Yes! Acupuncture is proven to help with anxiety, depression, and weight gain caused by PCOS!

Yes! Acupuncture is proven to help with PCOS!

PCOS affects about 10 to 15% of women during reproductive age.

Even though we know the cause of PCOS, because of its nature, the solution is not as easy as a pill prescribed by your doctor.

The underlying cause of PCOS involved genetics, imbalance of hormone and hormonal metabolism, environmental toxin, lifestyle, food, and stress. These factors can affect how our body processes and balances hormones. The complications of PCOS can affect our fertility, metabolism, skin, and even mood. Therefore, it's important to have a holistic approach to treat PCOS.

Other than conventional medications, which include oral contraceptive, progestin, gonadotropin, and metformin for insulin resistance, what else can you do?

One of the most promising modality is acupuncture.

Acupuncture decreases weight gain effects from PCOS

One of the clinical signs of PCOS is insulin resistance and poor glucose tolerance. This clinical manifestation is common in women with midsection adiposity.

In this metanalysis published in 2021 with 10 randomized controlled trials (n=737 patients with PCOS), using acupuncture showed significant improvement of fasting glucose, insulin resistance, and triglyceride in addition to decrease in BMI and waist-to-hip ratio. (Research paper)

Acupuncture decreases anxiety and depression caused by PCOS

Another randomized controlled trial on acupuncture on negative emotions associated with PCOS: This research is randomly divided into the observation group and the control group.

Both groups received lifestyle modification on the 5th day of menstruation. The observation group received additional acupuncture treatment with a total of 48 treatments (3 times a week, one month as one course and 4 courses are required).

The result showed a lowering of anxiety and depression, as well as BMI. In this research, they also observed a decreased in free androgen index and an increase in serum sex-homrone binding globulin (SHBG) and 𝛃endorphin. (Research paper)

Although the mechanism of acupuncture in treatment of PCOS still needs to be studied further with a larger scale to show the efficacy, as a clinician, I am glad to see positive research to show patients that there are other options and modalities out there to help.

I believe the best approach to take care of yourself is more than a pill. Complementary medicine is like another tool in your tool box. The goal is to empower you and your body to the optimal function that is naturally designed.

If you are interested in kick starting your health recovery journey, book your free consultation below!

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References

1.Zheng, R., Qing, P., Han, M., Song, J., Hu, M., Ma, H., & Li, J. (2021, March 22). The Effect of Acupuncture on Glucose Metabolism1and Lipid Profiles in Patients with PCOS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. . https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33824676/

2. Zhang, H. L., Huo, Z. J., Wang, H. N., Wang, W., Chang, C. Q., Shi, L., Li, D., Li, R., & Qiao, J. (2020). Zhongguo zhen jiu =Acupuncture ameliorates negative emotion in PCOS patients: a randomized controlled trial Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion, 40(4), 385–390. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32275367/

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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this newsletter or publications are for reference purposes only. No material written and published by Eastern Wellness Acupuncture or by Dr. Tzeching Wang , PH.D, L.Ac. are intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care modality or regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the website , publication or social media published by Eastern Wellness Acupuncture or Dr. Tzeching Wang, Ph.D, L.Ac..

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