Testing a new medication for irregular periods and hormonal imbalance

Plain-English translation of NCT06842524 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether , a medication derived from artemisinin, can help women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — a condition that causes irregular periods, excess facial hair or acne, and difficulty managing weight. A small earlier study suggested this medication may help restore regular cycles and lower excess male hormones. This larger study will confirm whether the medication really works by comparing it to a placebo (a dummy pill).

PCOS affects many women of reproductive age and currently has limited treatment options for those who aren't trying to get pregnant. This medication may help address the root causes of PCOS — such as insulin resistance and excess male hormones — rather than just managing symptoms, potentially offering a new choice for patients.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with PCOS, meaning you have irregular menstrual cycles (longer than 35 days or fewer than 8 per year) and elevated male hormones
your body mass index (BMI) is between 18.5 and 28, indicating a healthy weight range
you are not pregnant and do not plan to become pregnant in the next 6 months
you have a negative pregnancy test at the start of the study
you are willing to stop taking hormonal birth control for at least 2 months before joining

You likely don't qualify if…

you are currently taking hormonal birth control pills or certain other hormonal medications (a washout period is required)
you have liver disease or abnormal liver function tests
you have diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2), heart disease, a history of cancer, or kidney disease
you are taking other medications that affect hormone levels or metabolism, such as metformin or GLP-1 receptor agonists
you have had weight-loss surgery in the past 12 months

What participation looks like

You will take either the study medication or a placebo pill three times daily for 3 months. During this time, you'll have regular check-ins with the research team to monitor your menstrual cycles, hormone levels, and overall health through blood tests and physical exams. The main goal is to see whether your periods become more regular and your hormone levels improve over the 6-month study period.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 30, 2026 · Not medical advice

Testing a new medication for irregular periods and hormonal imbalance

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(4 sites)