Acupuncture Benefits for 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 modality whether you are trying to conceive naturally, undergoing IVF, or want to improve the hormonal balance in your body. When combined with other integrative therapies, acupuncture can not only improve symptoms and quality of life for PCOS patients but also provide long-term health benefits. Here are some of the common questions that I answer every week:
Can acupuncture help with PCOS symptoms?
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. PCOS patients often experience weight gain, acne, as well as excess hair growth on the face or body. PCOS is also associated with other health conditions including sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, high blood sugar, and type 2 diabetes.
Acupuncture is uniquely suited to benefit PCOS patients as it addresses both symptoms and underlying physiological causes. In other words, while your main goal may not be conception, acupuncture can help regulate your cycle and reduce PCOS symptoms. Additionally, PCOS patients are at a higher risk for other health conditions. Acupuncture and integrative health therapies can prevent and treat these complications long-term.
What does the research say about acupuncture, PCOS, and fertility?
A 2000 study on anovulatory women with PCOS showed that electroacupuncture restored ovulation in one-third of the participants. Acupuncture also improved biomarkers of PCOS, including LH/FSH ratios, mean testosterone concentrations, and beta-endorphin concentrations. These physiological changes restore regular menstrual cycles and help women with PCOS to conceive naturally.
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 injectable hormones. 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 ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
What other integrative therapies should I consider for PCOS?
Acupuncture in addition to integrative therapies such as nutritional counseling, supplement support, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications are all important components to the treatment of PCOS. Research suggests that the combination of acupuncture and exercise reduces PCOS symptoms, lowers testosterone levels, and supports regular ovulation. Many studies have been done on the benefits of specific dietary changes, the inclusion of anti-inflammatory foods, and certain supplements. One of these supplements includes Vitamin K2. You can learn more about the benefits of Vitamin K2 & Fertility Benefits post.
Acupuncture and integrative medicine are key components for the treatment and management of PCOS. Not only do these therapies restore the endocrine system to encourage a healthy cycle but they benefit time to conception, prenatal health, and beyond.
More About OMBE
OMBE is celebrating 15 years of service in Massachusetts! Additionally, we are now scheduling in-person acupuncture sessions for our South Shore and Cape Cod clients. Telehealth consultations are available for all of our Massachusetts clients living in the Boston area, North Shore, and Western Massachusetts.
Learn more about us, read our organic health philosophy, or schedule an appointment. Contact us for any questions about appointment scheduling, acupuncture services, or integrative medicine. We look forward to hearing from you!