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Investigating the Effect of Leech Therapy and Cupping Compared with Low-Dose (LD) Oral Contraceptive Pills on Menstrual Cycle Length in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
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Ainaz Khodaverdian1    , Roghaieh Rahmani *2 , Hassan Haj Talebi3 , Omid Heydarifard4 , Maryam Khezri4 |
1- Social Development and Reproductive Health Center, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran & Department of Nursing, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
2- Social Development and Reproductive Health Center, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
3- General Practitioner, Haj Taleb Traditional and Modern Medical Complex, Bojnourd, Iran
4- Student Research Committee, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran |
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Abstract: (43 Views) |
Background and Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder among women of reproductive age, with menstrual irregularities being one of the most frequent complaints. Evidence regarding the efficacy of leech therapy and cupping in improving menstrual dysfunction remains limited and heterogeneous, and few comparative studies have evaluated them against conventional therapies. This study aimed to compare the effects of combined leech therapy and cupping versus low-dose (LD) oral contraceptive pills on menstrual cycle status in women with PCOS.
Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted during 2020 to 2021 on 40 women with PCOS. Using purposive sampling, participants were allocated into an intervention group (N=20) and a control group (N=20). In the intervention group, leech therapy and cupping were performed after the cessation of menses for 3 weekly sessions per month over two consecutive months. In each session, warm cupping was first applied around the spine and umbilicus, followed by leech therapy applied to the ankles in the first week, the lower back in the second week, and over the uterine region in the third week. In the control group, LD pills were taken daily for 21 days starting on the first day of menses, followed by a 7-day pill-free interval before starting the next pack. Menstrual cycle length was recorded using a participant-maintained calendar. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 16 using Student’s T-test or the Mann–Whitney U test, and Fisher’s exact test. Risk differences (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and Holm-adjusted P-values for three comparisons were reported. The significance level was considered P<0.5.
Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups, except for duration of bleeding days and prior history of hormonal therapy (both P < 0.05). In the first cycle post-intervention, a normal menstrual cycle was achieved in 100% (20/20) of the LD group and 60% (12/20) of the leech and cupping group (risk difference: 40%; 95% CI: 8.15% to 3.61%; Padj=0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed in the second cycle (100% vs. 90%) or third cycle (50% vs. 65%) (Padj=0.97 for both). Adverse events in the leech and cupping group were predominantly localized (pruritus, burning sensation, ecchymosis/bruising, and bleeding), whereas the LD group reported mood changes, gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, and breast tenderness. Headache was significantly more prevalent in the LD group during the first month (60% vs. 20%; P=0.023).
Conclusion: LD pills were superior to combined leech therapy and cupping in achieving a normal cycle only during the first cycle post-intervention and there weren’t significant observed differences in the second and third cycles. Combined leech therapy and cupping also restored normal menstrual cyclicity in a subset of patients in the short term. Considering the small sample size and short follow-up period, these findings might be provided the preliminary evidence that this complementary approach may serve as an adjunct (rather than an alternative) treatment.
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| Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Menstrual cycle, Leech therapy, Cupping therapy, Oral contraceptive pills |
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Full-Text [PDF 774 kb]
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Type of Study: Research Article |
Subject:
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