Women with PCOS benefited from acupuncture
This research demonstrated that receiving low frequency electro stim acupuncture (EA) over a 16 week period helped women regain ovulation and also lower testosterone levels. High Androgens (male hormones like testosterone) have been linked to causing a lack of ovulation and poor egg quality in women as well as making the uterine environment less receptive to implantation. This is why adding acupuncture may be very beneficial for women using clomid or doing IVF. These procedures do not help with implantation but it is possible 16 weeks of EA acupuncture can. This research did not use dietary therapy so these women benefited from the acupuncture without losing weight. I would add that a "PCOS" diet, daily exercise and stress reduction should be part of any PCOS program, even before considering acupuncture regardless of this study and I explain the health benefits below to working on your health below and not just getting pregnant.
I have had a few emails and phone conversations with one of the investigators of this study, Dr. Elisabet Stener-Victorin, and she suggested to me that a minimum of two acupuncture treatments a week over 16 weeks is required and for stubborn cases 4 to 5 weekly treatments over 16 weeks are necessary. At Acubalance, we recommend 3-4 treatments a week. We also counsel on diet, lifestyle and exercise as well as recommend supplements and herbs to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to treating PCOS.
It is not just about "getting pregnant". It is about having a baby and I want to emphasize, a healthy baby. By taking steps to reverse as much of the hormonal imbalances related to PCOS (anovulatory androgen excess) is not only help you ovulate on your own to assist you and your body in creating a healthy baby. There are many health risk to both mom and baby to be associated with PCOS. It is possible that you can pass this infertility condition and health risk on to your daughters and granddaughters. Research in rats have demonstrated that by making changes to your diet and lifestyle alone can break this chain.
Women with PCOS have higher instances of:
- Infertility
- miscarriage
- endometrial cancers
- heart disease and heart attacks
- type II diabetes
- strokes
So taking a pro-active approach before conceiving, whether trying naturally, with clomid or IVF, is important if your goal is to have a healthy baby and be a healthy mom.
Please contact Acubalance at 604-678-8600 to book an initial PCOS consult or to find out how we can help and also provide you with an appropriate referral for a full fertility and PCOS medical work up.
Resources and References
Endocrine today: Clinical news on diabetes and endocrine disorders
PCOS research cited in this Blog
Link to interview with Dr. Elisabet Stener-Victorin - Podcast uploaded soon
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