Using Acupuncture to Treat PCOS
In my practice, patients visit me for the treatment and management of PCOS symptoms as well as for support while trying to conceive. Acupuncture is an effective treatment whether you are trying to conceive naturally, undergoing IVF, or want to improve hormonal balance in your body.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a complex endocrine disorder causing a wide range of symptoms including irregular or absent periods and the formation of multiple cysts in the ovaries. These cysts, while not harmful, cause a disruption in the balance and communication between reproductive hormones resulting in irregular menstrual cycles and higher male sex hormones. This can disturb ovulation and lead to infertility.
PCOS patients often experience weight gain, acne, excess hair growth on the face or body, and insulin resistance. People who suffer from PCOS also have a higher risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, and are at an increased risk of heart disease.
Acupuncture for PCOS
Several recent studies have explored the use of acupuncture to treat polycystic ovary syndrome with encouraging results. A study at Goteborg University in Sweden showed that electro-acupuncture may help people with PCOS to ovulate. Electro-acupuncture was developed in China as an alternative to manipulating acupuncture needles by hand. It involves the application of a pulsating electrical current to acupuncture needles as a means of stimulating the acupuncture points.
During the study, one group of women with polycystic ovary syndrome received acupuncture regularly for four months. A second group of women were provided with heart rate monitors and instructed to exercise at least three times a week. A control group was informed about the importance of exercise and a healthy diet but was given no other specific instructions.
The study showed that activity in the sympathetic nervous system was lower in the women who received acupuncture and in those who took regular exercise than it was in the control group. The acupuncture treatment brought further benefits. “Those who received acupuncture found that their menstruation became more normal. We could also see that their levels of testosterone became significantly lower, and this is an important observation since elevated testosterone levels are closely connected with the increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system of women”, says Elisabet Stener‑Victorin the lead researcher. 38% of women who received the electro-acupuncture experienced regular ovulation. However, the electro-acupuncture was not effective in the more severe cases (obese, highest waist-to-hip ratio, and highest testosterone and insulin individuals).
Acupuncture, PCOS, & IVF
What if you are in the process of an IVF cycle? A meta-analysis examined the effects of acupuncture on women with PCOS already undergoing IVF cycles. The review found that acupuncture improved ongoing pregnancy rates and reduced the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This side effect of IVF causes the ovaries to swell and become painful due to the body’s response to gonadotrophins, which are medications that stimulate egg development.. While most cases are mild, symptoms can include abdominal pain and bloating, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe symptoms include shortness of breath and may require hospitalization. While these cases are rare, patients with PCOS are more likely to develop this condition.
Tips for Managing PCOS
Regular exercise to increase metabolism
Reduce animal fats and increase essential fatty acids (Linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid, and α-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid)
Get plenty of antioxidant nutrients from foods and supplements to reduce inflammation
Eat a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat protein such as chicken, fish, and beans.
Balance your blood sugar by limiting your carbohydrate intake. Get your carbs (which are good for serotonin levels) from whole grains instead of pasta, white bread, and starchy veggies. Also, cut out refined sugar.
Regular acupuncture treatment to restore ovulation and and hormonal balance