EFFECTS OF FENUGREEK (TRIGONELLA FOENUM GRAECUM L.) ON HYPERANDROGENIC ANOVULATION AMONG YOUNG FEMALES

Abstract

Obesity, insulin resistance, hormonal disorders, dyslipidaemia and menstrual disorders are some of the common comorbidities associated with metabolic and reproductive disorders. Any positive intervention that will have a positive impact on metabolic and reproductive health is very significant to decrease disease burden and improve quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of this intervention on body mass index (BMI), reproductive hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH]), glycemic control (HbA1c), lipid profile, and menstrual cycle regularity throughout the 60-day intervention. The method used in the study was a Comparative Interventional Study, which comprised three groups: the control group, the first experimental group, and the second experimental group. The levels of FSH, LH, HbA1c, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and menstrual cycle characteristics were measured prior to and after intervention. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis statistical analysis were used to analyze the data, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: There were no differences in baseline characteristics between all of the study groups. The BMI in the Experimental Group 2 was the lowest and was statistically different from the other three groups (p = 0.006) after the intervention. In addition, there was a significant rise in triglycerides (p<0.001) and HDL (p<0.001), and the regularity of menstruation rose the highest in Experimental Group 2 (65.2%) and lowest in the same group (8.7%) in terms of amenorrhea. The treatment led to a decrease in levels of FSH, LH, HbA1C, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol that were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Overall, the intervention was beneficial for the different metabolic and reproductive parameters, especially for Experimental Group 2. The results show a positive influence of the intervention on the regularity of menstruation, BMI, triglycerides, HDL, and reproduction (in a positive direction). The hormonal and glycemic parameters were not significant, but the results allow consideration of potential clinical advantages that need to be investigated. Future research with longer follow-up is suggested to validate the present results and to assess the long-term impact of the intervention.