Can acupuncture help with PCOS and fertility?

Manchester’s fertility acupuncturist Lily talks about how acupuncture can support you if you have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

There’s been an explosion of research studies carried out in recent years exploring the effects of acupuncture for PCOS. That’s because so many women are being diagnosed with PCOS and have been left frustrated with the lack of treatment options available.   

Acupuncture has a whole host of benefits for women with PCOS, ranging from regulating periods (and ovulation!) to calming down those annoying acne breakouts. 

Given that doctors can really struggle to treat PCOS symptoms effectively, how is it that those tiny needles help?   

How does acupuncture help with PCOS?

Research studies have shown a number of ways in which acupuncture can help women with PCOS.  When the needle is inserted into particular areas of the body, this causes the underlying muscles to send nerve signals to the brain via the spinal cord.  This becomes especially important if specific fertility acupuncture points are used that send information about the ovary to the brain.

This appears to have a number of direct benefits for women with PCOS:

• Testosterone control
  Acupuncture has been shown to cause a decrease in the release of male hormones from the ovaries – hugely important if you have high testosterone levels or symptoms like excessive hair growth (hirsutism) and acne. 

• Blood flow and regulating ovulation
  Acupuncture can increase the blood flow to the ovaries, reduce swollen ovaries and the number of ovarian cysts – this is thought to be responsible for acupuncture’s effects on regulating ovulation and therefore in regulating periods and improving fertility.

• Beta-endorphins, luteinising hormone and regulating ovulation
  Acupuncture can significantly increase beta-endorphin levels in the body which has positive effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis).  This can help reduce excess androgens and elevated levels of luteinising hormone (LH) which is largely responsible for irregular ovulation and irregular periods.

• Blood sugar control
  Acupuncture can improve blood sugar by improving insulin function – this has widespread benefits for the body such as better control of appetite, reduced cravings and bloating and which in turn helps women maintain a healthy weight.

Importantly, these research studies have investigated specific protocols relating to PCOS and fertility which is why it’s so important to see an experienced fertility acupuncturist. 

But when it comes to acupuncture and PCOS, don’t just take my word for it! 

Here are a few words from a previous PCOS patient:

‘I had recently been diagnosed with slim PCOS. After years of missed periods, a late miscarriage and such problems trying to conceive, I turned to acupuncture with a ‘why not’ type of attitude. I am a teacher, was living to work and somehow thought I would just fall pregnant in amongst my busy schedule…Lily genuinely helped me realise what was happening. She is like a counsellor, top fertility consultant and massage therapist all in one. Just being in the room made me so calm- it made me realise how hectic other areas of my life were too.

I was seeing a fertility consultant at the time and was one step away from taking clomid and ovarian drilling. 

I came to Lily for fertility acupuncture.  Lily listened carefully, gave gentle advice and then started each session. It makes me so emotional to look back through our emails - gradually my periods returned, and unbelievably I fell pregnant naturally… honestly never thought this would be for me but if you have PCOS and TTC, are stressed, frazzled, constantly Googling because western doctors’ answers just seems so extreme and scary, then I would say just try it! 

I’m breastfeeding my baby boy as I type this. I really, really, really didn’t think it would happen to me and it did. I cannot thank Lily enough for helping me reconnect with my body/nature. I am now a very proud, doting mother.

Thank you, Lily. I will be forever grateful…you gave me a PERFECT little baby boy. Xx’

Want to find out more acupuncture, PCOS and fertility?

Have you been thinking about using acupuncture for your PCOS?  Get in touch with me for a free no-obligation call today on 07815 885 947 and see how I can help!