Comparative study of the effects of auriculotherapy and pharmacotherapy on hirsutism due to polycystic ovary syndrome in unmarried 18-35-years-old women

Abstract

Background: Hirsutism, male-pattern hair growth, affects 5 to 10 percent of women of reproductive age. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the cause of hirsutism in 7.2-8.2 percent of cases. This study aimed to compare the effects of auriculotherapy and pharmacotherapy on hirsutism due to polycystic ovary syndrome in unmarried 18-35-years-old women. Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 60 women, 18 to 35 years old, in two groups of auriculotherapy and pharmacotherapy comparing clinical, laboratory and ultrasound findings. Pharmacotherapy and auriculotherapy groups were treated for 3 and 2 months, respectively. Results were evaluated in three phases using SPSS15 software. Findings: The mean scores of hirsutism before (P = 0.240), immediately after (P = 0.100) and three months after completion of the intervention (P = 0.075) were not significantly different between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the mean scores of hirsutism in the pharmacotherapy group at mentioned three times (P = 0.080). Comparing he results between the before and immediately after the intervention showed significant difference in auriculotherapy (P = 0.010); in pharmacotherapy group, this difference was not significant (P = 0.650). In comparison of immediately and three months after the intervention, in auriculotherapy group, the difference was not significant (P = 0.160); but, in the pharmacotherapy group, it was significantly different (P = 0.010). Conclusion: According to the results, auriculotherapy compared to pharmacotherapy is more associated with significant decrease of hirsutism. � 2016, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.