Polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS and Acupuncture.

PCOS main cause

How acupuncture heals the root cause of PCOS

Acupuncture PCOSThe precise cause of polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS remains undetermined by the scientific community. However, a compelling new hypothesis has recently emerged regarding its pathogenesis.

In addition to the well-established factors of insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance, another process has been identified in women with PCOS: elevated sympathetic nerve activity. Research indicates that this heightened activity is present in PCOS patients.

The sympathetic nervous system innervates and regulates nearly all internal organs, including hormone glands and ovaries. Intriguingly, scientists now suspect that sympathetic hyperactivity might develop prior to hormonal imbalances, potentially serving as the root cause of PCOS.

This information is particularly relevant to my blog, as acupuncture has been studied for its ability to normalise the sympathetic nervous system. It has been shown to restore regular ovulation, particularly in patients with a less androgenic hormonal profile and less pronounced metabolic disturbances.

If you’re seeking assistance with PCOS, it’s crucial to consult an acupuncturist well-versed in these studies and knowledgeable about electro-acupuncture. Improper frequency of stimulation can inadvertently exacerbate sympathetic nervous system activation, which could be detrimental to PCOS patients.

It’s worth noting that sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system dysfunction might also play a role in the pathophysiology of other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

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PCOS main cause

PCOS (Polycystic Ovaries) and Acupuncture study

In a world where we continuously search for effective treatments for various health conditions, a recent clinical study has shed light on the benefits of acupuncture for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This fascinating natural treatment method sparked the interest of researchers led by Dong Chen, who embarked on a mission to explore the clinical effects of acupuncture for PCOS.

Involving 121 PCOS patients, the study was carefully designed with two groups: an acupuncture group of 61 individuals and a medication group of 60.

After treating 60 women with acupuncture and another 61 with medication, the scientists found that the acupuncture group and medication group both showed an improvement in hormone levels, ovulation and other. However, after six cycles past the treatment, the hormone levels of women who underwent conventional treatment returned to their pre-treatment levels, while the acupuncture group continued to show improved results. Furthermore, the pregnancy rate in the acupuncture group was significantly higher.

The researchers concluded that acupuncture therapy has an obvious benefits for PCOS and and a long-term therapeutic effect.

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007 Feb;27(2):99-102.

Chinese medicine helps PCOS

Chinese herbal medicines for PCOS show a promise

In today’s fast-paced world, where medical advances are often driven by cutting-edge technology, it is easy to forget that the nature can still offer us potent remedies. Unkei-to, a traditional herbal medicine that has been shown to have a significant impact on endocrine function and ovulation in women with high basal levels of luteinising hormone (LH) secretion.

To understand the potential benefits of unkei-to, we must first examine the role that LH plays in a woman’s reproductive system. LH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the menstrual cycle and triggers ovulation. When LH levels are abnormally high, it can lead to anovulation, or the absence of ovulation, a condition affecting many women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-polycystic ovary syndrome.

A study conducted by Ushiroyama and colleagues investigated the effects of unkei-to on 100 patients, 38 of whom had PCOS, and 62 who did not. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, with 52 receiving unkei-to treatment and 48 serving as a control group. The researchers then compared endocrine levels, follicle growth, and response to unkei-to between the two groups.

The results were nothing short of remarkable. Unkei-to induced significant decreases in plasma LH levels in both PCOS and non-PCOS patients with high LH levels. Moreover, plasma estradiol levels increased significantly by 43.5% after eight weeks of treatment with unkei-to. Patients treated with unkei-to also experienced significant development of the dominant follicle.

When the patients suffering from ovulatory failure or irregular menstruation with high plasma LH concentration were treated with unkei-to for eight weeks, a reduction in serum LH levels of at least 1 standard deviation from baseline was observed in 45.5% of PCOS patients and in 80.0% of non-PCOS patients. The rate of menstrual cycle improvement, including successful ovulation, was 50.0% in the PCOS group and 60.0% in the non-PCOS group, with no significant difference between the two groups.

These findings serve as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within the natural world, and the efficacy of traditional herbal medicine in treating complex health issues. Unkei-to has shown its ability to rebalance hormonal levels and promote ovulation, offering hope to countless women seeking relief from the challenges of anovulation and irregular menstruation. As we continue to explore the wonders of nature, we may well uncover more treasures like unkei-to, reminding us that sometimes, the answers we seek are already within our grasp.

Chinese name for Unkei-to is Wen Jing Tang. We commonly use this TCM formula at our practice. You maybe interested to learn more about TCM herbs for fertility.