Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, circulatory system, and appearance. Women have both male and female hormones, but women who have PCOS have higher levels of male hormones and experience irregular or absent menstrual cycles and small-fluid filled cysts on their ovaries. It is estimated that 5% to 10% of women who are of child bearing age have PCOS.

There may be a genetic factor with PCOS, but further testing is needed. Many women who have PCOS also struggle with weight issues; researchers are currently investigating a correlation between the body’s ability to make insulin and PCOS. A symptom of PCOS is that the body produces too much insulin. This can result in an excess production of male hormones which can cause acne, hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation issues.

Chinese Medicine assesses the symptoms you are having and treats the cause of that symptom. It gets to the point of the problem or problems in your body then works to heal it. It's typically a combination of acupuncture and herbs prescribed by an acupuncturist that works to correct any and all hormonal imbalances in your body. Typically, Western Medicine treats the symptoms not the cause of your symptoms. For example, you’re overweight so you’re given Metformin to help with weight loss. It's treating the symptom (extra weight) not what is making you overweight; thus, more than likely not curing the problem long term.  Continue to read TCM Treatment Evaluation for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. 

For young patients or patients whose fertility is not their main concern, Chinese herbs and acupuncture can regulate the nerve system to reduce your stress and regulate your endocrine hormones to promote ovulation. This will result in a normal menstruation cycle and a holistically adjusted metabolic profile. For patients who have children or are pre-menopausal the treatment will focus on regulating ovarian function and improving the metabolism of the neural – endocrine system.