The effect of acupoint catgut embedding combined with cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol plus metformin on sex hormones, glycolipid metabolism and insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding combined with cyproterone acetate/ethinylestradiol and metformin in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), focusing on sex hormones, glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance.

Methods: This retrospective study included 311 PCOS patients (April 2023-July 2025). The control group (n=152) received sham embedding plus medications, while the intervention group (n=159) received authentic embedding plus same drugs over three menstrual cycles. Reproductive hormones, metabolic parameters, and HOMA-IR were assessed.

Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable. Post-treatment, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, fasting and postprandial glucose, lipid profile, and HOMA-IR than controls (all P<0.05). Menstrual recovery was superior (P<0.05). Clinical efficacy grading favored the intervention group (Z=2.401, P=0.016). Adverse events were similar between the groups (P=0.600). HOMA-IR correlated positively with testosterone, luteinizing hormone, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, but negatively with follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and HDL-cholesterol (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Acupoint catgut embedding combined with conventional pharmacotherapy synergistically improves hormonal dysregulation, metabolic disturbances, and insulin resistance in PCOS with a favorable safety profile.