Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age and is one of the leading causes of infertility. Women with PCOS also have high risk of miscarriages.
Infrequent, delayed or no menstrual periods, excess body and facial hair growth, acne, thinning hair or male pattern baldness, and obesity are some of the common symptoms associated with PCOS. However, not all women diagnosed with PCOS have these classic visible symptoms, even thin women can have this ovulatory disorder and hormone imbalance as well. The diagnosis criteria of PCOS consists two out of three symptoms . 1. Elevated androgen levels, the male hormone, 2.Ovulatory dysfunction 3. Multiple ovarian cysts ( from ultrasound)

The high levels of testosterone either inhibit the egg releasing from the follicle or cause delayed ovulation with poor quality eggs, which also affects the receptivity of the endometrium for implantation. Both result in infertility and miscarriage.

Another concern in PCOS women is the high insulin level or insulin resistance, especially for those with weight issue. Insulin resistance affects ovulation by producing higher amounts of circulating insulin, which stimulates the production of androgen in the ovary and further leading to follicular atresia of developing eggs.

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS by your medical doctor and you are planning to have a baby, make an appointment with Longevity Acupuncture. We can support you to help you balance your hormones and to increase your chances of conceiving either naturally or together with IVF, and most importantly, having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Based on researches, our treatment program consists of

  • Acupuncture treatment strategies for PCOS, to increase blood flow to the ovaries and induce ovulation
  • Herbs prescribed according to TCM pattern differentiation diagnosis, including herbs to reduce insulin resistance and regulate blood sugar levels and herbs to reduce high testosterone, prolactin and support thyroid function
  •  Dietary therapy for PCOS
  • Nutritional supplements for PCOS
  • Exercise
  • Stress reduction techniques to reduce stress hormones that can interfere with ovulation and implantation