The article discusses a new study that explores the potential of an artemisinin derivative, called artemether, in treating PCOS. PCOS is a poorly understood endocrine disorder that can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and cysts in the ovaries, and is a major risk factor for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
The study found that in rats with PCOS-like symptoms, artemether was able to lower androgen production in the ovaries by inhibiting a key steroidogenic enzyme. In a small pilot study of 19 women with PCOS, taking dihydroartemisinin (an approved malaria drug containing artemisinin derivatives) for 12 weeks substantially reduced serum testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and normalized menstrual cycles, suggesting improved ovulation.
While larger, placebo-controlled trials are still needed to confirm the efficacy of artemisinin-based treatments for PCOS, the findings offer hope for a new therapeutic approach to this common and complex condition. The article notes that since artemisinin is an established drug, it may come to market faster than a new molecule. However, the author cautions against self-medicating with artemisinin at this stage, as more research is still required.
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by Christina Sz... at www.medscape.com 06-18-2024
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-new-science-offers-old-remedy-2024a1000bbfDeeper Inquiries