PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a complex endocrine disorder that affects women in their reproductive years and is a common cause of infertility. It is the most common reproductive endocrine disorder in the world. What most women don’t know is that PCOS can also cause issues that extend well past menopause, so preventive treatment and lifestyle adjustments are key for long-term health.
PCOS stems from disordered hormone signaling due to insulin resistance and inflammation. It can lead to infertility, causing issues such as anovulation, poor egg quality, luteal phase defect, implantation failure, increased risk of miscarriage, as well as pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm labor. PCOS can also cause unwanted symptoms such as acne, hair growth, depression, insomnia, irregular periods, and weight gain.
Contrary to common belief, PCOS does not just affect women who are overweight. Lean women are at an increasing risk of developing PCOS, due to inflammation stemming from environmental factors and mild insulin dysregulation. Unfortunately, because of the misconceptions about body size, PCOS is often undetected in lean women. They may remain undiagnosed and try to conceive for years without success.
Once diagnosed, PCOS women may find that Western medical intervention is necessary. Treatments can include:
- Oral contraceptives (to regulate cycles, reduce acne, reduce hair growth/hair loss)
- Metformin (to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce acne, reduce hair growth)
- Fertility treatments (a wide array of options, including: medications to stimulate the ovaries with timed intercourse, injections to trigger ovulation, IUI, IVF)
- Anti-depressants
PCOS affects women differently…
We Can Help
Menstrual Symptoms
Menstrual Symptoms Include:
- Anovulation
- Heavy or Painful Periods
- Lack of Periods
- Prolonged Cycles (>35 days between periods)
- PMS/PMDD
Fertility Symptoms
Fertility Symptoms Include:
- Anovulation
- Implantation Failure
- Luteal Phase Defect
- Poor Egg Quality
- Poor Uterine Blood Flow
- Recurrent Miscarriage
Pregnancy Complications
Pregnancy Complications Include:
- Gestational Diabetes
- Miscarriage
- Preeclampsia
- Preterm Labor
Hormonal Symptoms
Hormonal Symptoms Include:
- Acne
- Blood Sugar Imbalance/ Glucose Intolerance
- Hirsutism
- Hair Loss
- Thyroid Imbalance
Mental-Emotional Symptoms
Mental-Emotional Symptoms Include:
- Depression/Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sleep Apnea
- Weight Gain/Difficulty Losing Weight
Long-Term Health Risks
Long-Term Health Risks Include:
- Depression/Anxiety
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease/Myocardial Infarction
- High Cholesterol
- Sleep Apnea
- Stroke
- Uterine Cancer
Menstrual Symptoms Include:
- Anovulation
- Heavy or Painful Periods
- Lack of Periods
- Prolonged Cycles (>35 days between periods)
- PMS/PMDD
Fertility Symptoms Include:
- Anovulation
- Implantation Failure
- Luteal Phase Defect
- Poor Egg Quality
- Poor Uterine Blood Flow
- Recurrent Miscarriage
Pregnancy Complications Include:
- Gestational Diabetes
- Miscarriage
- Preeclampsia
- Preterm Labor
Hormonal Symptoms Include:
- Acne
- Blood Sugar Imbalance/ Glucose Intolerance
- Hirsutism
- Hair Loss
- Thyroid Imbalance
Mental-Emotional Symptoms Include:
- Depression/Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sleep Apnea
- Weight Gain/Difficulty Losing Weight
Long-Term Health Risks Include:
- Depression/Anxiety
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease/Myocardial Infarction
- High Cholesterol
- Sleep Apnea
- Stroke
- Uterine Cancer
How We Can Help
We take a unique approach to treating PCOS. Rather than only treating patients according to their TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) pattern imbalance, we focus on treating the inflammation and insulin resistance that are the underlying causes of the hormone dysregulation. And because your PCOS presentation is unique to you, we adjust your treatment based on your individual phenotype.
In addition to acupuncture, we utilize custom herbal preparations formulated to address your specific symptoms. We also incorporate supplements and will work with you to make dietary and lifestyle adjustments that support your progress.
Through her research and clinical experience, Dr. Cahill has found that this approach dramatically improves PCOS symptoms, restores ovulation and improves fertility. She has since taught her methods to practitioners across the globe.
At Well Woman Acupuncture,
We believe that acupuncture and Chinese medicine are indispensable in the treatment of PCOS. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of women with PCOS take charge of their fertility and hormones. Whether used alone, or in conjunction Western medicine, TCM is a powerful tool that can increase your chances of conceiving or gaining control over your body again.
FAQs :
Every woman is different, so your success may vary. In general, though, we find that periods are usually restored within 3 months.
We find that most women get back to regular cycles (28-34 days) within 1-2 cycles.
We recommend once-weekly treatment for at least 3 months. During that time, we will focus on regulating your hormones and reducing any symptoms you might be experiencing. Once your symptoms are under control, we taper treatments off accordingly.
In most cases, yes. Chinese herbs work in tandem with acupuncture to provide stronger results.
Yes! We frequently work with PCOS patients who are undergoing treatment at fertility centers and can help every step of the way. We will tailor your treatment according to where you are in the process.
