Investigating the effect of cinnamon supplementation on menstrual cycle bleeding duration and body mass index in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial study

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women. Cinnamon has shown beneficial effects in reducing the symptoms of the syndrome due to its anti-inflammatory compounds and insulin sensitivity-enhancing properties. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of this supplement on the duration of menstrual bleeding and body mass index in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Materials & Methods: A study at Urmia University of Medical Sciences involved 26 women with polycystic ovary syndrome who participated in a six-month intervention. Participants were divided into two groups: those taking cinnamon capsules daily and those taking medroxyprogesterone capsules daily. Body mass index and menstrual cycle bleeding duration were measured before, during, and after the intervention. Data analysis included SPSS V.21, independent t-tests, and ANOVA analysis to compare changes in body mass index. Results: A significant increase in bleeding duration was observed in the second trimester in the intervention group, but there were no significant between-group changes for this index. There was a significant decrease in body mass index in the cinnamon group at the end of six months, but no significant changes were observed in the between-group comparison. Conclusion: Changes in bleeding time and body mass index were not significant in the between-group comparison. Further studies with higher doses and larger sample sizes are recommended, along with evaluation of influential variables, including insulin resistance index.