Do you or someone you know have PCOS?  Becoming more and more common, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is something we see regularly at our clinic.  It can cause longer than normal cycles, or absence of menstruation altogether along with a myriad of other symptoms, including those associated with increased levels of testosterone (acne, unwanted body hair, etc).  These symptoms can be annoying in the least, and devastating if you are trying to conceive.  Results from a recent study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism show something we have seen regularly in our clinic, that the combination of acupuncture and physical exercise was shown to decrease testosterone levels and lead to more regular menstruation.

Three groups of women with PCOS were included in the study, the first being treated with acupuncture and physical exercise, the second with physical exercise alone, and a third control group.  Both the acupuncture and exercise group, and the exercise alone group experienced improvements in weight, testosterone levels, acne and menstrual regularity, according to the study.

“The study shows that both acupuncture and exercise reduce high levels of testosterone and lead to more regular menstruation,” said author Elisabet Stener-Victorin.  “Of the two treatments, the acupuncture proved more effective.”

This is exciting research giving hope to many women suffering with PCOS.  If you have PCOS, and have questions about how acupuncture may be able to help you – contact us, we would be happy to discuss what benefits you may experience with the addition of Chinese Medicine.