Comparison of the Effect of Fenugreek and Metformin on Clinical and Metabolic Status of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Trial

July 2024 in “ Journal of Reproduction & Infertility ”

Shahla Mirgaloybayat, Azadeh Akbari Sene, Fatemeh Jayervand, Mahdi Vazirian, Arash Mohazzab, Mitra Kazerooni

fenugreek metformin polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS hirsutism insulin resistance lipid profiles hyperlipidemia hair loss

TLDR Fenugreek can help with PCOS symptoms, but metformin is more effective overall.

In a randomized, triple-blind trial involving 110 women with PCOS, the effects of fenugreek and metformin were compared. Both treatments significantly improved clinical and metabolic outcomes, including hair loss and hirsutism. Metformin was more effective in reducing biometric indices, fasting blood sugar, insulin resistance, and improving menstrual irregularity. Fenugreek, however, showed superior results in improving lipid profiles. The study concludes that while fenugreek cannot replace metformin for PCOS treatment, it can serve as an adjuvant therapy, particularly for patients with hyperlipidemia and severe hair loss, due to its lipid-lowering effects and fewer adverse effects.

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Research cited in this study

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Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

research Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

1744 citations , August 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

4025 citations , December 2003 in “Human Reproduction”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.

research Metformin or Antiandrogen in the Treatment of Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

192 citations , September 2003 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

Metformin is effective for treating excessive hair growth in women with PCOS and may work better than the standard treatment in some ways.

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6 / 22 results

community Anyone have success with fenugreek?

in Technology 10 upvotes 5 years ago

Fenugreek has mixed reviews for hair loss, with some reporting success and others experiencing worsening conditions. Few people have shared their experiences online.

community Has anybody experimented with home-remedy sprays to promote hair growth?

in Treatment 3 upvotes 3 weeks ago

A user is considering using homemade hair sprays with ingredients like fenugreek seeds, rosemary, and lavender to promote hair growth, alongside topical minoxidil. Other users suggest that while these sprays may improve hair health, they are not as effective as minoxidil and finasteride for regrowing hair, and recommend using proven treatments like finasteride for better results.

community Has anyone noticed the link between natural breast enhancement and natural hair treatment protocols

in Chat 1 year ago

Certain oils and treatments used for natural breast enhancement, like fenugreek oil and shatavari, may also help with androgenetic alopecia due to their estrogen link. The discussion suggests these items might pause hair loss.

community COVID made me lose my hair. My friends helped me get it back (vertex balding treatment success story)

in Minoxidil 8 upvotes 5 years ago

A 34-year-old man experienced hair loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and successfully treated it using minoxidil, reducing shampoo use, and taking fenugreek. He saw significant improvement within a few months and no longer appears bald.

community The Journey Starts Today

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 12 upvotes 5 years ago

User started Finasteride for hair loss, combining it with Saw Palmetto, Fenugreek seeds, almonds, bananas, eggs, and a coconut-castor oil mixture. Early updates show initial shedding and tiny new hair growth at the temples.

community 21M on Minoxidil 3 Months: Should I Add Finasteride for Thinning Hair?

in General 246 upvotes 1 month ago

A 21-year-old male experiencing hair thinning started using Minoxidil, which stopped his shedding and led to the growth of vellus hairs on his temples. He is considering whether to add finasteride to his routine, which currently includes Minoxidil, derma rolling, ketoconazole shampoo, vitamin D3, zinc, and a rosemary and fenugreek lotion.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

Metformin: An Old Medication of New Fashion: Evolving New Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

research Metformin: An Old Medication of New Fashion: Evolving New Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

200 citations , October 2009 in “European journal of endocrinology”

Metformin helps manage polycystic ovary syndrome by improving insulin resistance and ovulation, but more research is needed on its full effects.