Flaxseed Lignan (Brevail)

PCOS is a disorder which is characterized by hyperandrogenism (high serum male hormone levels), ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries (multiple follicles-over 12- in the ovary). There is no universally accepted definition for PCOS. The Rotterdam criteria require 2 of 3 criteria for diagnosis, including hyperandrogenism (clinical hirsutism or serum hormone measurement), oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea, and ultrasound findings of polycystic ovaries.

This study is a prospective randomized pilot study designed to evaluate the effects of flaxseed supplementation (with Brevail) on hormonal and lipid metabolism balance in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients.

• Drug: Birth control
  In the initial visit, History and Physical Exam,menstrual history, pregnancy history, documentation of hirsutism using Ferriman-Gallwey scoring,body weight, height, and body mass index.The baseline ultrasound blood tests. After the lab tests, the patients in the control group will be started on OC (standard clinical practice) and those in the treatment group will be started on OC with Brevail (2 pills once a day). The patients will return to the clinic for a follow up visit after 3 months. If no side effects, Brevail and OC will be continued for 3 more months. The control group will also have a follow up after 3 months of OC. Six months after the initiation of the study, the patients in the both groups will have another H&P as well as repeat ultrasound and blood tests.
• Drug: Birth control plus Brevail
  In the initial visit, History and Physical Exam,menstrual history, pregnancy history, documentation of hirsutism using Ferriman-Gallwey scoring,body weight, height, and body mass index.The baseline ultrasound blood tests. After the lab tests, the patients in the control group will be started on OC (standard clinical practice) and those in the treatment group will be started on OC with Brevail (2 pills once a day). The patients will return to the clinic for a follow up visit after 3 months. If no side effects, Brevail and OC will be continued for 3 more months. The control group will also have a follow up after 3 months of OC. Six months after the initiation of the study, the patients in the both groups will have another H&P as well as repeat ultrasound and blood tests.

• Active Comparator: Birth control
  Intervention: Drug: Birth control
• Experimental: Birth control plus Brevail
  Intervention: Drug: Birth control plus Brevail

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must be 18 to 40 year old female with:
• Diagnosis of PCOS by menstrual irregularity (fewer than 9 menses annually/interval over 40 days), Ferriman-Galleway score >8, and/or hyperandrogenemia defined as total testosterone >80ng/dl or bioavailable testosterone >8.4 ng/dl.
• Mentally competent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of oral contraceptives, spironolactone, or insulin-sensitizing agents within the past 2 months.
• Long-term or chronic use of oral antibiotics.
• Hysterectomy.
• FSH >15.
• Pregnancy/lactation.
• Consumption of flaxseed within the last month.
• Diagnosis of thyroid disease, nonclassical adrenal hyperplasia, and hyperprolactinemia.
• Use of any dietary fiber supplements which are newly started (within the past 6 months) and agreement not to use any new fiber supplements during the study period.