Wednesday June 25, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- Columbia University researchers reported a trial that suggests that cinnamon supplementation improves menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized often by symptoms like anovulation, excess androgenic hormones, and insulin resistance.  The health condition occurs in about 5 to 10% of women of reproductive age or 12 to 45 years old.

In the prospective, placebo controlled, double-blinded trial, 45 women with polycystic ovary syndrome were randomly assigned to receive either cinnamon supplements in a dose of 1.5 grams per day or placebo for a period of six months.

During the six-month intervention, women taking cinnamon were found to have more frequent menstrual cycles than women who took placebo.  Among women taking cinnamon, menstrual cyclicity was improved.

Cinnamon supplementation did not affect insulin resistance and androgen levels, the study showed.

The trial concluded "These preliminary data suggest that cinnamon supplementation improves menstrual cyclicity and may be an effective treatment option for some women with PCOS."

Kort DH, Lobo RA.  Preliminary evidence that cinnamon improves menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.   American Journal of Obestetrics and Gynecology, 2014 May 9. pii: S0002-9378(14)00446-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2014.05.009.