{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2025,9,10]],"date-time":"2025-09-10T21:58:22Z","timestamp":1757541502101,"version":"3.37.3"},"reference-count":47,"publisher":"Georg Thieme Verlag KG","issue":"01","content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Homeopathy"],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2025,2]]},"abstract":"<jats:title>Abstract<\/jats:title><jats:p>\n          Background\u2003Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex reproductive endocrinopathy affecting 4\u201320% of females of reproductive age. PCOS and its consequent complications such as infertility, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease significantly impact clinical management. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including homeopathy, is gaining recognition in PCOS management. There remains a paucity of formal protocols for managing PCOS within homeopathy and other CAM systems.<\/jats:p><jats:p>\n          Aims\/objectives\u2003This study aimed to explore and document existing therapeutic practices in the management of PCOS from diagnosis to treatment used by practitioners within various disciplines of CAM: viz., homeopathy, ayurveda, unani tibb, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and naturopathy, in the context of their unique philosophical background.<\/jats:p><jats:p>\n          Methods\u2003In this explorative, descriptive study, data were collected from CAM practitioners in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, using semi-structured interviews and analysed using Tesch's and Creswell's methods for qualitative analysis.<\/jats:p><jats:p>\n          Results\u2003Four themes emerged from the data, namely: CAM philosophical perspectives on PCOS, contributing factors, diagnosis of PCOS, and management of PCOS. Five sub-themes emerged: clinical diagnosis of PCOS, CAM-specific characterisation of PCOS, CAM-specific treatment of PCOS, adjunctive therapies, and lifestyle interventions. Homeopathic management comprised several prescribing methods, the most common ones being miasmatic\/constitutional, keynote and clinical, alongside adjunctive therapies and lifestyle interventions. Other CAM modalities adopted similar holistic approaches.<\/jats:p><jats:p>\n          Conclusions\u2003This paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the perceptions, clinical investigations and management practices in PCOS by homeopaths and four other CAM modalities \u2013 ayurveda, unani tibb, TCM and naturopathy \u2013 as documented in the study. Homeopaths and other CAM practitioners employed CAM-specific therapies, along with adjunctive therapies and lifestyle interventions, adopting holistic approaches. Enhancing the quality of life through emotional counselling, stress reduction and lifestyle improvements emerged as shared objectives across modalities. Our findings underscore the need to further explore inter-disciplinary collaboration in PCOS management among registered CAM practitioners, with the potential to expand the scope of comprehensive care for PCOS patients.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1055\/s-0044-1779707","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2024,4,18]],"date-time":"2024-04-18T23:07:07Z","timestamp":1713481627000},"page":"032-043","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":1,"title":["Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Qualitative Inquiry among Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practitioners in South Africa"],"prefix":"10.1055","volume":"114","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0002-6148-2405","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Faathimah","family":"Khan","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Homeopathy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Madhueshwaree","family":"Maharaj","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Homeopathy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Nalini","family":"Govender","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Yasmeen","family":"Thandar","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"194","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2024,4,18]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"261","DOI":"10.4103\/jhrs.JHRS_95_18","article-title":"The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome: a brief systematic review","volume":"13","author":"R Deswal","year":"2020","journal-title":"J Hum Reprod Sci"},{"key":"ref2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"60","DOI":"10.1515\/openhe-2022-0008","article-title":"Healthy lifestyle and dietary approaches to treating polycystic ovary syndrome: a review","volume":"3","author":"M Zehravi","year":"2022","journal-title":"Open Health."},{"key":"ref3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"43","DOI":"10.51910\/ijhdr.v20i4.1126","article-title":"Homoeopathy a system of holistic healing as an alternative treatment for PCOS\u2014a review","volume":"20","author":"D Dewan","year":"2021","journal-title":"Int J High Dilut Res."},{"key":"ref4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"14","DOI":"10.1186\/s12902-022-01208-y","article-title":"Lifestyle management in polycystic ovary syndrome\u2014beyond diet and physical activity","volume":"23","author":"S Cowan","year":"2023","journal-title":"BMC Endocr Disord"},{"key":"ref5","first-page":"1","article-title":"Review on PCOD\/PCOS & its treatment in different medicinal systems\u2013allopathy, ayurveda, homeopathy","volume":"1","author":"A Sawant","year":"2017","journal-title":"Sci Jurno."},{"key":"ref6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"11","DOI":"10.1002\/ev.223","article-title":"Judging interpretations: but is it rigorous? trustworthiness and authenticity in naturalistic evaluation","volume":"2007","author":"T A Schwandt","year":"2007","journal-title":"New Dir Eval"},{"key":"ref7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"63","DOI":"10.1177\/1533210107310165","article-title":"CAM competencies for the health professions","volume":"13","author":"M J Kreitzer","year":"2008","journal-title":"Complement Health Pract Rev"},{"volume-title":"Qualitative Research: Analysis Types and Software","year":"2013","author":"R Tesch","key":"ref8"},{"key":"ref9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"172","DOI":"10.1016\/S2095-4964(17)60339-X","article-title":"History of cupping (Hijama): a narrative review of literature","volume":"15","author":"N A Qureshi","year":"2017","journal-title":"J Integr Med"},{"volume-title":"Organon of Medicine","year":"2005","author":"S Hahnemann","key":"ref10"},{"volume-title":"Homeopathic Methodology: Repertory, Case Taking, and Case Analysis","year":"1998","author":"T Rowe","key":"ref11"},{"volume-title":"The Science of Homeopathy","year":"2002","author":"G Vithoulkas","key":"ref12"},{"volume-title":"Experiences of Registered Homoeopaths Regarding Clinical Application of the Cancerinic Miasm in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa [thesis]","year":"2021","author":"S L Tandy","key":"ref13"},{"volume-title":"Principles and Practice of Homeopathy: The Therapeutic and Healing Process","year":"2015","author":"D Owen","key":"ref14"},{"key":"ref15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"553","DOI":"10.1016\/j.pmr.2020.07.009","article-title":"Whole medical systems the rehabilitation setting (traditional Chinese medicine, ayurvedic medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy)","volume":"31","author":"D F Drake","year":"2020","journal-title":"Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am"},{"key":"ref16","first-page":"1363","article-title":"Concept of polycystic ovarian syndrome: perspectives of ayurveda and modern science","volume":"9","author":"M Patel","year":"2017","journal-title":"Int J Pharmacogn Phytochem Res"},{"key":"ref17","first-page":"9","article-title":"Ayurveda and modern perspective on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): review base on literary study","volume":"4","author":"H Nehra","year":"2019","journal-title":"Himalayan J Health Sci"},{"key":"ref18","first-page":"5","article-title":"The effects of yin, yang, and qi in the skin on pain","volume":"3","author":"J D Adams Jr","year":"2016","journal-title":"Medicines (Basel)"},{"key":"ref20","first-page":"555578","article-title":"TCM treatment of polycystic ovary and PCOS","volume":"2","author":"D Jiang","year":"2017","journal-title":"J Complement Med Alt Healthcare"},{"key":"ref21","first-page":"494","article-title":"Treating gynaecological disorders with traditional Chinese medicine: a review","volume":"6","author":"J Zhou","year":"2009","journal-title":"Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med"},{"volume-title":"Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences","year":"2020","author":"V Zeigler-Hill","key":"ref22"},{"key":"ref23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"487","DOI":"10.3329\/bjms.v16i4.33600","article-title":"Temperament\u2014an important principle for health preservation in tibb an-nabawi and unani-tibb","volume":"16","author":"M Hoosen","year":"2017","journal-title":"Banglad J Med Sci."},{"key":"ref24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"163","DOI":"10.3109\/10253899909001120","article-title":"Acute stress persistently enhances estrogen levels in the female rat","volume":"3","author":"T J Shors","year":"1999","journal-title":"Stress"},{"volume-title":"In: Physiology, Endocrine Hormones","year":"2019","author":"M Campbell","key":"ref25"},{"key":"ref26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"41","DOI":"10.1186\/1741-7015-8-41","article-title":"Polycystic ovary syndrome: a complex condition with psychological, reproductive and metabolic manifestations that impacts on health across the lifespan","volume":"8","author":"H Teede","year":"2010","journal-title":"BMC Med"},{"key":"ref27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1454","DOI":"10.3390\/jcm12041454","article-title":"Polycystic ovary syndrome: etiology, current management, and future therapeutics","volume":"12","author":"S Singh","year":"2023","journal-title":"J Clin Med"},{"key":"ref28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"487","DOI":"10.1210\/er.2015-1018","article-title":"Scientific statement on the diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and molecular genetics of polycystic ovary syndrome","volume":"36","author":"D A Dumesic","year":"2015","journal-title":"Endocr Rev"},{"key":"ref29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"74","DOI":"10.1038\/nrendo.2015.230","article-title":"PCOS in 2015: new insights into the genetics of polycystic ovary syndrome","volume":"12","author":"R Azziz","year":"2016","journal-title":"Nat Rev Endocrinol"},{"key":"ref30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"295","DOI":"10.1016\/j.toxlet.2013.10.022","article-title":"Endocrine disruption: fact or urban legend?","volume":"223","author":"G J Nohynek","year":"2013","journal-title":"Toxicol Lett"},{"key":"ref31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"102516","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ctim.2020.102516","article-title":"Moments of \u2018touch\u2019 as a way for mental support in Traditional Chinese Medicine consultations: analysis of the interactional process of co-constructing understanding of the patient's body conditions in Hong Kong","volume":"52","author":"J KH Pun","year":"2020","journal-title":"Complement Ther Med"},{"volume-title":"Nature's Materia Medica","year":"2006","author":"R Murphy","key":"ref32"},{"volume-title":"Materia Medica of Homoeopathic Medicines","year":"1999","author":"S R Phatak","key":"ref34"},{"key":"ref37","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"6","DOI":"10.31579\/2578-8965\/101","article-title":"A homeopathic treatment in a female patient with infertility","author":"H Alp","year":"2022","journal-title":"J Obstet Gynecol Repr Sci"},{"volume-title":"Biotherapeutic Index. 5th edn","year":"2000","author":"Heel","key":"ref38"},{"key":"ref39","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100434","DOI":"10.1016\/j.hermed.2021.100434","article-title":"Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for the treatment and enhancement of mental and physical conditions: a systematic review of human trials","volume":"28","author":"A L Lopresti","year":"2021","journal-title":"J Herb Med"},{"key":"ref40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"242","DOI":"10.1016\/S2222-1808(13)60049-3","article-title":"Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): a review","volume":"3","author":"S Alok","year":"2013","journal-title":"Asian Pac J Trop Dis"},{"key":"ref41","first-page":"51","article-title":"Clinical study of \u2018triphala\u2019\u2014a well known phytomedicine from India [abstract]","volume":"5","author":"P K Mukherjee","year":"2006","journal-title":"Iran J Pharmacol Ther"},{"key":"ref42","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e15890","DOI":"10.1097\/MD.0000000000015890","article-title":"The prescription patterns of traditional Chinese medicine for women with polycystic ovary syndrome in Taiwan: a nationwide population-based study","volume":"98","author":"M-J Lin","year":"2019","journal-title":"Medicine (Baltimore)"},{"key":"ref43","first-page":"572","article-title":"Utility of cupping therapy (hijamat) in unani medicine","volume":"7","author":"J Akhtar","year":"2008","journal-title":"Indian J Tradit Knowl"},{"key":"ref44","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"114","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jpag.2014.05.005","article-title":"The effect of chromium supplementation on polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents","volume":"28","author":"N Amr","year":"2015","journal-title":"J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol"},{"key":"ref45","first-page":"1792","article-title":"Short period-administration of myo-inositol and metformin on hormonal and glycolipid profiles in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","volume":"26","author":"J-Q Zhang","year":"2022","journal-title":"Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci"},{"key":"ref46","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1080\/09513590.2019.1625881","article-title":"Effects of vitamin D supplementation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a review","volume":"36","author":"D Menichini","year":"2020","journal-title":"Gynecol Endocrinol"},{"key":"ref47","first-page":"QC13","article-title":"Comparing the effects of agnugol and metformin on oligomenorrhea in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial","volume":"10","author":"A Shayan","year":"2016","journal-title":"J Clin Diagn Res"},{"key":"ref48","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1745","DOI":"10.1002\/ptr.5693","article-title":"Berberis vulgaris and berberine: an updated review","volume":"30","author":"M Imenshahidi","year":"2016","journal-title":"Phytother Res"},{"key":"ref49","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"903","DOI":"10.2165\/00003495-200666070-00002","article-title":"Diagnosis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome: a practical guide","volume":"66","author":"M Stankiewicz","year":"2006","journal-title":"Drugs"},{"key":"ref50","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"679","DOI":"10.1016\/j.fertnstert.2005.08.045","article-title":"Role of diet in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome","volume":"85","author":"C C Douglas","year":"2006","journal-title":"Fertil Steril"},{"key":"ref51","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1018","DOI":"10.1093\/humrep\/deac047","article-title":"High-intensity training elicits greater improvements in cardio-metabolic and reproductive outcomes than moderate-intensity training in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial","volume":"37","author":"R K Patten","year":"2022","journal-title":"Hum Reprod"}],"container-title":["Homeopathy"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"http:\/\/www.thieme-connect.de\/products\/ejournals\/pdf\/10.1055\/s-0044-1779707.pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,1,27]],"date-time":"2025-01-27T23:35:48Z","timestamp":1738020948000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"http:\/\/www.thieme-connect.de\/DOI\/DOI?10.1055\/s-0044-1779707"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024,4,18]]},"references-count":47,"journal-issue":{"issue":"01","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,1,27]]},"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2025,2]]}},"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1055\/s-0044-1779707","archive":["Portico","CLOCKSS"],"relation":{},"ISSN":["1475-4916","1476-4245"],"issn-type":[{"type":"print","value":"1475-4916"},{"type":"electronic","value":"1476-4245"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2024,4,18]]}}}