If you have problems with regularity of your menstrual
cycle, acne, excessive hair growth, excess weight and infertility, you could
possibly have something known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is where
the ovaries have many cysts or follicles that often don’t grow to produce
viable eggs. It is due to this that ovulation does not always occur once a
month like it should, resulting in
irregular menstrual cycles where menstruation occurs less frequently of
longer than 28 days. Some women have amenorrhoea or no periods for months or
even years! Anxiety and depression are other possible symptoms of PCOS as well
as obesity. PCOS is one of the most
common causes of infertility.
The cause of PCOS is high levels of insulin and/or high
levels of male hormones called androgens.
PCOS can be easily diagnosed by ultrasound and blood tests
for hormonal levels.
Doctors will often prescribe the Oral Contraceptive Pill to
women with PCOS but all this does is mask the problem and when these women come
off the pill to have a baby they find that they are still exhibiting the
symptoms of PCOS and their cycle doesn’t come back regularly.
It is imperative that women with PCOS manage their lifestyle
by exercising regularly and having a low GI diet which is effective for weight
loss and hence increasing rate of ovulation. Another reason being that PCOS sufferers are
at increased risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes later in
life.
Although treatment can include a healthy lifestyle, hormone
therapy and other medications such as Chlomid, acupuncture and Chinese Herbs
give very high rate of success in bringing the menstrual cycle back to 28 -30days
hence increasing chances of ovulation, conception and pregnancy. Acupuncture
focuses on re –establishing the function of the ovaries so that the eggs can
ripen and be released from the ovary to be fertilized. In order to induce
ovulation a selection of specific acupuncture points are used and been proven
in studies to be effective in increasing ovulation rates. Acupuncture is also known to stimulate the
secretion of Endorphins or feel good hormones as well as Melatonin and Serotonin
making you feel more relaxed in general.
I have had many
patients come to my clinic with PCOS and I have had good results getting cycle back
to a more regular 28 -30 day cycle by using a combination of acupuncture and
Chinese Herbs. It is definitely worth a try!
To view a recent research paper on the effectiveness of
acupuncture on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4116535/
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