Master Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) with Acupuncture

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 6-10% of all women. This is incredible and represents a large number of women (nearly 1.5 million in Canada) who struggle to manage symptoms that often go undiagnosed. Women experiencing the metabolic storm that comes with PCOS can experience a variety of symptoms, including infertility (PCOS can disrupt normal ovulatory cycles), menstrual irregularity, hirsutism (excess hair growth), and/or other outward signs of androgen excess such as acne or hair loss. If this sounds like something you, a friend or family member experiences, it may be time to talk to your doctor to explore options for treatment and education. 

Because ovulation is so frequently irregular in women with PCOS it is frustrating and difficult to predict when and if there is a perfect time to conceive.

Does acupuncture help PCOS?

The good news is the PCOS responds really well to acupuncture treatment especially with additional lifestyle and diet changes. Although it frequently takes many months to restore hormonal balance and regulation ovulation, it is possible to regain control over your hormonal system and work to improve your fertility. 

How does acupuncture help PCOS?

The balancing of reproductive health is challenging with PCOS. Several hormonal systems can be affected, including FSH:LH ratio, testosterone, and insulin. In Chinese medicine, the weight gain (and difficulty losing weight), ovarian cysts, and other common symptoms of PCOS often present as Spleen Qi deficiency with Damp accumulation in the lower abdomen. In this case, our focus becomes to tonify and nourish the Spleen energy and drain or resolve dampness in the body, thereby restoring menstrual regularity. 

Other ways acupuncture helps PCOS and menstrual irregularity

• Electro-Acupuncture (EA) – once a week for 15-20 weeks often helps restore regular ovulation in many women, and a study in the journal Acta Diabetologia showed that acupuncture decreased insulin resistance in women with PCOS
• Acupuncture can support healthy weight loss and metabolic balance
• Acupuncture can reduce stress and improve sleep quality
• This study showed that EA improved oocyte growth in patients with PCOS
• Three recent studies found that EA increased ovarian blood flow through effects on sympathetic nervous system pathways.  
• This study found that “Repeated EA treatments induce regular ovulations in more than one third of the women with PCOS.”

Acupressure for home care

SP9 – This point is one of the most powerful to address dampness in the body, a common symptom of PCOS. It boosts the Spleen and benefits digestive and urological function. 

Take home tips: 

• Exercise with a focus on aerobic fat burning and weight training to successfully manage blood sugar levels. 
• Get a thorough endocrine evaluation, as PCOS often causes a cascade of hormonal imbalances. This information will help to guide treatment. 
• Be prepared for changes in diet and lifestyle. PCOS management takes time and patience and can be a lifelong situation. 

Final thoughts

Acupuncture continues to prove with studies and time that it is one of the most effective complimentary methods to manage PCOS and its symptoms. Although acupuncture in of itself isn’t a quick fix, it certainly provides the building blocks to ensure healthy hormones for many years to come.