🌱 What Is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda and Middle Eastern herbal practices. Its seeds contain bioactive compounds such as:
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Saponins
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Diosgenin
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Alkaloids
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Fiber
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Polyphenols
These compounds have been studied for their potential effects on blood sugar regulation, lipid metabolism, and hormonal balance.
🔬 Study Design and Findings
The study enrolled 208 women with PCOS and randomly assigned them to receive either:
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A standardized fenugreek seed extract
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A placebo
The intervention lasted 90 days, and neither participants nor researchers knew who received which treatment (double-blind design).
📉 Improvements in Ovarian Health
Compared to the placebo group, the treatment group demonstrated:
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Reduced ovarian cyst count
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Decreased ovarian volume
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Improved menstrual regularity
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Lower hirsutism scores
Normalization of menstrual cycles is particularly important in PCOS management, as cycle irregularity reflects hormonal imbalance and ovulatory dysfunction.
🧬 Hormonal Improvements
The treatment group showed statistically significant reductions in:
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Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
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Free testosterone
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Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
PCOS is often associated with elevated LH and increased androgens (like testosterone), which contribute to symptoms such as acne, hair growth, and irregular cycles. Reductions in these markers suggest improved endocrine regulation.
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