How Acupuncture Can Effectively Treat PCOS

Eloise was featured in an article by Evening Standard journalist Madeleine Spencer about the effects of Acupuncture on PCOS. PCOS, also known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that affects up to 13 per cent of women of reproductive age. When performed by a qualified and licensed practitioner, acupuncture is one of the safest, non-toxic treatments with minimal side effects.

In the last few years there has been a marked increase in studies that have explored the effects of acupuncture for PCOS, perhaps driven by the frustrations about the lack of treatment options available.

Acupuncture takes a holistic view to medicine, treating the whole person, mind, body and spirit with the aim to trigger the body’s own innate healing response. This individualised approach can be particularly useful when treating conditions such as PCOS which is a multi-system disorder. There isn’t a typical PCOS patient and there can be a wide range of symptoms and severity, eg some people may have acne whilst others have clear skin, some suffer from obesity or hirsutism and others don’t.

Studies have shown that acupuncture may increase beta-endorphin levels in the body which has positive effects on the HPA axis. This can help in the reduction of excess androgens and raised LH levels which can be responsible for irregular periods, hirsutism, androgenic alopecia and acne.

It has been found that acupuncture may modulate the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and increase blood flow to the ovaries helping to reduce the number of ovarian cysts and possibly enhance ovarian function.

From an emotional perspective acupuncture may control the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, that are essential for our emotional well being. It may also increase endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers and lower the stress hormone cortisol, all helping to reduce anxiety and help mood regulation.

Having suffered with PCOS for years, the Evening Standard’s Wellness and Beauty Editor Madeleine Spencer sought out the best in the business to help her manage and minimise her symptoms. This is what she shared:

“A holistic treatment that comes up time and again when you talk to PCOS-sufferers about what works is acupuncture. According to acupuncturist Eloise Coulson it can help reduce excess androgens, down-regulate the serum level of testosterone, and modulate the sympathetic nervous system as well as increasing blood flow to the ovaries.”