Acupuncture Treatment for PCOS

by Amy
(Provincetown, MA)

Hi Amelia,
I have a question about my acupuncture treatment for PCOS. I have low progesterone (.6 on day 21), average FSH (6) and a near lower limit of Estradiol (64).

From my acupuncturist I was diagnosed with kidney Yang deficiency with dampness. Also my liver and spleen energies are weak. I have a pear-shaped body. I took herbs (post-menstrual, pre-menstrual and menstrual) and got acupuncture treatments for PCOS mostly twice a week in July and August. And I had periods successfully on 2nd Sep. And I ovulated on 15th.

I am still continuing my treatments but reduced it to once a week. I do chart my cycle. My diagnostic patterns like pulse and tongue have improved a lot my practitioner says. I have a few questions regarding my TCM treatment.

In my case of PCOS, is it possible to have periods without ovulation? I am asking in both cases before TCM treatment like when I was on birth control pills and on treatment like now. I would also like to know about a normal case. Does every month ovulation occurs as periods do?

Should the cysts around both my ovaries disappear by now ? Will cysts have any effect on my conception ? Should I try to conceive this month, as it has been only a single period till now and this month's ovulation is on time as seen by charting and Ovulation Predictor Kit?

Are acupuncture and herbs advised during pregnancy with a PCOS patient?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Amy

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Acupuncture Treatment for PCOS

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by: Amelia Hirota

Hi Amy,
I'm glad that you asked about acupuncture and PCOS. It seems as if your acupuncturist is doing a good job addressing your PCOS and hormonal imbalances. The fact that you've ovulated and had a successful period after just 2 months of treatment is excellent.

Yes, it is possible for both healthy women and women with PCOS to have anovulatory cycles. If you have a biphasic chart, this generally shows that you've ovulated. However, the only definitive test is to do a blood draw for progesterone 6 days post ovulation.

I don't know if you're cysts would have disappeared by now or not. Actually, having some cysts on the ovaries is not a deal breaker. As long as you're ovulating and having regular, good periods, I wouldn't worry about the cysts, unless of course you have pain.

I would definitely try to conceive this month if both you and your partner have been practicing good preconception care for a few months. With PCOS, you can never really know if the good cycles will continue. PCOS have a very unpredictable personality, so I recommend having sex every 2-3 days during your mid-cycle.

Sometimes I have my PCOS patients take herbs through the first trimester, especially if I'm concerned about progesterone levels or if there are any miscarriages in her history. Good luck to you! I'm so pleased to hear that you're having success with your acupuncturist.

Sending Baby Dust Your Way,
Amelia

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