Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is characterized by:
Oligo/anovulation: It leads to irregular or absent periods.
Presence of polycystic ovaries in an Ultrasound.
Clinical and or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism: Excess male hormone causing acne, excess facial hair, scalp hair loss, acanthosis nigricans (darkening of skin along the body folds such as neck, groin and armpits).
In addition, sugar craving, weight gain, anxiety and depression are also commonly seen in affected women.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is characterized by:
Oligo/anovulation: It leads to irregular or absent periods.
Presence of polycystic ovaries in an Ultrasound.
Clinical and or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism: Excess male hormone causing acne, excess facial hair, scalp hair loss, acanthosis nigricans (darkening of skin along the body folds such as neck, groin and armpits).
In addition, sugar craving, weight gain, anxiety and depression are also commonly seen in affected women.
Causative Factors :
There is a strong genetic predisposition and hyperinsulinemia as well as increased sympathetic activity that causes the hormonal imbalances along the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis.
As per Classical chinese Medicine, there are 3 major factors: strong genetic affliction, the quality and quantity of our food as well as certain emotional triggers around puberty that cause PCOS. Menstrual cycle serves as an indicator of the qi production and flow; which, inturn contributes to overall health. Hence, any menstrual abnormality points to a deeper origin of the disease which needs to be corrected.
Methodology :
- We start with thrice a week sessions and evaluate 3 consecutive menstrual cycles to assess the regularity, flow of the period blood and the severity of PMS and dysmenorrhea.
- Alongside, appropriate exercise regime, diet recommendations, mindfulness and breathing activities are recommended.
- As the periods regularize, the signs of excess androgen start to abate as well. There is a marked improvement seen in acne, hair loss and hirsutism.
- Acupuncture increases the blood flow to the ovaries, reduces ovarian volume and thereby decreases the number of ovarian cysts.
- Regular needling along with low Glycemic Index food consumption can control hyperglycemia through increasing insulin sensitivity.
- Auricular acupuncture helps reduce androgen levels and regulates osteogeny cycles to normalize ovulation. This regularizes the menstrual cycle.
- Needling and moxa in conjunction can reduce sympathetic nervous system overdrive helping balance mood swings and positively impact the person’s mental health.
- After the menstrual cycle is regularized for 6 months, we taper off the sessions with emphasis on the patient continuing with the appropriate lifestyle modifications to sustain the results. In the future when there is added stress, the person may come back for booster maintenance sessions.
As per Classical Chinese Medicine, regular Acupuncture sessions in the long run promote production and circulation of Qi, blood and body fluids as well as aid the transformation process by eliminating toxins through sweat, urine and faeces. This, in turn optimises immunity, improves appetite, energy levels and sleep, regularises bowel movements and helps manage stress better.
The safety profile of acupuncture is excellent, with very few adverse events when performed by a trained practitioner.
As no two patients are alike, the duration of the treatment vastly depends on the patient’s age, health habits and the severity of the condition.