Chinese Medicine for PCOS
What is PCOS?
According to John Hopkins Medical “Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, that are usually present in women in smaller amounts. The name polycystic ovary syndrome describes the numerous small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that form in the ovaries. However, some women with this disorder do not have cysts, while some women without the disorder do develop cysts.”
Common Symptoms of PCOS: Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods. Ovaries that are large or have many cysts, excess body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism), weight gain, especially around the belly (abdomen), acne or oily skin, hair loss or thinning hair, infertility, skin tags, dark skin patches on the neck or armpits. PCOS is also associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes,
Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture for PCOS
Acupuncture, being a branch of Chinese Medicine, has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges and other internal conditions. Because acupuncture can stimulate blood flow, its ability to increase circulation to the ovaries and uterus helps to regulate hormones like estrogen and progesterone and thereby balancing menstrual cycles. Acupuncture is also known for its ability to tone the nervous system in order to reduce stress which also promotes the balancing of hormones. It can also improve ovarian function for healthy menstrual cycles.
Electroacupuncture (e-stim) is a form of acupuncture that involves passing a low level electrical current through the acupuncture needles. This uses similar equipment as a physical therapist’s TENS unit. In electroacupuncture, the electrodes are attached to needles and therefore the current can safely reach deeper into the tissues. Electroacupuncture feels much like a gentle tapping, vibration or pulse. It can feel soothing especially for pain conditions.
One of the ways electroacupuncture can help with PCOS is by regulating hormones such as insulin and testosterone. Studies have shown that electroacupuncture can lower insulin resistance, in those with PCOS. Insulin resistance can lead to increased production of androgens (sex hormones). Electroacupuncture can also reduce the levels of testosterone in those with PCOS, which can help alleviate symptoms such as excessive hair growth and acne.
Electroacupuncture helps to regulate menstrual cycles in PCOS and has been shown to increase the frequency of ovulation and improve the quality of eggs, thus improving fertility. Additionally, electroacupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety which can exacerbate PCOS symptoms.
What Do The Research Studies Say?
Quite a bit of research has been done on PCOS and electroacupuncture. Many studies show that electroacupuncture has the ability to improve endocrine and metabolic function in those with PCOS.
A 2019 study published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, used electroacupuncture on rats with PCOS resulting in the improvement of hyperandrogenism and follicular arrest. (Shi et. al) Another study found that electroacupuncture had the ability to improve the body’s glucose uptake by remodeling “epigenetic and transcriptional changes that elicit metabolic improvement.” This implies that it can help to lower insulin resistance. (2018 Kokosar et. al)
In 2021 a randomized control trial, (Dong et. al) concluded that electroacupuncture is beneficial for those with PCOS because it can improve glucose and lipid metabolism. A 2022 double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted in Indonesia (Muharam et. al) showed the combination of electroacupuncture and medication improved insulin sensitivity in those with PCOS.
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Acupuncture and electroacupuncture are extremely safe and minimally invasive treatments that can complement other treatment strategies without interfering with them. PCOS can be a complicated medical condition and should be managed and monitored by a medical specialist.
Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbs have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including gynecological and fertility concerns. Current research suggests that herbs in formulas can benefit PCOS by addressing both reproductive and metabolic imbalances.
Multiple animal studies show that some formulas can reduce insulin resistance, improve ovulation and balance hormones. In 2020, Zhu et al. published a study on rats with PCOS that determined a Chinese Herbal formula containing Chinese cinnamon, white peony root, and poria improved insulin resistance by regulating intestinal flora and reducing inflammation.
Some studies have shown that certain Chinese herbs, such as Cinnamon, Licorice, and Peony, may help regulate menstrual cycles and improve insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS. Other herbs, such as Rhubarb and Angelica, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-androgenic effects, which may be beneficial for women with PCOS.
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It's important to note that Chinese herbs should be prescribed by an experienced herbalist. Chinese herbal formulas are complex and some PCOS patients may be taking pharmaceutical medications. Herbal formulas should be customized to the individual’s situation and presentation, while also being conscious of any herb and drug interactions . PCOS can be a complex hormonal disorder. It is important to also be consult with and be monitored by a medical doctor.
Vaginal Steaming
Vaginal steaming or Pelvic steaming is the process of using herbal steam to treat the pelvic area. This practice hails from every continent on the planet, according to Steamy Chick. It is most commonly used as a postpartum practice and for general menstrual care. Though there is no research on its treatment for PCOS many vaginal steam providers report positive results for their PCOS clients. When you have a condition like PCOS it is important to work with an experienced vaginal steam practitioner.
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Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM 5/1/23
Sources:
Dong, Hx., Wang, Q., Wang, Z., Wu, Xk., Cheng, L., Zhou, Zm., Yang, L., Yi, P., Huang, Dm. (2021) Impact of Low Frequency Electro-acupuncture on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Unmarried PCOS Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Chinese Journal Integrative Medicine 27, 737–743
Ji C, Xu W, Zhang Z, Cui S, Yi W. (2021) Effect of Electroacupuncture on Reproductive Disorders and Insulin Resistance in a Murine Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model. Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine Dec 26;2021:9968463.
Health: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), John Hopkins Medicine Online
Kokosar, M., Benrick, A., Perfilyev, Nilsson, E., Kaillman, T., Ohlsson, C., Ling, C., Stener-Victorin, E. (2018) A Single Bout of Electroacupuncture Remodels Epigenetic and Transcriptional Changes in Adipose Tissue in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Scientific Reports 8, 1878
Muharam, R., Srilestari, A., Mihardja, H., Juvanni Callestya, L., Kemal Harzif, A. (2022) Combination of electroacupuncture and pharmacological treatment improves insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Double-blind randomized clinical trial. Int J Reprod Biomed. May 23;20(4):289-298.
Ruqun Zheng, Peng Qing, Mei Han, Jinlong Song, Min Hu, Hongxia Ma, Juan Li, (2021) The Effect of Acupuncture on Glucose Metabolism and Lipid Profiles in Patients with PCOS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2021, Article ID 5555028
Shi, Y., Li, L., Zhou, J., Sun, J., Chen, L., Zhao, J., Wu, L., Cui, Y., Wu, L., Wu, H., (2019) Efficacy of electroacupuncture in regulating the imbalance of AMH and FSH to improve follicle development and hyperandrogenism in PCOS rats Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy Vol 113
Steamy Chick Institute Research https://steamychick.institute/category/steaming-101/research/
Zhu, Y., Li, Y., Liu, M., Hu, XD., Zhu, Hq. (2020) Guizhi Fuling Wan, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ameliorates Insulin Sensitivity in PCOS Model Rats With Insulin Resistance via Remodeling Intestinal Homeostasis, Frontier Endocrinology 27 August Vol 11