Acupuncture to treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can help to regulate the hormonal cycle

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common cause of infertility and is said to be on the rise possibly through environmental factors and obesity. This condition, causing cysts to develop on the ovaries and inhibit the ovaries from releasing eggs can be treated with acupuncture to help to improve the quality of the egg and encourage a regular cycle. Often patients with PCOS will have very long cycles and so acupuncture would work to bring this cycle down to a more normal 28 day pattern. This will mean that a patient should find it easier to map when they are likely to ovulate which will improve the chances of conception. 

The 2017/18 clinical audit using two years of data from the Verity Allen Acupuncture clinic showed a live birth success rate of 60% for women with clinically diagnosed PCOS.

Testimonial from one of my patients diagnosed with PCOS...


"Since coming off the Pill, my period was very irregular and after a few tests and a scan, I had been diagnosed with Poly-Cystic Ovaries. At that time, I had my period once in 3-4 months. My GP suggested just more artificial hormones which I did not want as I think that is actually the cause of all my trouble. So I sought some alternative ways and came across some good reviews of acupuncture as a natural way how to harmonise menstrual cycle.

Meeting Verity for the first time was very pleasant and I felt she was genuinely concerned about my story, my lifestyle and asked many questions to get the right picture about me. I like the way she is very reassuring and optimistic about the outcome of the treatment and find our sessions very relaxing. And yes, apart from that, the acupuncture really works! I got my period on the fifth day after my first treatment and as a bonus, I got pregnant on the same cycle :o) 

I am in my 9th week now and so far have had no morning sickness or other unpleasant symptoms typical for the early pregnancies.”

I’m pleased to say she gave birth to a healthy baby boy in February 2013. 

RESEARCH & EVIDENCE

Research has shown that acupuncture treatment may specifically help with the symptoms of PCOS.

Research has shown that acupuncture treatment may specifically help with symptoms of PCOS by:

• impacting on beta-endorphin production, which may affect gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion (Lim 2010; Stener-Victorin 2009; Feng 2009; Manneras 2009);
• a regulatory effect on follicle stimulation hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone ( LH) and androgens (Lim 2010; Feng 2009);
• modulating the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and improving blood flow to the ovaries (Stener-Victorin 2006, 2009);
• regulating steroid hormone/peptide receptors (Feng 2012);
• downregulating the expressions of serum levels of testosterone and oestradiol (Zang 2009);
• controlling hyperglycaemia by increasing insulin sensitivity and decreasing blood glucose and insulin levels (Lim 2010);
• acting on areas of the brain known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation and deactivating the ‘analytical’ brain, which is responsible for anxiety and worry (Hui 2010; Hui 2009);
• increasing the release of adenosine, which has antinociceptive properties (Goldman 2010), and;
• reducing inflammation, by promoting release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors (Kavoussi 2007).

(an extract taken from the British Acupuncture Council's research fact sheet)