Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects reproductive health and often leads to infertility. Women with PCOS frequently experience hormonal imbalances, irregular menstruation, excessive and/or poor follicle growth, and absent or irregular ovulation.
Successfully treating PCOS requires restoring hormonal balance, promoting healthy follicle development, and improving ovulation. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance egg quality and achieve a successful pregnancy.Â
Understanding the TCM Approach to PCOS Treatment
PCOS management requires a combined approach of acupuncture and herbal medicine to restore the body’s balance from a state of disharmony. Because each patient’s response varies, personalized treatment plans are essential for optimal outcomes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on restoring balance by regulating yin and yang, improving organ function, and enhancing overall well-being.
How Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Treat PCOS
Acupuncture and herbal medicine work together to address the root causes of PCOS-related infertility:
Regulating hormonal balance – Helps normalize menstrual cycles and improve ovulation.
Enhancing ovarian function – Supports follicle development and improves egg quality.
Improving blood circulation – Ensures the reproductive organs receive sufficient nourishment.
Reducing stress and promoting relaxation – Balances the nervous system to support reproductive health.
Role of Acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body to regulate hormones, improve circulation, and enhance ovarian function. Studies show that acupuncture can increase ovulation frequency and improve pregnancy rates by balancing reproductive hormones and normalizing menstrual cycles.
Role of Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine, on the other hand, involved the preparation of customized prescriptions containing 10-20 carefully chosen herbs. Herbal prescriptions are tailored to each patient and often focus on nourishing the kidneys, regulating the liver, and strengthening the spleen. These formulas improve overall health and egg quality, promote ovulation, and support follicle development.
Treating PCOS is different from treating poor egg quality. Different treatment methods need to be applied during different phases of the patient's menstrual cycle. Each patient’s treatment is personalized based on their unique needs. While some respond quickly, others may require several menstrual cycles of treatment to achieve their goals. Throughout the treatment process, doctors monitor follicle development via ultrasound and regularly test hormone levels, adjusting the treatment plan as needed.
Clinical Success Stories
Case 1: Overcoming Hormonal Imbalance and Irregular Ovulation
A 34-year-old woman with PCOS had never been pregnant. Her hormones were imbalanced and she had 15 follicles at the start of each menstrual cycle, but they failed to develop properly, leading to irregular ovulation periods. After three months of combining acupuncture and herbal medicine:
The number of follicles decreased in the first month.
Her hormone levels stabilized in the second month.
She successfully conceived with the help of IUI in the third month.
Case 2: PCOS and Successful IVF with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Support
A 29-year-old woman had 50-day menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, and 15 follicles per ovary, resulting in 2 failed IUI attempts. She decided to pursue IVF while continuing TCM treatment.
During her IVF cycle while undergoing acupuncture and herbal medicine treatment, both ovaries produced 8 follicles each during the beginning of the egg retrieval cycle.
A total of 8 embryos were retrieved, with 5 passing genetic testing.
She successfully conceived and delivered a healthy baby girl weighing over 7lbs after five months of treatment.
Her husband, who had poor sperm quality, also received TCM treatment which significantly improved his fertility. This case highlights how TCM can support couples facing complex fertility challenges (We'll discuss male infertility caused by poor sperm quality in a future article).Â
This case was extremely challenging, as both the husband and wife had fertility issues. We are incredibly proud to achieve such remarkable results together. The couple not only have their first child, but the quality of their frozen embryos also enhances the potential for having more children in the future if they choose.
A Natural Approach to PCOS-Related Infertility
Acupuncture and herbal medicine provide a safe and effective way to restore reproductive balance for women with PCOS. By improving hormonal regulation, supporting ovulation, and enhancing overall fertility, these treatments offer a holistic path to pregnancy success and increases the successful likelihood of treatments like IUI and IVF.Â
If you're looking for a natural approach to managing PCOS and improving fertility, our clinic specializes in customized TCM treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
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