Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is an abbreviation for the term ‘Polycystic Ovary Syndrome’. This literally means that there are several cysts present in the ovary. With this syndrome, the level of various hormones is either increased or decreased. The eggs either do not grow or grow irregularly. The effect is then an ovulation that does not occur or occurs irregularly. PCOS can also create the effect of reduced fertility. About five to ten percent of women have PCOS.
Symptoms of PCOS are: irregular menstruation or no menstrual period, abnormal hormone levels, acne, excessive hair growth, overweight and infertility.
Abdominal Acupuncture and PCOS
An important acupuncture method within the ChinaMedic Approach is the practically painless method of Abdominal Acupuncture. This is a good method for influencing the hormone balance by stimulating the production of hormones such as FSH and LH, which ensure the egg maturation and ovulation. It has occurred that a few happy patients after the first treatment with us, have had a natural ovulation take place. And later even pregnancy, all without any medication.
According to various studies in China, abdominal acupuncture has the following impact on PCOS patients:
1. Improved FSH and LH value
2. Decreased testosterone value
3. Promotes ovulation
4. Increases the chance of pregnancy
5. Reduces miscarriage
6. Regulates menstruation
With regular treatment, not every woman can handle the side effects of hormone medication. Part of the women get in those cases OHSS (Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome). With as result that they are no longer able to take the medication to induce ovulation. Abdominal acupuncture, is in this case a suitable alternative treatment as there are no side effects.
PCOS and Herbal Therapy
Herbal therapy is an important addition to acupuncture. From the view point of Chinese herbal medicine PCOS is a disruption of energy in three organs: the kidneys, spleen and liver. Herbal therapy is aimed to bring energy back into balance, to supply in the case of a lack of energy, to remove energy blockage, to stimulate blood circulation, to restore the hormonal balance. It stimulates the egg to mature, ovulation and therefore regulates menstruation.
Experience in Treatment of PCOS
Often women come to us with a desire to conceive and have been trying for a while. The underlying cause for their difficulty often is PCOS. Regulating menstruation is the first step. We have noticed that when acupuncture is supplemented with herbal therapy, the results mostly turn out positive.