Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, driving hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction and metabolic disturbances through elevated testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and reduced sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). However effective natural interventions to resolve these hormonal imbalances remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate effects of ginger supplementation on serum hormones and clinical symptoms in women with PCOS. In a parallel randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial 45 women with PCOS received 2 g/day ginger or placebo for 12 weeks. Serum total testosterone, SHBG, AMH, free androgen index (FAI) and statuses of hirsutism, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and hair loss were evaluated at baseline and endpoint using univariate and intention-to-treat analyses. Ginger supplementation significantly decreased total testosterone (−0.14 ± 0.27 ng/mL vs. −0.003 ± 0.14 ng/mL; P = 0.02) and FAI (−0.08 ± 1.51 vs. 0.03 ± 0.88; P = 0.002) compared to placebo ( n = 45). It also increased SHBG (3.82 ± 10.63 nmol/L vs. −2.17 ± 10.64 nmol/L; P = 0.002). Fewer women in ginger group experienced amenorrhea (8 35% vs. 15 68%; P = 0.02) and dysmenorrhea (4 17% vs. 10 45%; P = 0.04). These effects persisted after adjustment for baseline values. Ginger supplementation demonstrated a promising effect to ameliorate hyperandrogenism and menstrual irregularities in PCOS, paving the way for natural therapeutics in endocrine management. However larger RCTs with a dose-dependent approach are warranted. • Ginger reduced total testosterone and free androgen index in women with PCOS. • Ginger supplementation increased serum SHBG concentrations. • Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea were less frequent in the ginger group. • Ginger shows promise as a functional food intervention in PCOS.
Heidari et al. (Tue,) studied this question.