Acupuncture and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in which a woman's hormones and blood sugar become out of balance. PCOS can affect a woman's menstruation cycle and ability to ovulate, and thus is a common cause of infertility. In addition to irregular periods and infertility, PCOS can also cause insulin resistance and weight gain.

While the cause of this syndrome is unknown, it is widely acknowledged that acupuncture can help someone with PCOS ovulate and become pregnant.

How acupuncture helps the PCOS patient:

Studies show that when a PCOS patient has regular acupuncture treatment, she is more likely to ovulate. Because acupuncture helps you manage stress, it reduces stress hormone levels that may be interfering with your menstrual cycle. Acupuncture also supports weight loss, which is helpful because if you are overweight there is a greater chance that your hormones could be out of balance.

There are many ways to manage PCOS and improve your chances of conception that don't involve medical intervention. You can:

Lose weight. Many patients with PCOS tend to gain weight, which can interfere with ovulation and negatively affect your chances of becoming pregnant. Acupuncture can help you regulate your appetite and lose weight.
Eat a healthy diet. Since many women who have PCOS are insulin resistant, they should eat a diet high in protein and with the right kind of carbohydrates (low on the glycemic index).
Exercise. Exercise is essential if you are trying to get pregnant, particularly if you have PCOS. Exercise helps you manage stress, helps your body manage sensitivity to insulin, and can help you lose weight.

If you are suffering from PCOS and would like to become pregnant, see if regular acupuncture treatments can help you.