About ten percent of all women in child bearing age are usually affected by Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is not a disease but rather an endocrine disorder that can be experienced at any age by women before the onset of menopause. The symptoms and hormone imbalances of PCOS can be managed with the help of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine. Since its symptoms are similar to other conditions women usually suffer from, it can go undetected for some time only for the symptoms to become severe with the risk of causing further medical complications.
The signs & symptoms of PCOS include:
- Elevated Androgens (including higher levels of testosterone)
- No ovulation or poor ovulation
- Long period cycles or absent periods
- Cysts visible on the ovaries via ultrasound scans ("String of pearls appearance")
- Sub-fertility
- Insulin resistance including weight gain
- Body hair in unwanted places
Modern medicine presents a number of treatment plans to women experiencing PCOS. Drugs such as Clomid or Metformin can be prescribed to Women to induce ovulation. Acupuncture is one of the preferred methods due to its effectiveness in promoting ovulation naturally by regulating androgens as well as the other health benefits it brings to affected women.
The preferred type of acupuncture for PCOS is known as electro-acupuncture. In electro-acupuncture, small electric currents are sent into the muscles via needles, similar to TENS. In most cases, two needles are used to complete the circuit and the electric current is allowed to pulsate through the muscles for about thirty minutes.
When electro-acupuncture is carried out on women, it has the effects of reducing the high levels of testosterone and this has a myriad of ripple effects to the body. For instance, it will lead to more regular menstruation by increasing the ovulation frequency. When the ovulation frequency is increased, there are also increased chances of conception taking place thus improving fertility in individuals.
Although Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a common disorder, research is yet to reveal its exact causes in the body. But until then, there are strategies, such as acupuncture, that can help and since it’s not life threatening, there is no cause for women to worry when they are diagnosed with it. By using acupuncture, they can start to see changes in their hormone cycles or have better chances of conceiving, as they move on with their lives.
To find out more about how Acupuncture can help your PCOS, make contact with us via info@springfertility.com.au today and we can discuss how we can help you.
