Natural PCOS Treatment at Orlando Acupuncture
At Orlando Acupuncture we know many women in the Orlando and surrounding areas suffer from PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that is common and often impacts fertility. Those with PCOS may experience a variety of symptoms due to small cysts on the ovaries that reflect a hormone imbalance, including:
- Infertility
- Pain when ovulating
- Lack of menstrual flow, or irregular periods
- Weight gain or problems losing weight
- Acne
- Excess growth of hair on the face or other areas (Hirsutism)
- Loss of hair much like male pattern baldness
- Painful periods (Dysmenorrhea)
- Dark, thick patches of skin often located on the thighs or back of neck, also known as Acanthosis nigricans
For some women the only symptoms of PCOS are cysts on their ovaries or irregular periods, making PCOS difficult to diagnose in some cases. This condition affects about seven percent of women in the U.S. of child-bearing age, which equates to approximately one in 15. Research shows that Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have a high success rate in treating PCOS. In our 19 years of experience we have seen time and again how acupuncture, oriental herbs, and diet and therapy frequently improves fertility and overall health. Our top priority is addressing the root cause of our patients’ conditions in order to achieve the best possible health and fertility outcomes.
PCOS and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Most women with this condition experience an increase in testosterone and decrease in progesterone; these hormonal imbalances cause absence of menstruation, or amenorrhea. Left untreated, PCOS can also result in type 2 diabetes or other serious health issues such as hypertension.
Acupuncture is most well known component of TCM and often used to help balance hormones and restore normal ovulation while lowering insulin resistance. Acupuncture works to reduce stress, increase progesterone, decrease testosterone and rebalance hormones in the body, while promoting a healthy reproductive environment conducive to successful egg implantation.
Chinese herbs are also effective in treating polycystic ovary syndrome as certain herbs promote blood circulation in the uterus, clear blocked tubes and dissolve phlegm and cysts in the uterus. Herbs, like acupuncture, are also useful in reducing symptoms of stress. Stress is a factor in 70% of all medical conditions and illnesses. Stress also has a significant impact on fertility.
Dietary and lifestyle changes are often an essential part of therapy for women with PCOS. Because PCOS can lead to type 2 diabetes, it is important to eliminate or limit carbohydrates, refined sugars, sweeteners, starchy foods, fruit juice and other substances that may quickly increase blood sugar levels. Exercise and adhering to a healthy lifestyle such as avoiding too much alcohol or caffeine and not smoking are also important.
Because the causes of PCOS are numerous, is it is a common condition among women, particularly those who enter puberty at a later age than normal. For some, the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome do not present until a woman ceases using birth control pills. We want to help you achieve relief from symptoms and enjoy your healthiest life.
Acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, improving your lifestyle, avoiding environmental contaminants, reducing stress; all of these things can empower your fertility and help you overcome PCOS. To learn more about our therapies and customized treatment, we invite you to contact Orlando Acupuncture now at 407-673-6700 to schedule a free consultation.
This study published in Fertility and Sterility Journal in 2014, demonstrated that a single acupuncture treatment improved whole body glucose intake before, during and after treatment in women with PCOS.
https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(14)00734-1/pdf