Objective To observe the effect of Lingzhu Granules （Granule of Herba epimedii and Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae） on the menstrual cycle

endocrine and lipid metabolism of the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS）.Methods With the random controlled method

the 62 PCOS patients enrolled were equally divided into two groups

the experimental group was treated with Lingzhu Granules and the control group with Metformin.Both groups were treated for three menstrual cycles.The changes in body mass index （BMI）

waist-hip ratio （WHR）

serum follicle stimulating hormone （FSH）

luteinizing hormone （LH）

testosterone （T）

estradiol （E2）

fasting blood sugar （FBS）

fasting insulin （FINs）

insulin sensitive index （ISI）

blood lipid

and biphasic basal body temperature （BBT） periodicity were observed.Results The effect of Lingzhu Granules on the sex hormone and lipid metabolism （except for LDL-C and TG） was better than that of Metformin with significant difference （P<0.05）.Lingzhu Granules could decrease the BMI and WHR of PCOS patients

better than Metformin （P<0.05）.The lowering of insulin resistance in both groups was similar in effect （P>0.05）.A better biphasic BBT period was achieved in the Lingzhu Granules group during treatment

superior to that in the Metformin group （P<0.05）.Conclusion Lingzhu Granules is effective in adjusting sex hormone

lowering BMI and WHR of the obese patients

improving abnormal lipid metabolism

acquiring more biphasic BBT period

and lowering the TCM syndrome scores of PCOS patients

with a better effect than Metformin.