Acupuncture herbs and PCOS | Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic

Intense electroacupuncture normalizes insulin sensitivity, increases muscle GLUT4 content, and improves lipid profile in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome

Julia Johansson et al, Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab Oct 2010 299:E551-E559 American Journal of Physiology

This study on rats with PCOS showed that electroacupuncture can reduce insulin resistance and improve lipid profile.

Influence of Acupuncture on Infertility in Rats with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Zhang Wei Yi et al, Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2009 (11) 973 Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western medicine

Studies of animal models with PCOS have elucidated some of the physiological effects of acupuncture on different aspects such as Insulin resistance, hormone levels and ovulation frequency. This study measured ovulation frequency after acupunture by counting the number of blastocysts that had implanted after acupuncture treatment compared to a control group. Acupuncture proved to be an effective treatment to increase the number of blastocysts.

Low-frequency electroacupuncture and physical exercise decrease high muscle sympathetic nerve activity in polycystic ovary syndrome.

August 1, 2009/in Acupuncture herbs and PCOS, Research /by Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic

Stener Victorin E et al Am J Physiol 2009 Aug;297(2):R387-95. American Journal of Physiology

This trial found that activity of the sympathetic nervous system (which is abnormally pronounced in PCOS) could be reduced with acupuncture or with exercise. Additionally they found that acupuncture significantly reduced the level of testosterone in PCOS patients. Those women in the study who were not ovulating reported more regular mentrual cycles after acupuncture treatment.

Hypothalamic Neuroendocrine Functions in Rats with Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Effects of Low-Frequency Electro-Acupuncture

April 1, 2009/in Acupuncture herbs and PCOS, Research /by Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic

Yi Feng et al, PLoS One. 2009; 4(8): e6638. PLoS One

Performing electroacupuncture 5 times a week on rats with PCOS restored ovulation and regular estrous cycles within a short period of time. The researchers measured hormone changes induced by electroacupuncture and postulate that these changes may help to explain the beneficial effects of acupuncture in women with PCOS.

Investigation on effect of electroacupuncture intervention on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

January 1, 2009/in Acupuncture herbs and PCOS, Research /by Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic

Chen Jun et al Maternal and Child Health Care of China 2009; 30 pg 28 Maternal and Child Health Care of China

A group of researchers in Shandong, China used electroacupuncture with PCOS patients during their IVF cycle. They found that there was a significant reduction in the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) if acupuncture was included. Since women with PCOS are at risk of OHSS then this finding is of great interest. Many other aspects of the IVF cycle improved however the pregnancy rate was not significantly increased by the acupuncture. It is our finding and the opinion of other researchers in this field that long term treatment is needed to effect good change in PCOS patients.

Combined therapy of Chinese medicine with in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation for treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome

November 28, 2008/in Acupuncture herbs and PCOS, Research /by Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic

Fang Lian et al, Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2008 Nov ;28 (11):977-80 Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western medicine

IVF patients in this country are generally advised not to take Chinese herbs during their IVF cycle, to avoid drug interactions, however in China they are quite happy to combine therapies if it will benefit the patient. In this study IVF patients with PCOS were given a herbal formula which supports ovarian function. The group in this study who received the herbs had significantly better uterine linings, used lower doses of FSH and had a higher success rate. Additionally the incidence of hyperstimulation was reduced in the herb group.

Acupuncture in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Current Experimental and Clinical Evidence

March 1, 2008/in Acupuncture herbs and PCOS, Research /by Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic

Stener-Victorin E et al, Journal of Neuroendocrinology 2008, 20 (3) , 290–298 Journal of Neuroendocrinology

This review evaluates the place of acupuncture in the treatment of PCOS. It explains that many women with PCOS require prolonged treatment. Pharmacological approaches are effective but have adverse effects. Therefore, treatment strategies such as acupuncture need to be evaluated. Acupuncture is reported to positively affect PCOS symptoms and markers via modulation of endogenous regulatory systems, including the sympathetic nervous system, the endocrine system and the neuroendocrine system. The changes are most likely mediated via the endogenous opioid system.

Low-Frequency EA and Physical Exercise Improve Metabolic Disturbances and Modulate Gene Expression in Adipose Tissue in Rats with Dihydrotestosterone-Induced PCOS

January 1, 2008/in Acupuncture herbs and PCOS, Research /by Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic

Manneras L et al 2008 Endocrinology vol. 149 (7) pg3559-3568 Endocrinology

Insulin resistance associated with PCOS was reduced by acupuncture in this animal study.

Clinical study on effect of Bushen Huayu Qutan Recipe in treating polycystic ovarian syndrome

October 27, 2007/in Acupuncture herbs and PCOS, Research /by Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic

Wu JH et al, Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2007 Oct;27(10):883-6 Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western medicine

A Kidney tonic formula was tested on PCOS patients after it had been shown to be effective in reducing testosterone and insulin and promoting ovulation in sterilised rats. PCOS patients took the formula for 6 months - it was effective in reducing obesity and acne as well as insulin and testosterone levels.

Effects of electro-acupuncture on anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

January 1, 2000/in Acupuncture herbs and PCOS, Research /by Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic

Stener Victorin E et al, Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2000; 79: 180–188 Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica

This was one of the first trials to look at the effect of acupuncture on Polycystic ovarian syndrome. This and subsequent trials have shown that electroacupuncture can stimulate reluctant ovaries to ovulate more often in some women with PCOS.