“The findings provided compelling evidence supporting the use of acupuncture as a valuable natural approach to managing endocrine dysfunction in individuals with PCOS.”
Acupuncture for PCOS: Supporting Hormonal Balance and Fertility
The Hypothalamic Pituitary Ovarian (HPO) Axis plays a vital role in regulating your menstrual cycle and maintaining your productive health. Acupuncture has gained recognition as an effective modality for supporting the function of the HPO Axis and promoting hormonal balance in individuals with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Understanding PCOS: Hormonal Imbalances and Endocrine Dysfunction
PCOS is a condition characterised by various hormonal imbalances and a host of symptoms, including insulin resistance and elevated testosterone levels. These imbalances can disrupt the normal functioning of the HPO Axis and lead to irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation (lack of ovulation), and difficulties with fertility. Managing endocrine dysfunction is crucial for individuals with PCOS to restore hormonal balance and optimize their reproductive health.
Evidence from a Recent Review: Acupuncture and PCOS
In a comprehensive review published in the highly respected journal Frontiers in Endocrinology in 2022 researchers investigated the effects of acupuncture on PCOS. The study examined scientific literature to uncover the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture's actions and its impact on the array of symptoms associated with PCOS. The findings provided compelling evidence supporting the use of acupuncture as a valuable natural approach to managing endocrine dysfunction in individuals with PCOS.
So what is the role of acupuncture in regulating the HPO Axis in PCOS?
The HPO Axis involves a complex interplay between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones, in turn, act on the ovaries to regulate follicular development, ovulation, and the production of estrogen and progesterone.
Acupuncture acts on the HPO Axis through various mechanisms, aiming to restore hormonal balance and optimize reproductive function. By targeting specific acupuncture points, we can modulate the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus. This modulation improves the coordination of the menstrual cycle and enhances ovulatory function, addressing one of the key issues faced by individuals with PCOS.
Emerging evidence also suggests that acupuncture may also promote the production and release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland. These hormones play crucial roles in the development and full maturation of ovarian follicles, as well as the timing of ovulation. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, we can support the secretion of FSH and LH at optimal levels. This, in turn, promotes healthy follicular development, timely ovulation, and improved reproductive outcomes for individuals with PCOS.
Acupuncture's Regulatory Effects on Your Ovarian Function: Improved Fertility
In addition to its influence on the HPO Axis, acupuncture exerts regulatory effects on ovarian function. It enhances blood circulation to the ovaries, improving their response to hormonal signals and helps to facilitate proper follicular development. This improved blood flow contributes to healthier ovarian function and fertility.
Furthermore, acupuncture has been shown to influence the production and release of oestrogen and progesterone, the key hormones responsible for the maintenance of the uterine lining and the preparation for implantation. By promoting balanced hormone levels, acupuncture creates a more favourable environment for conception.
Optimising Your Reproductive Health Naturally with Acupuncture
By targeting the HPO Axis and promoting hormonal balance, acupuncture offers you a holistic approach to supporting natural conception and fertility. Its comprehensive effects on GnRH, FSH, LH, ovarian function, and hormone production make it a valuable therapy to enhance reproductive health.
If you are looking for natural ways to support your fertility, and you want to work with someone who will treat the root cause of your problem, consider incorporating acupuncture into your treatment plan. From working with my patients, I understand how distressing and difficult having PCOS can be and what a huge impact it may be having on your health and life. With my experience of seeing PCOS in clinic, I will work with you to create a personalised treatment approach which will get you the best results. While acupuncture is always part of your treatment plan, I will also advise you and support you to make sensible evidence-based nutritional and lifestyle changes.
Typically acupuncture treatments are scheduled twice weekly to begin with and then we can move to once weekly treatments for a minimum of 12 weeks. In my experience, this is the basic treatment course you will need in order to re-establish a functional menstrual cycle.
If you're in search of expert 1:1 acupuncture support for your PCOS I’m here to help. I offer all my patients a confidential and no obligation chat to explore whether we are a good fit to work together.
