Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Treatment NYC by Marc Bystock L.Ac.

PCOS is a health problem affecting nearly 10% of women looking to become pregnant. It is the most common hormone dysregulation disorder for women in their reproductive stage. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal dysfunction and metabolic disturbance. PCOS is a leading causative factor of female infertility termed anovulatory infertility.

Women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome produce too much androgen in their ovaries. Although some androgen is normally produced by women, it is made in small amounts. Androgen is predominantly produced in males in much larger quantities. In women, it can produce excess body hair, especially facially.

The name Polycystic Ovary Syndrome comes from the small fluid-filled sac-like structures that can grow in the ovaries of women who have this disorder. However, not all women who have PCOS have these small ovarian cysts. During a woman’s monthly ovulation cycle, a mature egg is released from the ovary. This allows the egg to be fertilized by a male sperm. If fertilization doesn’t take place, the egg exits the body during her period.

In some cases, a woman lacks enough hormones to ovulate. Without ovulation, small cysts may form in the ovaries. These cysts produce higher than normal levels of androgens. This produces menstrual problems and the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Some of the PCOS symptoms may be similar to other health disorders. A health care provider must first perform an intake and exam on the patient. An ultrasound can make images of organs, tissue, and blood vessels.

It can determine if there are any cysts in the ovaries and look at the endometrial lining of the uterus to see if the wall is thick or thin. Finally, blood tests should be ordered to determine hormonal levels, including androgens, glucose, and triglycerides.

Treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome will depend on patient age, case severity, and whether the patient intends to become pregnant or not. If you are interested in becoming pregnant, then improving your food intake and exercising will both become necessary as they can help to reduce glucose and insulin levels. Eating a diet low in the glycemic index will be beneficial. 

In Western terminology, acupuncture needles create a stimulus from the peripheral to ascend the spinal cord and then communicates to the brain to the brain lower the androgen production. Acupuncture has a strong effect on the endocrine and central nervous system. With the ability to restore the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and the adrenal glands, acupuncture brings harmony back to the hormonal system. 

It may reduce the risk of additional medical complications like endometrial cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

In a 2009 study, electro-acupuncture performed on women having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome showed that it lowers sympathetic nerve response. Acupuncture treatment improved menstrual flow, lowered testosterone levels, and reduced waist size. The conclusion of the study is significant, showing that acupuncture plays an essential role in reducing sympathetic activity. If left unaddressed, an increase in sympathetic activity can lead to hyperinsulinemia, increased insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, and an increase in body fat percentage.

I have personally treated many women with PCOS using electro-acupuncture, whole food nutrition based eating programs and herbs. The results are outstanding!

Whenever I treat a woman diagnosed with PCOS, I always target the patient before the disease. The term PCOS is a broad scope diagnosis consisting of many symptoms. I want to know if her PCOS is being driven by insulin resistance, an out of balanced HPA axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) causing an excess in androgens or is the case of a post” birth control pill” response.

In either case, it becomes necessary to have a qualified practitioner to understand the causative factors involved. Then treat the patient using the principles of acupuncture, nutrition, and medical-herbology to bring about an effective and long-lasting change in the patient’s overall body health.