05 Aug Can Acupuncture Be Used to Treat PCOS Related Infertility?
Affecting 1 in 10 women, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of ovulatory disorders, including infertility. Around 70% of women with PCOS struggle with conceiving, and are often unable to get pregnant or have a smooth pregnancy because of this condition. However, research has shown that acupuncture can help significantly in this regard.
It Helps With Hormone Regulation
Acupuncture helps in regulating the hormones associated with PCOS related infertility. When the needles are inserted at the specific pressure points, it stimulates the muscles to send information to the brain to regulate the secretion of specific hormones. These include regulating estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), and testosterone (T) levels.
In addition to this, acupuncture also increases the production of endorphins, which then stimulates the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Moreover, the levels of stress hormones are also lowered because of acupuncture. This overall hormone regulation helps with PCOS related reproduction issues.
It Helps With In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Acupuncture also works well with assisted reproduction therapy. In one study, it was found that the group of patients that received acupuncture therapy both before and after the IVF procedure had a higher pregnancy rate than the control group. 42.5% of the patients from the acupuncture group were successful in getting pregnant as opposed to 26.3% in the control group.
This is because, during the in-vitro procedure, the quality of the uterine environment and the number of follicles can both be enhanced through acupuncture needles. The traditional practice increases the blood flow to the uterus, thickens the uterine lining, and relaxes the uterine muscles, improving the chances of getting pregnant.
It Helps Increase Ovulation Frequency
Research has also shown that acupuncture increases your chances of ovulating regularly. In a study conducted by the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, it was found that as the secretions of different hormones and steroids were regulated, the ovulation frequency increased. Patients who were given acupuncture treatment had a greater ovulation frequency than those who weren’t.
The study also went on to indicate that acupuncture can help counter anovulation, which is a condition in which ovulation doesn’t occur because no oocyte is released by the ovaries. This can lead to infertility or subfertility and is quite common among PCOS patients. Acupuncture helps in stimulating the ovarian system to release oocytes regularly, reversing the effects of anovulation.
At MetaBody MetaMind, Dr. Roya Yazdani offers a range of holistic health services such as acupressure, cupping therapy, herbal therapy and acupuncture services in Los Angeles that are effective in treating PCOS related infertility.
Call us at (310) 481-0045 to make an appointment!