Demystifying Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. Between 8-13% of young women are affected. If you have PCOS, you may have irregular menstrual periods, or periods that last many days, excessive facial and body hair, acne, and a higher proportion of body fat. PCOS is also associated with an increased risk of developing certain health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Up to 70% of women who have PCOS may not yet know that they have this diagnosis.
What Happens in PCOS
PCOS is related to an imbalance in a woman's sex hormones including too much of a hormone called androgen that is overproduced by the ovaries and the adrenals glands. As a result, the ovaries develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs at ovulation.
How Can PCOS Affect My Health
If PCOS is not treated, there is an increase risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The syndrome is also associated with insulin resistance, meaning that cells cannot take up glucose in the blood, leading to potential complications related to diabetes. Women are also at risk for high blood pressure, infertility, gestational diabetes, and other complications related to pregnancy and uterine health.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it's thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Diagnosing PCOS:
Hyperandrogenism: Increased levels of male hormones by blood test;
Ovulatory Dysfunction: Irregular or absent menstrual periods, which can lead to infertility;
Polycystic Ovaries: Enlarged ovaries containing numerous small follicles visible on ultrasound.
Two of these three criteria are required for a diagnosis of PCOS.
Treating PCOS
Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is key to optimizing health in the setting of PCOS. Weight loss strategies will help optimize insulin levels. Medications such as birth control pills will help to regulate periods and manage hormone levels. Insulin-regulating medications may be recommended to treat diabetes. Androgen blocking medications will also improve hormone imbalances caused by PCOS. An experienced endocrinologist on your medical team can help to manage hormonal issues.
The Evidence for Acupuncture in PCOS
A recent meta-analysis found that acupuncture was effective at treating the major symptoms of PCOS. However, there are few reports of clinical studies in humans. Animal studies of PCOS-induced rats have been explored, and there is evidence that acupuncture may be beneficial.
Hormonal Regulation:
A report in Experimental Physiology demonstrated that both regular and electro-acupuncture normalized estrogen levels and reduced androgen in a rat PCOS model.
Insulin Sensitivity:
Acupuncture was found to be as effective as metformin (an insulin modulating medication) in lean women with PCOS, as reported in Frontiers of Medicine. Thus acupuncture may improve insulin sensitivity, which is often decreased in PCOS patients, potentially reducing the risk of diabetes. An animal study of PCOS in rats published in Acupuncture Medicine, demonstrated that electro-acupuncture improved glucose and lipid metabolism.
Fertility:
Acupuncture has been studied as a treatment to improve fertility outcomes in PCOS by promoting ovulation and improving the menstrual cycle. A study in Frontiers in Endocrinology found that acupuncture may help to increasing ovulation in women with PCOS.
Integrating Acupuncture into Your PCOS Management Plan
Together with your medical team, adding complementary medicine such as acupuncture may enhance your health results in a natural, safe and relaxing approach. Consider weekly sessions initially and discuss your progress with your acupuncturist. Always remember to include lifestyle changes such as improved nutrition, regular physical activity and mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga.