Comparison of Green Tea and Metformin Effects on Anthropometric Indicators in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Clinical Trial Study

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as a complex reproductive and endocrinological disorder, affects up to one in five women. Treatment for obesity in women with this syndrome is necessary due to the occurrence of various complications, especially infertility. Recently, green tea with many health benefits, as a natural herbal medicine, has been widely considered in treating various diseases. 
Objective: This clinical study was planned to compare the effect of green tea and metformin treatment on the anthropometric indices of women with PCOS. 
Materials and Methods: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 45 women among 18–35 years of age with PCOS referring to the endometriosis center of Fatemieh Hospital of Hamadan, Iran, who had the eligibility criteria for entering the study, were randomized into three study groups: the green tea, the metformin group, and the control group. Weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio, before, 1 month later, and 3 months after intervention in each group were measured. Data were statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software, version 23.0. 
Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the three groups during the study period. A significant reduction of anthropometric indices, such as weight, BMI, waist, and hip circumference, was observed in the green tea group. 
Conclusion: The use of green tea for patients with PCOS is recommended as a complementary therapy that can have potential effects on obesity.