Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It can cause prolonged or absent menstrual periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne, weight fluctuations, and difficulties with fertility. These symptoms are driven by hormonal imbalances, particularly involving insulin, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH). The good news is that it’s very treatable with Acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine is not about suppressing symptoms but rather restoring the balance so the body can heal itself. Acupuncture is a powerful way to “reset” the body—regulating hormones, improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, and supporting the nervous and endocrine systems.
How Acupuncture Helps PCOS
In acupuncture, every patient receives a personalized plan based on their unique symptoms and underlying imbalances. During your consultation, we perform a detailed assessment, including an in-depth health history, pulse and tongue diagnosis, and abdominal or channel palpation to understand your TCM pattern diagnosis.
The most common patterns causing PCOS include:
- Qi Stagnation: Qi, the body’s energy, circulates throughout the body. Stress, anger, frustration, or injuries can lead to the slowing down or stagnation of the energy. Qi stagnation can affect menstruation and irregular cycles.
- Qi Deficiency with Dampness: The Digestive Qi controls digestion and the transformation of food into Qi and Blood. Weak digestion can lead to a buildup of “Dampness”—which that contributes to fatigue, brain fog, bloating, cyst formation, and excess weight. Dampness can also obstruct the reproductive system and disrupt hormonal balance.
- Kidney Qi Deficiency: In some cases, PCOS involves a deficiency of Kidney Qi, which is important for reproductive health, hormonal regulation, and ovulation.
Personalized Acupuncture
Treatment focuses on restoring balance to the underlying pattern identified in your diagnosis. For Qi stagnation, acupuncture points such as Liver 3 (Taichong) and Gallbladder 34 (Yanglingquan) are commonly used to promote the smooth flow of Qi and ease emotional tension, which can help regulate menstrual cycles. When Qi deficiency with dampness is present, we may use Stomach 36 (Zusanli) and Spleen 9 (Yinlingquan) to strengthen digestion and transform dampness, improving energy, reducing bloating, and promoting hormonal balance.
In cases of Kidney Qi deficiency, points like Kidney 3 (Taixi) and Ren 4 (Guanyuan) are selected to tonify the Kidneys and support reproductive function. Ren 6 (Qihai) and Zigong (Uterus point) are also frequently used to enhance fertility and regulate cycles.
Electroacupuncture for Hormonal Regulation
Electroacupuncture—using gentle electrical stimulation on specific acupuncture points, often on the abdomen and legs—has been shown in clinical studies to improve ovulation rates and menstrual regularity in women with PCOS.(1)
What the Research Says
Modern science is beginning to validate what Chinese medicine has known for centuries. The research has found that acupuncture can improve menstrual regularity, lower androgen levels, and increase ovulation frequency—especially when performed regularly over a series of treatments.
In one randomized controlled trial, women who received acupuncture had a significantly higher ovulation rate compared to a control group, along with reduced testosterone levels.(2) Acupuncture can improve ovarian function and regulate hormone activity through effects on the nervous system, by enhancing communication between the nervous and endocrine systems, reducing sympathetic nervous system activity, and increasing blood flow to the ovaries. (3)
Herbal Medicine for PCOS
Chinese herbs work synergistically with acupuncture to regulate the menstrual cycle, support ovulation, reduce inflammation, and clear dampness or stagnation. Formulas are customized to your specific imbalances and are usually adjusted throughout your treatment based on your cycle and evolving symptoms.
Research has shown that specific Chinese herbal formulas can help regulate hormones, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and support healthy ovulation. These herbs work on a cellular level to rebalance the endocrine and metabolic systems, addressing not just the symptoms of PCOS—such as irregular periods or elevated androgens—but also the root causes. Common formulas like Cangfu Daotan Decoction and Liuwei Dihuang Wan have been shown to promote ovulation and hormonal balance while supporting overall metabolic health. (4)
Dietary and Lifestyle Support
Certain foods may contribute to dampness such as greasy, heavy, and overly sweet foods. Reducing refined carbohydrates can also support hormonal balance and insulin sensitivity.
We’ll also look at stress management, sleep, and movement practices to enhance your overall healing and hormone regulation.
A Holistic Approach to PCOS
In my practice, I take a whole person approach to PCOS. We work together to understand the root causes of your symptoms and develop a plan that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary guidance, and lifestyle adjustments. Whether your goal is to regulate your period, clear acne, improve energy, or support fertility, Chinese medicine offers a natural and personalized path forward.
Call us at 212.319.5757 to make an appointment. Or you can schedule your appointment online.
References:
- Jedel E, Labrie F, Odén A, et al. Impact of electro‑acupuncture and physical exercise on hyperandrogenism and oligo/amenorrhea in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Jan;300(1):E37–E45. doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00495.2010. Epub 2010 Oct 13. PMID: 20943753.
- Johansson J, Stener‑Victorin E. Polycystic ovary syndrome: Effect and mechanisms of acupuncture for ovulation induction. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;2013:762615. doi:10.1155/2013/762615
- Manni L, Lundeberg T, Holmäng A, Aloe L, Stener‑Victorin E. Effect of electro‑acupuncture on ovarian expression of α(1)- and β(2)-adrenoceptors, and p75 neurotrophin receptors in rats with steroid-induced polycystic ovaries. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2005 Jun 7;3:21. doi:10.1186/1477-7827-3-21. PMID: 15941472; PMCID: PMC1175857.
- Huang Z, Liang Y, Xie Q, et al. Effects of Chinese herbal medicine on endocrine and metabolic functions in polycystic ovary syndrome. J Cell Mol Med. 2021;25(5):2200–2214. doi:10.1111/jcmm.16233
Feedback From our clients…
Joe is the world’s best acupuncturist. I went to Joe for PCOS and, since I’ve been going, I have gotten my period every month (a miracle courtesy of Joe!). I feel really good and I no longer have the kinds of mood swings that would thrust me between extremely depressed and ecstatic in 20 minutes time. Joe has the encouragement and advice to see you through. When you’re happy, he is happy for you.
Patient, Manhattan