Acupuncture For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common condition that affects the general functionality of a woman’s ovaries, characterised by irregular periods, high levels of androgen (the male hormones that can cause excess facial or body hair) and polycystic ovaries (where the ovaries become enlarged and filled with fluid-filled sacs that surround the eggs).

These fluid-filled sacs are harmless but are underdeveloped, which means they’re often unable to release eggs, so ovulation cannot take place.

Figures show that around one in ten women in the UK have PCOS, with over half presenting without any symptoms - so it can be very tricky to know if you do have the condition without further tests.

Where symptoms are present, they usually manifest during the late teens and early 20s, including the likes of oily skin, acne, thinning hair, hair loss on the head, weight gain, excessive hair growth on the face and chest, irregular periods or none at all, and difficulty getting pregnant because of ovulation issues.

It’s not known exactly what causes PCOS but there may be a genetic link. While there is no cure for the condition, the symptoms can be treated successfully with lifestyle changes and medication.

However, you may also want to consider alternative therapies such as acupuncture, which has been found to be successful in regulating the menstrual cycle in women with PCOS.

How can acupuncture help with PCOS?

The use of acupuncture has been found to regulate the menstrual cycle through reducing sympathetic nerve activity and restoring balance to hormone levels, as well as stimulating ovulation, reducing the number of ovarian cysts, controlling weight loss and gain and enhancing blastocyst implantation.

Stimulating various acupuncture points on the body is reportedly effective in influencing hormone levels through the release of beta-endorphins in the brian, affecting follicle stimulating hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. This in turn helps to regulate normal function of the reproductive system and treat the underlying causes of PCOS, while promoting blood flow to the uterus.

Regular acupuncture treatments over the course of several months, when coupled with following a healthy well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise, can help reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, restoring balance to the menstrual cycle and reducing testosterone levels.

While it is not fully understood what causes PCOS, it is known that women with the condition have elevated sympathetic nervous system activity than those without, so treating this with acupuncture can yield a raft of positive benefits.

The treatment itself involves the use of very fine needles inserted into the skin to promote natural healing resources. Here at Acuwellness, I adopt an integrated approach to the practice, combining traditional Chinese medicine techniques with other styles like massage, meditation, moxibustion and cupping. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with me today.