Poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, impacting 5-10% of premenopausal American women. It is a complex condition that creates imbalances in many different bodily systems. Typical symptoms include low energy, acne, and extra body and facial hair (“hirsutism”). Weight management becomes extremely difficult; 60% of women with PCOS struggle with obesity and develop blood sugar problems due to insulin resistance. As a result, up to 40% of women with this condition will develop diabetes by the age of 50. A long-term risk of cardiovascular consequences associated with this disorder has recently attracted medical attention. In addition to these distressing symptoms, PCOS is also a leading cause of female infertility—in fact, many women discover that ovarian cysts are causing their health problems when they seek medical help to become pregnant.
Because PCOS induces high testosterone levels, it often results in irregular menstruation, or stops menstruation altogether (“amenorrhea”). Even when it appears that a regular menstrual cycle is occurring each month, ovulation is often delayed, or does not occur at all, a disruption of the normal cycle that contributes to problems in conceiving. This frustrating problem can be resolved with acupuncture, which provides a natural, effective way to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and encourage the ovulation necessary to pregnancy. Because acupuncture is based on the principle of “Qi”—a vital energy running along 14 different pathways in the body—it is particularly effective in balancing neuroendocrine disorders such as PCOS. To read more about how acupuncture restores the regular flow of Qi and helps the body to correct its dysfunction, please visit the “Acupuncture and TCM” page at www.acupunctureclinicforwomen.com.
In recent years, medical research has demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for PCOS. A January 2011 study published in the American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism found that four months of acupuncture treatment with electrical stimulation reduced the levels of testosterone by 25% in women with PCOS. The study included three groups of women with PCOS: one was given acupuncture treatment with manual or electrical stimulation; another was instructed to exercise at least three times a week; and the third was a control group with no intervention. (All groups were given information on the importance of regular exercise and a healthy diet.) The groups that employed exercise or acupuncture improved in weight loss, normal testosterone levels, acne resolution, and menstrual regularity. Moreover, the study concluded that acupuncture proved more effective than regular exercise in reducing high levels of testosterone and achieving regular menstruation (1).
In fact, an important June 2010 article in Gynecological Endocrinology reviewed several PCOS and acupuncture studies from over the years and demonstrated that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for all aspects of PCOS, without the side effects often caused by medication. This meta-study concluded that acupuncture may help PCOS by increasing blood flow to the ovaries, reducing the size of ovarian cysts, reducing cortisol levels, assisting in weight loss, and controlling hyperglycemia through increased insulin sensitivity and decreased blood glucose and insulin levels (2).
As PCOS is a chronic condition, and often occurs alongside other individual health problems, successful acupuncture treatment is not an instant cure-all; the process of regularizing ovarian function and achieving pregnancy may take months of slow and steady progress. Once a woman does achieve fertility, acupuncture should continue throughout the pregnancy, both to prevent miscarriage and to maintain optimal health. Combining regular exercise and healthy diet is also fundamental for the optimal regulation of periods and ovulation. With patience, the combination of acupuncture, exercise, and healthy diet can have a profound effect in overcoming PCOS to achieve fertility. With Guangli’s assistance, many patients have overcome infertility issues to give birth to a healthy baby, and he hopes to help women with this challenging condition to fulfill their dream of pregnancy, as well. Guangli would be happy to answer any questions you may have about PCOS or other infertility problems via email or phone (617-731-0504). Please visit http://www.acupunctureclinicforwomen.com for more information.
1. Amer J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. Elizabeth Jedel et al. “Impact of electro-acupuncture and physical exercise on hyperandrogenism and oligo/amenorrhea in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.” (Jan 2011; 300 (1) E37-45)
2. Gynecol Endocrinol. Lim CE, Wong WS. “Current evidence of acupuncture on polycystic ovarian syndrome.” (June 2010; 26 (6) 473-8)
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