Effect of a traditional herbal medicine (shakuyaku-kanzo-to) on testosterone secretion in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome detected by ultrasound.

In 20 infertile Japanese with polycystic ovary syndrome Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To was used to lower plasma testosterone levels and hence to induce pregnancy. The polycystic ovary was classified into two types; general cystic and peripheral cystic patterns. Plasma testosterone was decreased in 18/20 (90%) and 5/20 (25%) became pregnant. The plasma testosterone concentration in the case of the general cystic pattern was significantly higher than that of peripheral cystic pattern, and the pregnancy rate in those with the general cystic pattern was lower. The efficacy of Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To therefore seems to vary according to the type of polycystic ovary syndrome treated.