Combining ALA with Letrozole for treating infertility in women with PCOS

Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplementation on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Clinical Outcome in Infertile Females Treated With Letrozole

Phase 3 Interventional Ain Shams University · NCT06418347

This study is testing if adding Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) to letrozole can help women with PCOS who are struggling with infertility get pregnant more effectively.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexFemale
SponsorAin Shams University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Cairo and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06418347 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of adding Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) to letrozole treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who are experiencing infertility. A total of 150 participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving letrozole alone or an intervention group receiving letrozole along with ALA supplements. The study will monitor the participants' ovulation rates and overall clinical outcomes through trans-vaginal ultrasound scans and follow standard PCOS care protocols. The goal is to determine if the addition of ALA enhances fertility outcomes compared to letrozole alone.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are females aged 18-35 diagnosed with PCOS and experiencing infertility for at least one year.

Not a fit: Patients with infertility due to factors other than PCOS or those with contraindications to pregnancy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve fertility rates in women with PCOS.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of ALA and letrozole is a novel approach, previous studies have shown that letrozole is effective for treating infertility in PCOS.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female patient aged 18-35
* Willing to conceive
* PCOS, diagnosed according to the revised 2003 Rotterdam consensus criteria. " Oligo- or anovulation secondary to PCOS and at least one of the remaining two criteria: hyperandrogenism or polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound .
* Anovulation and/or infertility ≥ 1 year.
* At least one patent fallopian tube
* Normal uterine cavity
* Male partner with sperm concentration of at least 14 million/mL in at least one ejaculate.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other causes for the infertility (male factor, tubal factor).
* Intake of hormonal or other drugs that can potentially influence the ovulation.
* Causes of anovulation or hyperandrogenism other than PCOS such as uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction or hyperprolactinemia.
* Contraindication to pregnancy
* Myo-inositol use \< 3 months prior to study enrollment
* Concomitant metformin use. Previous use is allowed with last use at least 6 weeks prior to randomization.

Where this trial is running

Cairo and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Polycystic Ovary SyndromeInfertility, FemalePCOSALALetrozoleInfertilityOvulation rate
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.