Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age and is thought to be the leading cause of female infertility. In many cases, women have both insulin resistance and excess androgens (male hormones) which interferes with the normal production of female hormones like estrogen.
 
While some women have few or no symptoms others have many including:
  • irregular or absent menstrual cycles
  • weight gain or difficulty managing or losing weight
  • impaired glucose metabolism or insulin resistance
  • changes in hair growth, either excess hair growth on the face, chest, stomach etc or thinning hair
  • acne, oily skin or dandruff
  • infertility after more than an year of trying to conceive

Not all women with PCOS have difficulty becoming pregnant but in those who do irregular or no ovulation is a common cause. Follicles begin to develop in the ovaries, but because of the hormonal imbalance associated with PCOS, they do not mature enough to trigger ovulation. Cysts form when follicles stop growing too early. Instead of bursting to release the egg, they form swollen egg chambers (non-cancerous cysts).

Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture treatment is an effective treatment to increase fertility by regulating menses and ovulation.  For long-term health, it can reduce the chances of developing further complications. Many studies show that patients with PCOS have a threefold increase in the risk of endometrial cancer compared with age-matched controls. It is important for PCOS patients to seek acupuncture treatment to naturally regulate their hormones for fertility enhancement and to reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and other long-term health conditions.

For women who are already diagnosed with PCOS, acupuncture can help by treating the root cause. Treatments will focus on balancing and regulating important hormones related to PCOS. In addition, acupuncture will re-establish and increase blood flow and nutrients to the uterus and ovaries. Patients will observe more regular menstruation and ovulation, less pain, and increased fertility.