Acupuncture and PCOS

What is PCOS?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a benign gynaecological disorder characterised by multiple abnormal cysts in the ovaries. It may cause absent periods (amenorrhea) or irregular periods (oligomenorrhoea) and infertility. Luteinising Hormone (LH) is often elevated higher than FSH in a woman with PCOS, and remains elevated throughout the cycle. PCOS is usually characterized by irregular periods, irregular ovulation or absent ovulation (anovulation), weight gain, acne/oily skin, and excess body hair (hirsutism).

Causes of PCOS

PCOS is often caused by a hormonal imbalance brought on by insulin resistance. A report released in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2000 indicated that up to 40 percent of women with PCOS have either impaired glucose tolerance or Type 2 Diabetes by age 40.

 

Treatment of PCOS

Birth control pills For women who don�t want to become pregnant, birth control pills can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce male hormone levels, and help to clear acne but they do not cure PCOS.

Diabetes Medications Metformin, also called Glucophage, used to treat type 2 diabetes, also helps with PCOS symptoms. Metformin affects the way insulin regulates glucose and decreases the testosterone production.

Fertility Medications The main fertility problem for women with PCOS is the lack of ovulation or infrequent ovulation. Clomiphene (clomid) and Gonadotropins can be used to stimulate the ovary to ovulate. IVF is sometimes recommended.

Healthy Weight Since obesity is common with PCOS, a healthy diet and physical activity help maintain a healthy weight, which will help the body lower glucose levels, use insulin more efficiently, and may help restore a normal period. A loss of 10% of her body weight can help make a woman's cycle more regular.

Acupuncture and PCOS Research

In a study of twenty-four women (age 24-40) with PCOS and oligo-/amenorrhea research shows that repeated electro-acupuncture treatments induced regular ovulations in 9 women (38%), more than one third of the women with PCOS. [1]

[1] Stener-Victorin E, Waldenstrom U, Tagnfors U, Lundeberg T, Lindstedt G, Janson PO: Effects of electro-acupuncture on anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2000, 79:180-188.

Acupuncture and PCOS Testimonial

Acupuncture and PCOS Case Study.

The London Acupuncture Space has undergone extensive training in Fertility Acupuncture and Obstetrics Acupuncture at the Royal College of Physicians in London and at the reknowned Zita West Fertility Clinic.