A malaria medication has in a small study shown to be able to alleviate symptoms for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The condition can, among other things, lead to difficulties in getting pregnant.
PCOS affects approximately every eighth woman. It is characterised by an increased amount of testosterone, which results in, among other things, menstrual disturbances, increased body hair, and difficulties in getting pregnant. Moreover, women with PCOS have a certain increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Now, researchers in China and Shanghai have discovered that the medication artemisinin, used against malaria, appears to alleviate the symptoms. In a study, published in the journal Science, they first investigated the effect in animal models and saw that the substance, among other things, inhibits the production of certain hormones that affect PCOS.
They have also tested artemisinin on 19 women with PCOS. After the women took artemisinin three times daily for four months, the researchers saw that the women's testosterone levels decreased, as did the hormone AMH, which is often elevated in PCOS. Twelve of the women regained a regular menstrual cycle.
According to the researchers, no side effects of the treatment were reported. They write that although it is a small study and that further research is needed, the results are promising and could potentially imply a shift in the treatment of PCOS.
