PCOS

PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is one of the leading causes for infertility in women. Women with PCOS can develop small cysts that inhibit follicular development by producing androgens (male hormones) and have elevated LH (luteinizing hormone) levels. Because of this, many women with PCOS tend to have irregular periods and do not ovulate, as they don’t generally produce mature follicles (as the ripening of follicles is interrupted mid process).
 

Symptoms Associated with PCOS

• Irregular or lack of ovulation

• Irregular or absent period

• High insulin levels & insulin resistance which disrupts the estrogen and progesterone rich environment follicles grow in

• High Androgens 

• Obesity

• Acne

• Increased likelihood of pregnancy loss

• Excessive body hair growth

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Acupuncture & PCOS​​

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine is a holistic system of medicine; treatment varies from person to person. We look at the underlying root cause and treat the foundation of the pattern. It can take a minimum of a few cycles of treatment to positively support regulation of the cycle and reduce symptoms associated with PCOS.

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Many women with PCOS are prescribed ovulatory stimulating medications to initiate ovulation. Acupuncture can be a great support in tandem with medication by sending nourishing blood and qi flow to the ovaries to help with the function of medications.  
 

Research on PCOS & Acupuncture​​

A study conducted by Swedish researchers at the University of Gothenburg, found that exercise and electro-acupuncture treatments could reduce some symptoms of PCOS. Swedish researchers were looking for a long-lasting treatment for PCOS without adverse side effects. During the 16-week study, 9 women with an average age of 30 years underwent 14 acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture was applied to the abdominal muscles and back of the knee, points associated with the ovaries. The needles in the abdomen and leg were stimulated with a low-frequency electrical charge–enough to stimulate muscle contractions without resulting in pain or discomfort. The study found that the electro-acupuncture treatments led to more regular menstrual cycles, reduced testosterone levels and reduced waist circumference (but no drop in body mass index or weight). The authors noted that their study had some limitations, including a small sample size.

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In other research, investigators concluded that acupuncture was able to improve “menstrual frequency and decrease circulating androgens in women with PCOS.” Infertility is an unwanted complication associated with some forms of PCOS, and acupuncture showed significant clinical improvements in the women studied.

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Another study published in the American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism concludes that low frequency electroacupuncture improved menstrual frequency and balanced sex steroid levels in women with PCOS. The study measured improvements in a wide range of endocrine variables such that the researchers concluded that electroacupuncture may help induce ovulation in women attempting to conceive since participants showed significant improvements in monthly menstrual frequency. There are similarities in the acupuncture point selection in this study with the study of women with anovulatory infertility.