Exploring the Benefits of Acupuncture for Women with PCOS

What You Need to Know About Managing PCOS Symptoms with Acupuncture

If you’re one of the many women living with the challenges of PCOS, you may be excited to learn about the potential benefits of acupuncture.

This ancient therapy has been shown to help regulate menstrual cycles, improve ovulation, reduce insulin resistance, and even reduce inflammation.

And the best part?

Acupuncture is generally safe and well-tolerated, with few side effects.

By working with a licensed acupuncturist (like those at Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine), you can receive personalized treatment, potentially leading to improved mood, energy levels, and fertility.

So why not needle your way to hormonal balance and discover the exciting benefits of acupuncture for treating symptoms of PCOS?

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that affects approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women worldwide. (1) PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances that can cause various symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, high levels of male hormones (androgens), and enlarged ovaries with small cysts.

PCOS is commonly divided into four unique subtypes based on a woman’s metabolic and hormonal profile. The four types of PCOS include: (2)

Insulin-resistant PCOS
Post-pill PCOS
Inflammatory PCOS
Hidden Cause PCOS

The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. And while there is no cure for PCOS, you can successfully manage it with lifestyle modification, medications, and other treatments – including acupuncture.

Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS can cause a range of symptoms that vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of PCOS include: (3)

Irregular menstrual cycles
High levels of male hormones (androgens)
Enlarged ovaries with small cysts
Weight gain
Insulin resistance
Difficulty getting pregnant
Mood changes

Not all women with PCOS will experience all of these symptoms. In fact, some women with PCOS may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

Diagnosing PCOS

Diagnosing PCOS can be complex because no single test can confirm a PCOS diagnosis. But healthcare providers will typically look for a combination of the following criteria: (4)

Irregular menstrual cycles: Women with PCOS may have menstrual cycles that are irregular or absent. This means they have fewer than nine periods per year or go longer than 35 days between periods.
High levels of male hormones (androgens): Women with PCOS may have elevated levels of androgens, which can cause excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back, as well as acne and hair loss on the scalp.
Enlarged ovaries with small cysts: Women with PCOS may have ovaries that are larger than normal and have small cysts, which are detectable on an ultrasound.

To make a PCOS diagnosis, your provider may also rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid or adrenal gland disorders. And it’s important to remember that not all women with PCOS will have cysts on their ovaries, and some women with ovarian cysts may not have PCOS.

If you suspect you may have PCOS, it’s important to talk to your provider for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.

The Benefits of Acupuncture for Women with PCOS

Acupuncture is a holistic therapy that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. While the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, research indicates several potential benefits for women with PCOS, including:

Improved Menstrual Cycle Regularity

PCOS is associated with imbalances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPA) axis, which is the system of communication between the brain, pituitary gland, and ovaries that control the menstrual cycle. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help restore balance to the HPO axis and promote regular menstrual cycles. (5)

Acupuncture can also help regulate hormone levels, including insulin and androgen levels, which are imbalanced in women with PCOS and lead to irregular menstrual cycles. (6)

Increased Ovulation

PCOS is associated with hormonal imbalances that can interfere with ovulation, making it more difficult to conceive. Acupuncture can help regulate hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estrogen, which all play an important role in ovulation. (7) Additionally, acupuncture helps increase blood flow to the ovaries, improving ovarian function and promoting ovulation.

Reduced Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a common feature of PCOS and can contribute to hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and difficulty with weight management. Studies indicate that acupuncture can help reduce insulin resistance by helping regulate the nervous system and reducing stress, improving insulin sensitivity. (8) Acupuncture has also been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body, which can contribute to insulin resistance.

Improved Fertility

PCOS is associated with hormonal imbalances that can interfere with ovulation and make it more difficult to conceive. Studies show that acupuncture can help regulate menstrual cycles and hormone levels, increase blood flow, and reduce stress levels, all of which can improve ovarian function and increase fertility. (9)

Decreased Inflammation

Inflammation is a common feature of PCOS and can contribute to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and other health problems. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation in women with PCOS by regulating the nervous system, reducing stress levels, and improving blood flow and circulation. (10)

Some studies even indicate that women with PCOS who received acupuncture had lower levels of inflammatory markers than women who did not. (11, 12)

Improved Energy Levels

Fatigue and low energy levels are symptoms commonly associated with PCOS. Acupuncture can help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue by improving blood flow and circulation, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues and organs, including the brain. (13)

Diminished Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are common among women with PCOS and can further exacerbate hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and other health concerns.

Acupuncture stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which can help counteract the effects of stress and anxiety and promote relaxation and healing. (14) Acupuncture also increases the production of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving and mood-boosting chemicals that promote feelings of well-being. (15)

Personalized Treatments

A key benefit of acupuncture for treating PCOS is that it can be personalized to each individual’s specific needs. A trained acupuncturist will conduct an initial assessment to determine your unique pattern of symptoms and imbalances and develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Minimal Side Effects

One of the advantages of acupuncture as a treatment for PCOS is that it is generally associated with minimal side effects. Unlike many medications and medical treatments, acupuncture does not typically cause serious adverse reactions or long-term complications.

The most common side effects of acupuncture are mild and temporary, such as minor bruising or soreness at the needle insertion site. These side effects are typically short-lived and resolve on their own within a few hours or days.

Acupuncture is a safe and well-tolerated treatment option for PCOS and other conditions. Plus, it can be used alone or with other therapies, such as medications, to help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being.

If you are considering acupuncture as a treatment for PCOS, it’s essential to work with a licensed and qualified acupuncturist who can help develop a safe and effective treatment plan.

Acupuncture Points for PCOS

Several acupuncture points are used to treat PCOS, depending on your specific symptoms and imbalances. Here are a few examples of acupuncture points used for PCOS: (16)

Spleen 6: This point is located on the inside of the lower leg and is used to promote healthy menstrual cycles, relieve menstrual cramps, and address hormonal imbalances.
Stomach 36: This point is located on the outside of the lower leg and is used to boost energy levels, improve digestion, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Ren 4: This point is located on the midline of the lower abdomen and is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, promote ovulation, and reduce symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain.
Large Intestine 4: This point is located between the thumb and index finger and relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and promotes relaxation.
Kidney 3: This point is located on the inside of the ankle and is used to support kidney function, regulate the menstrual cycle, and reduce stress and anxiety.

These are just a few examples of the many acupuncture points used to treat PCOS. The specific points chosen are identified during your initial assessment and will depend on your unique symptoms and imbalances.

Effectiveness of Acupuncture for PCOS

There is a growing body of research suggesting that acupuncture is an effective treatment for PCOS. The evidence suggests that acupuncture can help alleviate various symptoms and improve overall health. And while more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of acupuncture for PCOS, it is considered a safe and effective treatment option.

Acupuncture for PCOS in Denver, Colorado

PCOS is a complex condition that can significantly impact a woman’s health and quality of life. Acupuncture for PCOS can provide you with a safe and effective alternative treatment option that can help to alleviate your symptoms, improve overall health and well-being, and enhance your quality of life. And here at Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we’re your trusted partner to help you identify and address any underlying causes of PCOS.

Schedule a free consultation today to determine if acupuncture treatment is right for you.

Find your trusted partner at Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine for your health journey.

Resources

1 Women's Health

2. PubMed

3. NICHD

4. PubMed

5. PubMed

6. PubMed

7. PubMed

8. PubMed

9. PubMed