Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common and complex hormonal disorder affecting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It is characterized by high levels of androgens, irregular periods, and the presence of multiple cysts in the ovaries. PCOS can cause infertility, weight gain, acne, and hirsutism (excessive hair growth). Because PCOS causes irregular periods- women often experience extremely long cycles, or long periods of time not knowing when their next period will come. This can be extremely stressful for women if they’re trying to avoid pregnancy and if they’re trying to become pregnant- as it can be hard to tell if & when they are ovulating. It’s important to know that PCOS, though there are many types, can be heavily affected by small diet and lifestyle tweaks- something I partner with patients on everyday.

In addition to nutritional therapy and regular exercise, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been used for centuries to treat various gynecological disorders, including PCOS. In recent years, several studies have shown that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen levels, and improve fertility in women with PCOS.

Acupuncture for PCOS

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. Acupuncture can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms associated with PCOS. Here are some research studies supporting the use of acupuncture for PCOS:

1. A study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture can help reduce testosterone levels and improve menstrual frequency in women with PCOS.

2. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation found that acupuncture can help reduce insulin resistance and improve glucose metabolism in women with PCOS.

3. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for PCOS

Chinese herbal medicine involves the use of herbal formulas to treat various health conditions. Chinese herbal medicine can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen levels, and improve fertility in women with PCOS. Here are some research studies supporting the use of Chinese herbal medicine for PCOS:

1. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that a Chinese herbal formula can help reduce testosterone levels and improve menstrual frequency in women with PCOS.

2. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Chinese herbal medicine can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS.

3. A review of studies published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Chinese herbal medicine can improve fertility outcomes in women with PCOS.

Why is PCOS untreated a problem?

PCOS that is untreated is linked to cardiovascular and heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, uterine and endometrial cancers, in addition to infertility.

In conclusion, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be effective in treating PCOS by regulating menstrual cycles and supporting ovulation, reducing androgen levels, and improving fertility outcomes. If you're interested in trying acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine for PCOS, it's important to consult with a licensed practitioner who specializes in treating women's health conditions.

If you’d like to work together submit a request to book through my website and i’ll call you to get you scheduled in 24-48 hours. When working with women with PCOS- I create a custom plan tailored to their diet, lifestyle, acupuncture, as well as a custom herbal medicine formula plan. I look forward to working with you and helping you to achieve your health goals!

Resources:

1. Johansson J, Redman L, Veldhuis PP, et al. Acupuncture for ovulatory dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2013;304(9):934-943. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23482444/

2. Stener-Victorin E, Waldenstrom U, Tagnfors U, et al. Effects of electro-acupuncture on anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2000;79(3):180-188. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10716298/

3. Zhang J, Hu Y, Gao J, et al. Effects of traditional Chinese medicine on pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019:5698370.

4. Liang R, Li Y, Li X, et al. Efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine in treating polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2019;39(5):625-634.

5. Lim CE, Wong WS. Current evidence of acupuncture on polycystic ovarian syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2010 Jun;26(6):473-8. doi: 10.3109/09513591003686304. PMID: 20230329. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20230329/

6. https://apollosugar.com/conditions/endocrine-conditions/what-happens-if-pcos-is-left-untreated/

7. A Daniilidis and K Dinas. Longterm health consequences of polycystic ovarian syndrome: a review analysis. Hippokratia Quarterly Medical Journal. 2009 Apr-Jun; 13(2): 90–92.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2683463/