Malaria drug shows promise as treatment for common hormone disorder

A compound used to treat malaria could potentially alleviate symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a small study in humans and lab Animals finds.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by high levels of male hormones called androgens. These elevated androgen levels cause a range of symptoms, such as irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth and acne. Complications of the condition include infertility and metabolic problems, including insulin resistance, which raises the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Although PCOS affects 10% to 13% of reproductive-age women, researchers don't completely understand the condition's root cause. It remains difficult to diagnose and treat, and the available treatments — such as birth control pills and blood-sugar-controlling drugs — address only symptoms of the condition.

Now, a new study has shown that an antimalarial drug called artemisinin may ease some symptoms of PCOS, potentially by addressing its root cause.

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The results, published June 14 in the journal Science, show that artemisinin and its derivatives significantly improved PCOS symptoms, such as irregular hormonal cycles, in both humans and rodents.

For the study, the research team enrolled 19 human participants with symptoms of PCOS, including irregular periods and excess levels of testosterone. Ultrasound also revealed that they had enlarged ovaries with multiple fluid-filled sacs on them; these "follicle cysts" are seen in some, but not all, people with PCOS.