The Effect Of Cupping Therapy (Al-Hijama) On The Endocrine And Metabolism In Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Patients

Conference: 5th International Conference on Quality and Evidence Based in Prophetic Medicine

Keywords: Polycystic ovaries syndrome; Hijama; Wet cupping.

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of wet cupping (Hijama) therapy—an established method in prophetic medicine—on the endocrine and metabolic indicators of patients diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The primary outcome focused on changes in reproductive hormone levels and metabolic profiles before and after Hijama. The secondary outcome was pregnancy rates following treatment. Cupping is emphasized in the prophetic medicine book as one of the most effective remedies for various chronic conditions.

Methods:

Research Design:
This pilot clinical study investigated alternative therapy for PCOS using Hijama.

Setting:
The study took place at the Prophetic Medicine Research Clinic, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from January 2013 to December 2016.

Sample:
A total of 41 women participated (38 married—25 with infertility—and 3 unmarried). All subjects signed informed consent forms. Participants were followed for one year prior to the intervention, stopped all medical treatment for three months, and then underwent wet cupping sessions for three consecutive menstrual cycles.
Inclusion criteria: Women aged 25–45 years diagnosed with PCOS.
Exclusion criteria: Other endocrine or ovarian pathologies (e.g., Cushing’s syndrome, ovarian tumors, hypothalamic/pituitary disorders, late-onset CAH, and androgenic drug use).

Assessment:
Before and after cupping therapy, the following were evaluated: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, fasting blood glucose (FBS), total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Tools Used:
(a) Structured interview questionnaire
(b) PCOS symptom questionnaire
(c) Venous blood samples for biochemical and hormonal analysis before and after three months of Hijama (conducted on day 2 of the menstrual cycle)
(d) SPSS version 20.0 for statistical analysis.

Results:

At baseline, elevated levels were observed in TSH (9.76%), LH (56.10%), estradiol (90.24%), and CRP (68.29%). All participants exhibited higher-than-normal prolactin, testosterone, and triglyceride levels, with lower progesterone levels. FSH was low in 19.51% of cases, FBS was below normal in 82.93%, and HDL was low in 39.02%. Total cholesterol remained within normal limits. Obesity was observed in only 2.44% of cases.

Post-therapy, 6 out of 25 women with infertility achieved pregnancy (24%). Significant reductions were observed in prolactin (p<0.05), and HDL increased significantly (p<0.05). Additionally, the LH/FSH ratio significantly improved after Hijama hormone regulation (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The findings suggest that wet cupping, as recommended in prophetic medicine, is a safe and potentially effective alternative therapy for PCOS, especially in hormone modulation and improving reproductive health. Future research should consider its application in broader clinical settings, including modern integrative health centers such as those offering wet cupping in Dubai, to further validate its therapeutic role.