Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age and requires better treatment. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is known to be beneficial under such conditions owing to its antioxidant potential and insulin-sensitizing properties. The effect of NAC on the reproductive outcomes of PCOS patients was examined in this meta-analysis.

In accordance with PRISMA standards, this meta-analysis included studies that compared N-acetylcysteine, metformin, clomiphene citrate, and a placebo in patients with POCS. The main indicators were follicular growth, endometrial thickness, and hormone level. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane ROB2 tool.

Twenty-two studies (n = 2515) were included. NAC was associated with a statistically significant increase in progesterone (SMD 0.95, 95% CI: 0.13-1.77, p = 0.02) and endometrial thickness (SMD 0.58, 95% CI: 0.10-1.06, p = 0.02) compared to the placebo and other drugs (SMD 0.71, 95% CI: 0.48-0.94, p < 0.0001). LH levels were significantly increased by NAC compared to metformin (SMD 0.67, 95% CI: 0.23-1.12, p = 0.003). However, no significant differences were observed in the estradiol, SHBG, or FSH levels.

NAC had a major effect on progesterone, endometrial thickness, and LH levels in women with PCOS. Therefore, it may be a potential treatment option.