PCOS: The TCM Perspective
In TCM, PCOS most commonly involves Kidney deficiency (affecting reproductive axis regulation), Phlegm-damp accumulation (associated with insulin resistance and polycystic ovaries), and Liver Qi stagnation with Blood stasis (driving androgen excess and cycle irregularity).
Effective treatment requires identifying which pattern or combination dominates and designing a targeted protocol.
Evidence for Acupuncture in PCOS
Swedish researcher Dr. Elisabet Stener-Victorin conducted landmark trials showing:
- Electro-acupuncture reduced circulating testosterone levels
- Acupuncture normalised LH:FSH ratios
- Menstrual cycle frequency improved significantly
- Ovarian morphology (cyst burden) reduced over 16 weeks of treatment
- Effects were comparable to exercise, and additive when combined
Integrating with Medical PCOS Management
TCM works well alongside metformin, clomiphene/letrozole, and the oral contraceptive pill (when used to regulate cycles prior to conception attempts). We encourage patients to share relevant pathology (LH, FSH, testosterone, SHBG, AMH, fasting insulin) at their first appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Acupuncture reduces testosterone and normalises LH:FSH in PCOS
- It improves insulin sensitivity and may reduce cyst burden over time
- TCM treats the pattern underlying PCOS — not just the symptoms
- Works well alongside metformin, Clomid, letrozole
- Allow 3–6 months for full hormonal rebalancing
Address Your PCOS at the Root
Book a PCOS consultation at Lane Cove Acupuncture — personalised TCM for hormonal balance and fertility.
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