The Effect of Holistic Programs on Cortisol Serum Levels in Polycistic Ovarium Syndrome

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Indonesia reaches 8-10%. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome are at risk of experiencing complex psychological disorders and decreased well-being. Psychological disorders in polycystic ovary syndrome are at risk of developing physical symptoms and increasing insulin resistance. The Holistic Program consists of a combination of diet yoga and remembrance therapy as an integrated holistic therapy. There is no non-pharmacological therapy that is holistically integrated to reduce serum cortisol levels in polycystic ovary syndrome. This study aimed to examine the effect of holistic programs on cortisol serum levels in polycistic ovarium syndrome. Subjects and Method: This was a randomized controlled trials conducted in Yogyakarta. A sample of 30 women patients with PCOS aged 19-40 years old was selected for this study. The sample was divided into 2 groups. The intervention group received holistic program for 14 days. The dependent variable was cortisol serum. The independent variable was holistic program. Cortisol serum and insulin levels were measure by ELISA method at the Integrated Research and Testing Laboratory, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta. Insulin resistance was calculated using the HOMA IR method. The data were analyzed by independent t-test and different test Paired t-test Results: Serum cortisol levels in the intervention group were lower than the control group. Serum cortisol levels decrease after the implementation of a holistic program. Conclusion: The holistic program that was carried out for 14 days in polycystic ovary syndrome is effective to reduce serum cortisol levels.