of herbs like Cinnamomum verum, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., and Vitex agnus-castus, which can potentially address various PCOS-related concerns such as menstrual irregularities, obesity, and insulin resistance. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition marked by metabolic and reproductive disorders. Conventional pharmaceutical treatments have limitations, leading to the exploration of complementary and alternative options. Herbal medicine, rooted in traditional Persian and Chinese practices, has been employed for gynecological and infertility issues in PCOS patients. This study aims to globally review the use of herbal medicines for PCOS. Using databases like PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus, clinical trials and Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were searched from 1990 to 2019. The findings reveal a range of herbs, including Cinnamomum verum, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., and Vitex agnus-castus, that can address various PCOS-related concerns like menstrual irregularities, ovulatory dysfunction, obesity, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism issues, and excess androgens. While some plants show promise as natural remedies, further studies are required to understand their mechanisms and ensure safety.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2019 in the journal Journal of Endocrinological Investigation found that Synbiotic pomegranate juice daily consumption for 8 weeks enhances metabolic, oxidative, inflammatory, and blood pressure outcomes in females with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. In this double-blind randomised study over 8 weeks, participants were given 300ml/day of either plain pomegranate juice, a synbiotic beverage, a synbiotic pomegranate juice, or a placebo beverage. Biochemical measures such as lipid profile, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein, as well as blood pressure were evaluated at the start and the end of the trial. Participants who consumed pomegranate juice, the synbiotic beverage or the synbiotic pomegranate juice saw positive changes in their lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers, inflammation indicators and blood pressure levels. Specifically, total cholesterol was lower for those who consumed the synbiotic beverage, while bad cholesterol (LDL-c) was reduced in the synbiotic and synbiotic pomegranate juice groups, and good cholesterol levels (HDL-c) were increased in the plain pomegranate juice and the synbiotic pomegranate juice groups. As for oxidative stress and inflammation, malondialdehyde was lower and total antioxidant capacity was increased in the pomegranate juice and synbiotic pomegranate juice groups. High sensitivity C-reactive protein decreased in the pomegranate juice group. Blood pressure was lower among those who consumed both the synbiotic pomegranate juice and plain pomegranate juice compared to those who had the placebo.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that The use of acupuncture as a monotherapy significantly improved the rate of pregnancy among the study participants compared with the use of clomiphene citrate alone. The use of acupuncture in the treatment of infertility may be an appropriate alternative for some patients. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis available to date that compares the use of acupuncture alone or together with clomiphene citrate versus clomiphene citrate alone in the treatment of anovulatory infertility. While some results were promising, their validity is limited by questionable methodological designs, lack of sufficient allocation concealment, inadequate sample sizes and limited long-term follow-up. As such, any results drawn from these studies should be interpreted with caution and applied with care to clinical practice.

A Cohort Study published in 2019 in the journal Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that Pregnant women's stature, BMI, sedentary lifestyle, as well as the regular consumption of certain foods, influence the formation and severity of striae gravidarum. The study involved 400 primiparas from the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University in Wuxi, during the period of February to October 2017. The participants were divided into two groups of 200: one with pregnant women showing signs of striae gravidarum and one without this symptom. The study considered a variety of predictive factors including their age, height, pre and post-pregnancy BMI, daily sitting time, weight gain during pregnancy, and diet on the mothers and their infant's weight. In the research results, it was observed that women who had striae gravidarum were generally shorter and had a higher BMI both before and after giving birth. Sedentary women showed a lower incidence of abdominal striae gravidarum but higher incidence of striae gravidarum on the legs, with no significant difference in hip striae gravidarum. Interestingly, the consumption of foods like honey, milk, trotters, freshwater fish, eggs, and tremella appeared to reduce the incidence of striae gravidarum. The severity of the stretch marks also varied depending on lifestyle factors.

A Network Pharmacology published in 2019 in the journal Biomedicines found that Guizhi Fuling Wan, a traditional herbal formula, can improve peripheral blood flow in menopausal hot flush sufferers, despite not changing the frequency or severity of the flushes. The methodology used in this study involved a comprehensive literature search across 20 English and Chinese databases for relative clinical and experimental studies. From the nearly 13,000 studies identified, only 46 were evaluated as relevant and thus included in the review. These articles were comprised of seven clinical studies detailing Guizhi Fuling Wan's effects on menopausal hot flushes and 35 phytochemical analysis studies that identified the 169 chemical compounds in the herbal formula. Four experimental studies were also utilized to discover the potential therapeutic effects and target proteins/cytokines related to these hot flushes. The findings indicate that Guizhi Fuling Wan, despite exhibiting no significant impact on the frequency or severity of menopausal hot flushes, may have positive effects on peripheral blood flow. The blood flow improvements were specifically noted in the fingertips, jaw, and toes. Additionally, the analysis of the herbal formula revealed 169 distinct chemical compounds. Through experimental studies, potential therapeutic effects on target proteins/cytokines - including estrogen receptor beta with genetic variation, the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor, and interleukin-8, were further highlighted. However, these therapeutic effects were inconsistent across different studies, which may be due to dosage differences and genotype variation.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports found that Breast massage eases pain and symptoms in breastfeeding problems. This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of breast massage as a treatment for breastfeeding problems. It focuses on outcomes like pain reduction, increased milk supply, and resolution of issues like blocked ducts and mastitis. While breastfeeding is crucial for infant health, rates drop, and complications like mastitis contribute. The review covers studies from 1980 to 2017, including six diverse studies. Although outcomes varied due to different interventions and small sample sizes, all reported reduced pain. However, lack of detailed technique explanation and training hinder replicability. This research is valuable for healthcare professionals, suggesting a need for standardized measurement tools and more robust trials.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Medicine found that Acupuncture and its combined therapy may be effective for treating female infertility, however, the included studies are not robust enough to draw a firm conclusion. Current evidence identified from this review suggested that acupuncture may be effective in the treatment of female infertility. The conclusion of this present review is limited by the low quality of the included studies. Future multicenter RCTs with rigorous methodological quality are needed to clarify the role of acupuncture in female infertility.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Journal of Nursing Research found that Aromatherapy enhances physio-psychological well-being in postpartum women. This systematic review encompassed 15 studies conducted in Iran, England, and the United States, involving 2,131 postpartum participants. The research focused on evaluating aromatherapy's effects on various aspects of postpartum health. Aromatherapy interventions, primarily utilizing lavender and citrus aurantium essential oils, demonstrated positive outcomes. These included relief from nipple fissure pain, improved episiotomy recovery, reduced pain and nausea after cesarean section delivery, and enhanced sleep quality. Additionally, aromatherapy showed potential in positively influencing psychological health, particularly in reducing anxiety. Lavender oil emerged as the most impactful essential oil. While promising, further comprehensive studies are needed to establish aromatherapy as a validated therapy for postpartum women.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that This systematic review shows that the overall effectiveness of acupuncture treatment of premenstrual syndrome is superior to that of sham acupuncture and related medications. Results. A total of 15 studies, comprising of 1103 cases, were included. Overall, acupuncture significantly increased the effective rate of PMS compared with medicine and sham acupuncture. Subgroup analyses showed no significant difference among different intervention time to start acupuncture treatment. Among the acupoints involved in the treatment of PMS, SP6, LR3, and RN4 were the most commonly used. The current meta-analysis reveals that acupuncture leads to better effective rate, but the intervention time has no significant effect on the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for PMS. SP6, LR3, and RN4 are the most commonly used acupoints in treating PMS. However, large-scale, case-control studies with rigorous designs are required to provide more accurate evidence.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2019 in the journal Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal found that Peppermint oil capsules may significantly reduce the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms in reproductive-age women. The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 50 high school students in Babol, Iran who were diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome. Participants were divided into two groups. One group was given Colpermin® capsules, which contained peppermint oil, while the other group was given a placebo. These were taken twice daily from the 15th day of one menstrual period to the first day of the next period across two menstrual cycles. The severity of PMS was evaluated at the first luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and again at the third luteal phase, using a 28-item PMS checklist. Over two menstrual cycles, participants who took the peppermint oil capsules experienced a more significant decrease in premenstrual syndrome scores compared to those in the placebo group. Thus, peppermint oil has demonstrated its potential as an effective treatment in managing the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms in this sample.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that Acupuncture shows promise in improving endometrial receptivity and fertility outcomes in infertile women, but further high-quality research is needed to establish its effectiveness definitively. This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving endometrial receptivity (ER) based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The review included RCTs of infertile women with low ER and excluded other causes of infertility or non-RCTs. The researchers conducted an extensive search through various databases up to August 2018 without language restrictions. After analyzing the collected data, they found evidence indicating that acupuncture may enhance pregnancy rate, embryo transfer rate, trilinear endometrium, endometrial thickness, and decrease resistive index, pulse index, and peak systolic velocity/end-diastolic blood velocity when compared with medication, sham acupuncture, or physiotherapy. However, the overall level of evidence was mostly very low or low. Despite the statistically significant results, the authors emphasize the need for more large-scale, long-term RCTs with robust methodologies to further validate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for women with low ER

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2019 in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases found that Synbiotic pomegranate juice (containing inulin and lactobacillus) can improve insulin resistance, reduce testosterone level, and aid weight loss in women suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. In this randomized, controlled, triple-blind, parallel trial study, patients diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (92 in total) were grouped into four groups of 23. The three treatment groups received 2 litres of synbiotic pomegranate juice (SPJ), pomegranate juice (PJ), and a synbiotic beverage (SB) on a weekly basis. The control group was given a placebo beverage weekly. The primary focus of this trial was to observe any changes in insulin resistance, with secondary outcomes including fasting blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, body mass index, and waist and hip circumference comparisons, from baseline to the end of the trial. After finishing the trial, analyses of the remaining 86 patients indicated noticeable improvement in insulin resistance, mainly in the SPJ and SB groups. The same groups also showed a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and an overall decrease in insulin. The SPJ and SB groups also saw significant reductions in body mass index, weight, and waist circumference. Lastly, there was a noteworthy decrease in testosterone levels within the SPJ and SB groups. However, no significant changes were found in fasting plasma glucose, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone in any of the groups.

A Experimental Study published in 2019 in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that Extract of pumpkin seeds displays estrogenic properties, potentially offering a solution to alleviate symptoms of menopausal syndromes resulting from estrogen deficiency. In the study, scientists conduct in vitro analysis using a colorimetric-based assay on kidney cells derived from Chinese hamsters. Furthermore, they perform in vivo experiments involving 7-week old female rats that were specially prepared to model menopausal conditions. These rats are split into differing groups, each receiving a different dosage of pumpkin seed extract. Other observable parameters include uterine weight, condition of mammary glands, serum lipid levels, and bone density measured after a period of 30 days. The researchers also utilize a computer-based technique called molecular docking to investigate how certain active compounds in the pumpkin seed extract respond to estrogen receptors. Separately, this study indicates the pumpkin seed extract's positive impact on uterine weight and mammary gland health in rats, demonstrating properties similar to the hormone 17β-estradiol. Additionally, consumption of the extract led to improved lipid profile - with increased levels of good cholesterol and decreased bad cholesterol- and improved bone density. The study suggests that these beneficial results align with the growth of bone-building cells and decrease in bone-resorbing cells. The digital validation confirms the strength of interactions between active compounds found in the extract and the estrogen receptors.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Reproductive BioMedicine Online found that Acupuncture may have a significant effect on clinical pregnancy rates, independent of comparator group, when used in women who have had multiple previous IVF cycles, or where there was a low baseline pregnancy rate. Evidence suggests acupuncture may be effective when compared with no adjunctive treatment, with increased clinical pregnancies and live births, but is not an efficacious treatment when compared with sham controls. Future research should focus on different dosing acupuncture regimens, and exploration of the components of acupuncture that are contributing to improved reproductive outcomes. Increased understanding of these components may have broader application to the care and treatment modalities provided to women undergoing IVF. Further exploration of the effects of acupuncture for women with poorer IVF outcomes is warranted.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal Journal of Clinical Medicine found that Aromatherapy (via inhalation, massage, or oral use) appears to be more effective than a placebo for pain reduction in primary dysmenorrhea. The methodology of the study involved a comprehensive search for relevant data in eleven international databases, including some dedicated to Korean medical literature, until August 2018, with no restrictions on the language of publication. The focus was directed on randomized controlled trials holding aromatherapy as a potential treatment for pain reduction in primary dysmenorrhea, a common condition characterized by menstrual pain. Data mining and the evaluation of potential biases were handled by two independent reviewers. The results indicated a consistent trend across trials: aromatherapy, whether applied through inhalation, massage, or oral intake, tended to have a positive effect on pain reduction when compared to a placebo control. It was also observed that the efficacy remained noticeable across different modes of implementation (inhalation, massage, or oral), suggesting that the therapeutic potential of essential oils was not necessarily restricted to one specific form of application. It is important to state that individual results varied; nevertheless, the general direction of the results remained consistent.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal British Journal of Midwifery found that Acupuncture in postpartum depression was at least as effective as fluoxetine hydrochloride, supporting the notion that acupuncture may be a safe and effective option. Of the 1592 studies reviewed, three met the inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis. Two studies reported no significant differences between acupuncture and fluoxetine for depression, while the third reported significant improvements.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that Acupuncture appears to be effective for postpartum depression with respect to certain outcomes. Nine trials involving 653 women were selected. The result of this meta-analysis demonstrated that the acupuncture group had a significantly greater overall effective rate compared with the control group. Moreover, acupuncture significantly increased oestradiol levels compared with the control group. Regarding the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores, no difference was found between the two groups.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that There is potential of acupuncture combined with conventional treatment for treating female chronic pelvic pain. This review suggests the potential of acupuncture combined with conventional treatment compared to conventional treatment alone for treating female chronic pelvic pain. However, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that acupuncture can be recommended as a complementary and alternative (CAM) treatment for women with CPP. To draw a firm conclusion, future studies should require not only lager, more rigorously designed RCTs but also research on different acupuncture treatment types.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Despite some indications of improved clinical pregnancy rates, the overall effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for couples with subfertility undergoing assisted reproduction therapy remains inconclusive and requires further high-quality research. This abstract summarizes the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating couples with subfertility undergoing assisted reproduction therapy (ART). The review included eleven studies published between 2009 and 2017 and examined primary outcomes of live birth and clinical pregnancy, and secondary outcomes of ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, and adverse events. The results suggest that acupuncture may improve the clinical pregnancy rate in ART patients. However, there was insufficient evidence to support its impact on live birth rate, ongoing pregnancy rates, or miscarriage, mainly due to the low quality of the included studies. The overall effectiveness of acupuncture in treating subfertility during ART remains uncertain, emphasizing the need for further high-quality research and well-reported trials.

A published in 2018 in the journal Journal of Clinical Medicine found that Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly Jia Wei Xiao Yao San and Xiang Fu, is widely utilized in Taiwan for managing Polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms. The study administered a comprehensive survey through the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program database to scrutinize the use of TCM in women diagnosed with PCOS between 1997 and 2010. Single herbs and herbal formulas, their utilization patterns, and the top commonly prescribed items among them, were analyzed to gauge the extent and pattern of TCM usage. The analysis of the survey results revealed that a significant majority, around 89.22%, of women who were newly diagnosed with PCOS, sought TCM therapy. The single herb, Xiang-Fu, and the herbal formula, Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San, emerged as the most commonly used TCM treatments. Furthermore, it was observed that the top five commonly prescribed single herbs and herbal formulas showed potential in treating symptoms associated with PCOS.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal Medicine found that Acupuncture might reduce menstrual pain and associated symptoms more effectively compared to no treatment or NSAIDs. The results of this study suggest that acupuncture might reduce menstrual pain and associated symptoms more effectively compared to no treatment or NSAIDs, and the efficacy could be maintained during a short-term follow-up period. Despite limitations due to the low quality and methodological restrictions of the included studies, acupuncture might be used as an effective and safe treatment for females with primary dysmenorrhea.

A Review Article published in 2018 in the journal Reproductive Health found that Endometriosis, often seen as benign, is linked to infertility and metastatic cancer, and shows different risk factors and treatment responses in Asian and European-American women. The research studied endometriosis in Chinese women, thoroughly examining genetic and environmental risk factors, diagnosis strategies, treatment methods and their effects. It particularly focused on the presence and impact of various genetic mutations and polymorphisms that may increase endometriosis risk in this demographic. Comparison was drawn between the data from Asian and European-American women, studying the contrast in risk factors and how each group responds to treatment. In analysing their results, researchers discovered endometriosis, while largely viewed as a benign condition, may in fact be a significant cause of infertility and metastatic cancer and has links with immune system function. Furthermore, the comparative study revealed clear distinctions in risk factors and treatment responses between Asian and European-American female populations. Additionally, when examining the efficacy of Western medicine compared to traditional Chinese medicine for treating endometriosis in the Chinese population, noteworthy data were highlighted.

A Systematic Review published in 2018 in the journal Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine found that Fennel caused a significant increase in mean menstrual bleeding in the first cycle after treatment in the intervention group compared to the control. A total of 7993 articles were identified through searching the databases, of which 7327 were excluded as duplicates and 666 were screened for inclusion. Six hundread and forty six were excluded by title and abstract based on not being relevant to the review and being conducted on animals. Eventually, six articles were included in the study and four articles entered into the meta-analysis. The results from meta-analysis showed that using fennel caused a significant increase in mean menstrual bleeding in the first cycle after treatment in the intervention group compared to the control. However, it had no significant effect on menstrual bleeding in the second cycle after treatment.

A Systematic Review published in 2017 in the journal Complementary Medicine Research found that Both the total score and the subgroup analysis strongly indicated that acupuncture can alleviate menopause-related symptoms. Six studies were included. Our analysis found that acupuncture can reduce the MRS score in menopausal women by the end of the treating period (2-3 months, on average) and even in the follow-up period (1-3 months), not only in the total score but also in each subscale score. But the grade of evidence is very low. Both the total score and the subgroup analysis strongly indicated that acupuncture can alleviate menopause-related symptoms. However, the evidence is not very strong. Thus, further studies about the efficiency of acupuncture on menopausal symptoms based on well-designed trials are needed.

A Systematic Review published in 2017 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that Acupoint-stimulation can relieve pain effectively in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea and offers advantages compared with treatment by NSAIDs. The current evidence reveals that acupoint-stimulation in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea has some obvious advantages compared with treatment by NSAIDs. The advantages are that acupoint-stimulation can alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhoea, reduce the level of peripheral blood PGF2α and has fewer side effect, so it can be used to treat primary dysmenorrhea patients, especially individuals with NSAIDs contraindication.

A Systematic Review published in 2017 in the journal PLOS One found that Acupuncture is non-inferior to hormone therapy or other applied relaxation therapies in alleviating the symptoms of menopause for its safety, non-invasive and especially considering the side effect of hormone therapy. This meta-analysis of women with breast cancer confirms that acupuncture had no significant effect on the severity of hot flush, but did significantly alleviate the symptoms of menopause. We conclude that acupuncture is non-inferior to hormone therapy or other applied relaxation therapies in alleviating the symptoms of menopause for its safety, non-invasive and especially considering the side effect of hormone therapy. Recent studies show that use of acupuncture does not correlate with increased levels of plasma estradiol. Considering the safety and lack of serious adverse effects associated with acupuncture, in contrast to hormone therapy, acupuncture should be considered for treating hot flush and menopause syndrome in women with breast cancer.

A Systematic Review published in 2017 in the journal Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that Results support Wenjing decoction (a traditional Chinese medicine) clinical use in treating primary dysmenorrhea. The study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of Wenjing decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine used for primary dysmenorrhea in East Asia, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Using eight databases, the researchers conducted a comprehensive search and included 18 studies involving 1736 patients in the analysis. The results indicated that Wenjing decoction showed significant superiority over nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in improving primary dysmenorrhea based on clinical effectiveness rate, visual analogue scale, and pain scale for dysmenorrhea. These findings supported the use of Wenjing decoction for treating primary dysmenorrhea; however, the evidence quality was deemed low due to a high risk of bias in the included studies. As a result, the study emphasized the necessity for well-designed randomized controlled trials to further validate the efficacy of Wenjing decoction for treating primary dysmenorrhea

A Systematic Review published in 2017 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that Acupuncture may increase the clinical pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy rate and decrease the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women with PCOS undergoing IVF or ICSI. Acupuncture may increase the CPR and OPR and decrease the risk of OHSS in women with PCOS undergoing IVF or ICSI. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as an adjunct to assisted reproductive technology in this particular population.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2017 in the journal Journal of Education and Health Promotion found that Green tea consumption leads to weight loss and decreased levels of fasting insulin and free testosterone in overweight women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. In the research methodology, a two-group, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted among 60 overweight women with polycystic ovarian syndrome in Isfahan. The participants were randomly classified into two groups, one receiving green tea (the experimental group) and the other receiving a placebo (the control group). Comparisons of levels of free testosterone hormones and fasting insulin were made at the start of the study and 12 weeks later, along with measurements of participant weight before and after the study. Discussing the results, the comparison showed no initial significant difference in participant weight, fasting insulin or free testosterone levels between the two groups. However, after the 12-week period, notable differences were observed. The green tea group showed significant weight loss and declines in both fasting insulin and free testosterone levels compared to the placebo group.

A Review Article published in 2017 in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity found that Moderate beer consumption could potentially alleviate menopausal symptoms by influencing the internal estrogen receptors through the phenolic compounds present in beer. The study used the developments in food analysis techniques over the past two decades to explore the correlation between the intake of polyphenols from moderate beer consumption and the relief of vasomotor symptoms often experienced during menopause. The focus was on phenolic compounds present in beer like 8-prenylnaringenin, 6-prenylnaringenin, and isoxanthohumol and how they interact directly with intracellular estrogen receptors to influence gene expression and sex hormone plasma concentrations. The observed results pointed to the potential positive effects of moderate beer consumption on menopausal symptoms. It was inferred that phenolic compounds in beer could interact directly with intracellular estrogen receptors, leading to a modulation of gene expression, thereby balancing physiological hormone imbalance in menopausal women. This alternative could serve as a safer option for alleviating menopausal symptoms as traditional hormone replacement therapies have known health risks. However, these findings need to be viewed keeping in mind the implications of beer consumption on overall health.

A Systematic Review published in 2016 in the journal Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that Acupuncture improves the clinical pregnancy rate among women undergoing IVF and the IVF outcome results were significantly superior in the acupuncture group when acupuncture was conducted during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. When the studies were restricted to Asian or non-Asian area patients, compared with traditional acupuncture and other methods, electrical acupuncture yielded better IVF outcomes. Optimal positive effects could be expected using acupuncture in IVF during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, especially in Asian area. However, as a limitation of this review, most of the included studies did not mention the number of embryos transferred.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2016 in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that Acupuncture was a feasible intervention and reduced threatened miscarriage symptoms when compared to a touch intervention. Threatened miscarriage is a common complication of early pregnancy increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature labour. Currently there is limited evidence to recommend any biomedical pharmacological or self-care management, resulting in a ‘watchful waiting’ approach. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of offering acupuncture as a therapeutic treatment for women presenting with threatened miscarriage. Acupuncture was a feasible intervention and reduced threatened miscarriage symptoms when compared to a touch intervention. Further research is required to further explore acupuncture use for this common complication and whether it can reduce the incidence of miscarriage.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2016 in the journal Journal of Herbal Medicine found that Peppermint capsules can effectively reduce the severity of painful menstrual cramps in young women without causing any apparent change in pain duration. This research was a double-blind clinical trial with 102 female students, who reported experiencing primary dysmenorrhea. Participants were evenly divided into two groups: one receiving three 330mg peppermint capsules per day and the other receiving identical placebo capsules filled with starch. The participants used their respective capsules from the first to the third day of their menstrual cycle. The assessment of pain level was done before the test run and over two successive menstrual cycles using a visual analog scale. In the results, no substantial differences were seen between the two experimental groups in terms of pain duration and severity before the intervention. However, after the intervention, a significant reduction was found in the severity of pain among the group treated with peppermint capsules, while the placebo group showed no such change. The duration of pain did not present any significant differences between the two groups after the trial.

A Systematic Review published in 2016 in the journal Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem found that The study's analysis of 272 articles comparing Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCA) and Sham Acupuncture (SA) for managing hot flashes in menopausal breast cancer patients indicates that while 3 studies leaned towards TCA's effectiveness, 2 showed both interventions to be beneficial. The study encompassed the analysis of 272 articles from five selected databases, resulting in the inclusion of five manuscripts meeting the eligibility criteria. The primary focus was on comparing the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCA) to Sham Acupuncture (SA) in managing hot flashes among menopausal women with breast cancer. Among the selected studies, three indicated that TCA was more effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, while two found both interventions to be beneficial, though not significantly distinct. These studies exhibited considerable diversity in their designs, sample sizes, treatment durations, and acupuncture protocols. TCA appeared to hold promise in mitigating hot flashes, yet several methodological limitations and potential biases within the reviewed studies were noted. Consequently, there's a call for further comprehensive, large-scale, and long-term trials to elucidate TCA's true potential and overcome the limitations observed in the current body of research.

A Review Article published in 2016 in the journal Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine found that Date palm pollen (DPP) containing various compounds has been used as an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer historically and shows promise in treating fertility disorders. The study focused on the analysis of date palm pollen (DPP), the male reproductive dust of palm flowers, traditionally used as a dietary supplement, especially as a fertility enhancer. The research underlined the investigation of the various compounds isolated from DPP, which include amino acids, fatty acids, flavonoids, saponins, and estroles. The discussion of the results reveals that while there are a limited number of clinical trials evaluating the benefits of DPP in humans, a number of experimental studies have been conducted on the reproductive effects of DPP. These compounds and their effects potentially contribute to DPP's application in treating fertility disorders. It was concluded that DPP holds considerable promise in the context of fertility therapy, demonstrating key pharmacological activities that could be harnessed for treatment.

A Clinical Study published in 2016 in the journal Mansoura Nursing Journal found that Cinnamon shows significant positive effects in reducing the severity of physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome among adolescent girls at Mansoura University. The methodology used in this study was a quasi-experimental research design conducted at the nursing School of Mansoura University. The purposive sample was 150 students suffering from premenstrual syndrome, over the course of September 2012 to May 2013. The data was collected using three tools: a structured questionnaire, an assessment tool to gauge the severity of physical PMS symptoms, and a Likert scale to measure the level of student satisfaction after using cinnamon to relieve physical symptoms. The results showed a significant reduction in the severity of physical PMS symptoms after the students regularly used cinnamon. A notable correlation was found between the decrease in symptom severity and the regular use of cinnamon. Furthermore, the study found that about three-quarters of the sampled students were satisfied with the use of cinnamon for symptom relief. These findings demonstrated the potential benefits of cinnamon in alleviating PMS physical discomfort.

A Systematic Review published in 2016 in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that The review found limited consistent evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture for relieving menstrual pain compared to sham treatments or other interventions. This passage provides a summary of the main results of a review on the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure in managing primary dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain) in women. The review includes 42 trials involving 4640 women. The primary outcome, which is pain relief, showed no consistent difference between women receiving acupuncture and those receiving a sham control (simulated treatment). However, limited evidence suggested a benefit for acupuncture compared to NSAIDs, Chinese herbs, and other treatments. Acupressure had limited evidence of benefit compared to a sham control. Secondary outcomes, including menstrual symptoms and quality of life, did not consistently show a benefit from acupuncture. The trials had various limitations, such as incomplete reporting of outcomes, short follow-up periods, and variations in eligibility criteria. The quality of reporting was generally poor, and many trials were at high risk of bias. The overall quality of evidence for pain relief and menstrual symptoms was considered low. Other reviews on this topic found promising evidence for acupuncture, but results were influenced by methodological flaws in the trials.

A Review Article published in 2016 in the journal Journal of Pain Research found that Acupuncture could be tried as a complement in the treatment of pain in endometriosis as it is an overall safe treatment. Based on the analysis in the presented review, there are grounds to believe that acupuncture can relieve pain in some patients. The effects of acupuncture as a pain-relieving treatment has in various studies been presented as an overall safe alternative treatment with very few and small (harmless) side effects, and furthermore with no effect on the environment. It could therefore also be regarded as a ‘sustainable’ treatment. In the future, studies designed for evaluating effectiveness between different types of treatment strategies, rather than efficacy design would be preferred to analyze treatment effects in individual patients.

A Systematic Review published in 2016 in the journal Maturitas found that Meta-analysis showed that Danggui Shaoyao San had superior effects compared to analgesics for treating primary dysmenorrhea. A total of 746 potentially relevant studies were identified, and four RCTs met our inclusion criteria. All of the included RCTs had a high risk of bias across their domains. Three RCTs showed favourable effects of DSS on response rate compared with conventional medicine, and a meta-analysis showed that DSS had superior effects compared to analgesics. One RCT showed a beneficial effect of DSS on pain compared with placebo control. Our systematic review and meta-analysis provided suggestive evidence of the superiority of DSS over analgesics or placebo for dysmenorrhea. The quality of evidence for this finding was low to moderate because of a high risk of bias.

A Systematic Review published in 2016 in the journal European Journal of Integrative Medicine found that Acupuncture may have a positive impact on recovering menstrual cycles, reducing BMI, and lowering luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture in treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was investigated. The review included nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 531 women with PCOS. The analysis revealed that acupuncture showed promise in improving the recovery of menstrual cycles, reducing body mass index (BMI), and lowering luteinizing hormone (LH) levels among women with PCOS. However, caution is advised in interpreting these findings due to the limited methodological quality of the included RCTs. Despite the positive outcomes observed in certain parameters, further high-quality research is needed to establish the full scope of acupuncture's potential as a treatment for PCOS.

A Systematic Review published in 2016 in the journal Neurourology and Urodynamics found that Acupuncture has promising efficacy for patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Three and four randomized controlled trials compared acupuncture with sham acupuncture (n = 101 vs. 103) and medical treatment (n = 156 vs. 138), respectively. The results revealed that acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture as regards response rate, NIH-CPSI, and IPSS reductions, therefore, excluding the placebo effect. Compared to standard medical treatments, acupuncture had a significantly higher response rate. Acupuncture has promising efficacy for patients with CP/CPPS. Compared to standard medical treatment, it has better efficacy. Thus, it may also serve as a standard treatment option when available.

A Experimental Study published in 2015 in the journal Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal found that Pomegranate juice extract significantly improves hormonal changes in female rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. A total of 56 female Wistar rats, who had 2 to 3 consecutive estrous cycles over 12 to 14 days, were used in the study. These were divided into six groups, with differing conditions of control and experimental groups, each group was administered different treatments, ranging from those without any substances or treatments, to those receiving hormones and/or varying doses of pomegranate extract. After a set duration, all rats were weighed and their blood samples taken. The collected data showed that the concentration of estrogen, testosterone, and androstenedione significantly increased in the experimental groups as compared to the control groups. Furthermore, there was a notable decrease in these hormone levels in the experimental groups compared to the PCOS group. The results suggest that pomegranate juice extract has a positive effect on regulating female sex hormones, indicating its potential effectiveness as a treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2015 in the journal The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that Acupuncture appeared to reduce vulvar pain and dyspareunia with an increase in overall sexual function for women with vulvodynia. This was the first randomized controlled pilot study to examine the use of acupuncture for the treatment of vulvodynia. The acupuncture protocol was feasible and in this small sample appeared to reduce vulvar pain and dyspareunia with an increase in overall sexual function for women with vulvodynia. This study should be replicated in a larger double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2015 in the journal Journal Of Medicine & Health found that Consuming dark chocolate every day for two weeks before menstruation significantly reduced symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in women aged 18-22, showing improvements in anxiety, fatigue, abdominal cramps, bloating, and other related symptoms. This research involved 30 women aged 18-22, using an experimental design with one group pre and post-test. Subjects consumed 20 grams of dark chocolate daily for two weeks before their menstruation period and reported their symptoms using a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using statistical tests to measure changes in individual PMS symptoms before and after eating dark chocolate. The study found a highly significant decrease in anxiety symptoms and a statistically significant reduction in various PMS symptoms, including fatigue, abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, headache, back pain, changes in appetite, muscle or joint pain, and concentration problems. However, there was a slight increase in acne complaints.

A Systematic Review published in 2015 in the journal Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation found that We found pooled benefit of acupuncture for IVF when performed at follicle phase and 25 min before and after embryo transfer, as well as 30 min after embryo transfer and implantation phase. Our study showed that acupuncture increased pregnancy rates when performed at follicle phase and 25 min before and after ET or 30 min after ET and after the implantation phase in the IVF process. However, there was no statistically significant difference in women undergoing IVF between treatment performed only around the time of ET, follicle phase or implantation phase. The study of Zheng et al. also showed that the pooled CPR result around the time of ET showed no significant differences between all acupuncture groups and the control groups. However, the CPR result of acupuncture performed around the time of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation showed a significant difference. The potential impact of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and on the uterus was significant, but the specific mechanism was still unknown.

A Systematic Review published in 2014 in the journal 2014 IEEE Workshop on Electronics, Computer and Applications found that Acupuncture shows promise in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study explores the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as a treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by ovulation failure and hyperandrogenism. The research involves a systematic review of 317 papers from various databases, identifying six high-quality randomized clinical trials with a total of 587 participants. The review indicates that acupuncture appears to be a safe treatment for PCOS, showing a statistically significant improvement in the total effective rate compared to control groups. However, due to the relatively low level of evidence, the efficacy of acupuncture in PCOS treatment remains promising but not definitively established, highlighting the need for more high-quality research.

A Systematic Review published in 2014 in the journal Journal of Advanced Nursing found that Acupuncture showed both clinically important changes and statistically significant results for management of low back and/or pelvic pain (LBPP) in pregnancy. Eight studies were selected for full review. Two acupuncture studies with low risk of bias showed both clinically important changes and statistically significant results. There was evidence of effectiveness for osteopathy and chiropractic. However, osteopathy and chiropractic studies scored high for risk of bias. Strength of the evidence across studies was very low.

A Systematic Review published in 2014 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that Acupuncture and herbal medicine show promise in alleviating premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms, with over 50% relief and proven safety. The passage discusses a review of studies focusing on the efficacy of acupuncture and herbal medicine in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The review identified and analyzed 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving acupuncture and herbal interventions. Acupuncture treatments encompassed various techniques, including traditional acupuncture, hand acupuncture, and moxibustion, while herbal interventions included Vitex Agnus castus, Hypericum perforatum, and other herbal remedies. Results showed that both acupuncture and herbal treatments led to a 50% or greater reduction in symptoms compared to baseline. The studies suggested that acupuncture and herbal treatments could alleviate physical and psychological symptoms of PMS/PMDD. The safety of acupuncture and herbal interventions was generally established, with minimal reported adverse events. However, the review emphasized the need for larger-scale, well-controlled trials to further validate these findings and guide clinical recommendations for specific symptom relief.

A Systematic Review published in 2013 in the journal Medical Acupuncture found that Acupuncture's efficacy in treating gynecologic and obstetric disorders This comprehensive review evaluates acupuncture's efficacy and safety in treating gynecologic and obstetric disorders. Examining systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials, the study addresses conditions like pregnancy-related pelvic and low-back pain, labor pain, primary dysmenorrhea, and menopausal symptoms. The results are inconclusive, with some evidence supporting acupuncture's potential in reducing pelvic and back pain during pregnancy and alleviating climacteric vasomotor symptoms. However, more rigorous research is necessary for definitive conclusions. Adverse effects were minimal. The review emphasizes the need for well-designed studies to enhance the precision and reliability of findings regarding acupuncture's therapeutic benefits in these disorders.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2013 in the journal International Journal of Women's Health found that Green tea extract has shown promising results in reducing uterine fibroid volume, fibroid-related symptoms, and improving quality of life in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. The research examined the effect of green tea extract (epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG) on uterine fibroid (UF) management. In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 39 women aged 18-50 presenting with symptomatic UF were enlisted. Participants were confirmed as eligible through transvaginal ultrasonography that showed at least one 2cm³ or larger fibroid lesion. They were split into two groups: the focus group took a daily oral intake of 800 mg of green tea extract, while the control group followed the same regimen with 800 mg of brown rice (placebo). The experiment period ran for four months. At the end, UF volume changes were also measured through transvaginal ultrasonography for comparison. The outcome revealed divergent changes in UF volume and health-related quality of life (HRQL) among participants. In the placebo group, an increase in fibroid volume was noticed. Contrarily, significant reductions in fibroid volume and symptom severity were recorded in women who took green tea extract. This group also witnessed an improvement in HRQL contrasted to the control group. Additionally, anemia improved in the EGCG treatment group, with no adverse effects or endometrial anomalies reported in either group.

A Systematic Review published in 2013 in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that Despite its widespread use during assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles, acupuncture does not appear to improve live birth or pregnancy rates in couples dealing with subfertility. This passage discusses a meta-analysis that aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as an adjunct to assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles for couples dealing with subfertility. The review included 20 randomized controlled trials, analyzing the impact of acupuncture on live birth rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and side effects. The findings indicate that acupuncture did not show any overall benefit in improving live birth or pregnancy rates during ART cycles, regardless of whether it was performed around oocyte retrieval or embryo transfer. Additionally, acupuncture did not have significant side effects. The authors conclude that there is no evidence supporting the use of acupuncture to enhance live birth or pregnancy rates in assisted conception.

A Systematic Review published in 2013 in the journal Human Reproduction Update found that The meta-analysis indicates that while adjuvant acupuncture does not show a pooled benefit for in vitro fertilization (IVF) across all trials, it appears to have a more significant effect in trials with lower baseline pregnancy rates, warranting further investigation and confirmation in additional studies. This passage presents a meta-analysis that aimed to assess the overall pooled effects of adjuvant acupuncture on in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinical pregnancy success rates, as well as identify factors that might explain the heterogeneity of results across trials. The analysis included 16 trials with 4021 participants and found no statistically significant difference between acupuncture and control groups when combining all trials or analyzing sham-controlled and no adjuvant treatment-controlled trials separately. However, the study identified baseline pregnancy rate as a significant effect modifier, with trials having lower control group pregnancy rates showing larger effects of adjuvant acupuncture. Overall, the meta-analysis did not find a pooled benefit of adjuvant acupuncture for IVF, but the potential benefit in trials with lower baseline pregnancy rates requires further exploration and confirmation in additional studies due to potential confounders and publication bias.

A published in 2013 in the journal Neuropediatrics found that Hop extract, particularly its component 8-Prenylnaringenin (8-PN), demonstrates potential in alleviating symptoms common in menopause such as osteoporosis, vasomotoric disturbances, and sexual motivation. The methodology of this research involved identifying the major constituents of hop extract, with a focus on 8-Prenylnaringenin (8-PN) due to its estrogenic qualities. Several in vivo studies were conducted to explore the potential of hop extract and 8-PN in mitigating climacteric symptoms. Clinical studies conducted have mainly centered around menopausal discomforts, still, these studies provided broad results. In the discussion of the results, it was found that hop extract, and more prominently, 8-PN, show promise in alleviating menopausal symptoms such as osteoporosis, vasomotoric issues, and sexual desire. Although 8-PN primarily activates the estrogen receptor α and presents only slight uterotrophic attributes, it also brings about estrogenic effects on the mammary gland. The results indicate potential application of 8-PN and hop extract in alleviating symptoms commonly associated with menopause.

A Systematic Review published in 2013 in the journal Medical Acupuncture found that There is high-level evidence to support the use of acupuncture for treating major depressive disorder in pregnancy. Six articles used the desired inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of research varied heavily. Five studies were properly randomized. Three were double-blinded. Three used individualized acupuncture. Four studies were of at least reasonable quality. One was of marginal quality, and one was of poor quality. There was a significant difference between acupuncture and at least one control in all six trials.

A Systematic Review published in 2012 in the journal The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that The meta-analysis suggests that acupuncture does not provide significant benefits in improving the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments. The article conducted a systematic review with a meta-analysis of trials on acupuncture during in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. The pooled analysis of 17 trials showed that acupuncture did not significantly impact clinical pregnancy, biochemical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, implantation rate, live birth, or miscarriage outcomes. Therefore, the study concludes that there are no significant benefits of acupuncture in improving IVF or ICSI outcomes.

A published in 2012 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies have the potential to provide supportive care for women presenting with threatened miscarriage. Within fertility research, acupuncture demonstrates beneficial hormonal responses with decreased miscarriage rates, raising the possibility acupuncture may promote specific beneficial effects in early pregnancy. With the lack of current medical options for women presenting with threatened miscarriage it is timely to examine the possible treatment benefits of providing CAM therapies such as acupuncture.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2012 in the journal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research found that Blended essential oils, including lavender, sage, and marjoram, show potential in relieving menstrual cramps and reducing pain duration in women with primary dysmenorrhea. For the methodology, the researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial involving 48 outpatients suffering from primary dysmenorrhea. These patients’ discomfort was rated above five on a 10-point numeric scale. Participants were divided evenly into two groups: one was treated with a cream blending lavender, clary sage, and marjoram essential oils, while the other received a synthetic fragrance. All participants massaged the cream onto their lower abdomen daily, from the end of one menstrual cycle to the start of the next. In the discussion of results, it was found that the treatment provided relief and decreased pain duration for patients in the essential oils group following a single menstrual cycle. Among the blended oils, four key analgesic components—linalyl acetate, linalool, eucalyptol, and β-caryophyllene—were principally credited for pain reduction, constituting up to 79.29% of the blend. Thus, these findings propose that this mixed formula might be a valid alternative and complementary medicine approach for primary dysmenorrhea.

A Systematic Review published in 2012 in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that Acupuncture appears to improve clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in women undergoing in vitro fertilization, but the choice of control used in studies may influence the outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. The study included 24 randomized controlled trials with a total of 5,807 participants. The acupuncture intervention groups used manual, electrical, and laser acupuncture techniques, while the control groups consisted of no, sham, and placebo acupuncture. The main outcome measures were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). The analysis showed that the pooled CPR from all acupuncture groups was significantly higher than that from all control groups, indicating that acupuncture improves CPR and LBR among women undergoing IVF. However, the results differed when the type of control was considered, suggesting that the choice of control used in the studies might influence the outcomes. The Streitberger control, in particular, was found to have different effects compared to other controls. The authors concluded that more positive effects from using acupuncture in IVF can be expected if an appropriate control and more reasonable acupuncture programs are employed.

A Systematic Review published in 2011 in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that Acupuncture shows potential for reducing dysmenorrhoea scores in endometriosis patients. Endometriosis is a prevalent gynaecological condition that significantly affects women's lives, often leading to chronic pelvic pain and dysmenorrhoea. However, the current management of pain in endometriosis is inadequate. Acupuncture has been studied in gynaecological disorders, but its effectiveness for pain in endometriosis remains uncertain. Researchers conducted a systematic review to determine the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for pain in endometriosis. Out of twenty-four identified studies on acupuncture for endometriosis, only one trial met the inclusion criteria. The study showed that acupuncture, particularly auricular acupuncture, may reduce dysmenorrhoea scores and be more effective than Chinese herbal medicine. However, due to the limited evidence from only one study, more well-designed, double-blinded, randomized controlled trials comparing various types of acupuncture with conventional therapies are needed to draw stronger conclusions about acupuncture's efficacy in managing pain in endometriosis.

A Systematic Review published in 2011 in the journal BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology found that Acupuncture shows promise for alleviating PMS symptoms. This review assesses acupuncture's effectiveness in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving women with PMS were analyzed. The results indicate that acupuncture outperforms controls, showing significant symptom improvement (pooled RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.33–1.80, p < 0.00001). A comparison with progestin and/or anxiolytics also favored acupuncture (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.27–1.74, p < 0.00001). Acupuncture demonstrated superiority over sham acupuncture (RR 5.99, 95% CI 2.84–12.66, p < 0.00001), with no observed harm. However, the studies displayed notable methodological flaws, highlighting the need for further rigorous research to solidify acupuncture's potential in alleviating PMS symptoms.

A Systematic Review published in 2011 in the journal BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology found that Acupuncture seems promising for symptom improvement in women with premenstrual syndrome. Ten RCTs were included in our review. The pooled results demonstrated that acupuncture is superior to all controls. A meta-analysis comparing the effects of acupuncture with different doses of progestin and/or anxiolytics supported the use of acupuncture. In addition, acupuncture significantly improved symptoms when compared with sham acupuncture. No evidence of harm resulting from acupuncture emerged. Most of the included studies demonstrated a high risk of bias in terms of random sequence generation, allocation concealment, and blinding. Although acupuncture seems promising for symptom improvement in women with PMS, important methodological flaws in the included studies weaken the evidence. Considering the potential of acupuncture, further rigorous studies are needed.

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