Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects over 10,000,000 women of childbearing age around the world. It is recognized as the most common endocrine disease seen in gynecological practice. While PCOS is related to a hormonal imbalance, this condition can affect any woman before their menopause.
PCOS is characterized by a triad of symptoms: infrequent or light menstruation, failure to conceive, and excessive hair growth. The symptoms associated with this condition are very similar to the other conditions affecting women, and because of that, PCOS can often go undiagnosed.
An alternative to Western medicine
Current Western medicine manages this condition with the help of lifestyle modifications, prescription medications and surgery. But there are alternate options to consider. When discussing acupuncture as a method of treating PCOS, there have been proven positive results. While prescription medications such as contraceptives can have adverse effects, acupuncture has been able to relieve the symptoms with no adverse effects at all.
Acupuncture is a method of alternative therapy that dates back 3000-5000 years. The intramuscular needles used create a certain afferent impulse pattern in the peripheral nerves of the body. Those impulses travel to the central nervous system and help regulate hormones throughout the system.
Electro-acupuncture provides greater benefits when compared with the traditional approach. . The pituitary gland, which is the main center of all human hormone control, is regulated and corrected of hormonal misbalances. The low-frequency electrical impulses are also able to stimulate the production of many biological substances that help in controlling symptoms of PCOS.
The positive side-effects
Studies show that acupuncture has been beneficial when it comes to the regulation of monthly cycles and ovulation. Though there are no randomized clinical trials regarding acupuncture benefits for PCOS, nonrandomized trials show that women who were treated with acupuncture had improvements in menstruation and some were able to successfully get pregnant after a few courses of treatment. The trials observed ovulatory regulation and the reduction of androgen levels, which helped in controlling excessive hair growth and acne development.
A study conducted at the University of Gothenburg using a course of 14 acupuncture treatments applied on the abdominal muscles, the back and the knees resulted in a reduction in a reduction of pain and discomfort. It also helped women to bring down their body weight and Body Mass Index together with the hip-waist ratio.
Acupuncture has already shown many positive results in treating PCOS and is a field of alternative therapy that warrants deeper study. If you are interested in trying this therapy, meet with a doctor first. Then with that recommendation and guidance, you can start this therapy. For the maximum benefits, find a professional acupuncture therapist who is specialized and well-experienced in treating PCOS.
