Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a gynecological and endocrine disorder characterized by multiple cysts on the ovaries, leading to irregular menstrual periods, excess androgen levels, pelvic pain, and infertility. Its exact cause remains unclear but is believed to involve genetic and environmental factors, notably insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances. Diagnosis typically requires the presence of at least two out of three criteria: ovarian cysts, elevated androgens, or insulin resistance, making identification and diagnosis challenging in some cases.

PCOS symptoms most often include irregular or absent menstrual cycles, excess facial or body hair (hirsutism), cystic acne, weight gain, hair thinning or loss (alopecia), enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts, menstrual cramps, skin tags on the neck or armpits, insulin resistance, elevated levels of androgens (such as LH, DHEA, or AMH), type 2 diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, and infertility.

Although they can coexist, the underlying causes of PCOS and Endometriosis are distinct.  Endometriosis is not considered a hormone disorder, but rather a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing chronic pelvic pain, and potentially impacting fertility. PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries, often leading to fertility issues.

While pelvic pain is not a primary symptom of PCOS, it can occur and may overlap with symptoms of endometriosis. However, the underlying causes of pelvic pain in each condition differ. In PCOS, pelvic pain is often associated with enlarged ovaries or ovarian cysts, while in endometriosis, it's caused by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Thus, while similar, the origins of pelvic pain in each condition are distinct.

Depending on the severity of your unique presentation, significant improvement can take place within 3-4 months for irregular ovulation and 3-8 months for an-ovulation (no ovulation). 

PCOS can affect fertility and the ability to conceive due to irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation altogether. This means that eggs may not be released regularly or at all, making it difficult to become pregnant. Additionally, hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can disrupt the menstrual cycle and affect the quality of eggs, further impacting fertility.

In many cases, if you have not done so already, I will refer a patient for further testing and diagnostics, such as blood work and ultrasound, to have a clearer picture of what lies underneath. This is especially helpful in the case of women trying to conceive.  Though Chinese medicine has been treating complex gynecological disorders for thousands of years without labs, we are evolving as an ancient medicine in the modern world and adapting our healing toolkit to be as mindful and comprehensive as it can be. It’s here that integrating the best of east and west can propel all our efforts forward.

Acupuncture has been shown to profoundly effect the reproductive organs through mechanisms in the endocrine system and sympathetic nervous system. When needles are inserted into certain points and stimulated, it produces a neurological reflex transmitted to the organ correlated with that nerve pathway. Acupuncture is also powerful for reducing inflammation and improving blood flow into the reproductive organs. In treating women with PCOS, one of the main goals of acupuncture, in addition to endocrine support, is to improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. This can help improve egg quality by nourishing the environment in which those eggs do all of their development and maturation. With healthy circulation and hormone signaling reestablished, an irregular or absent menstrual cycle can be corrected, ovulation regulated, and pregnancy more likely achieved where intended.

Chinese herbal formulas are a combination of plant and mineral compounds, selected specifically to correct imbalances unique to each patient and most effective when customized. This is one of the reasons it’s best not to take herbs unless you have been advised by a skilled practitioner, as it may not only be less than beneficial but potentially harmful.  In clinical practice, I have seen profound benefits and changes in women’s cycles with the incorporation of Chinese herbs to the treatment plan. Deep hormone imbalances such as PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, peri menopause, dysmenorrhea, and PMDD have responded well - in the regulation of menstrual cycles and ovulation, reduced heavy bleeding, reduced pelvic pain, emotional balance, and healthy pregnancies, and improved quality of life.

Herbal medicine can work synergistically along with regular acupuncture as well as on it’s own. I work with many women remotely for herbal consulting and ongoing lifestyle support, which offers a great option for care when you’re not in physical reach of acupuncture.