Ovary
Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome may want to make a few visits to an acupuncture practitioner, as research shows that low-frequency electroacupuncture can have a positive impact on symptoms. Results of a recent study were published in the August issue of the American Journal of Physiology.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder among women of child-bearing age. The condition is characterized most often by enlarged ovaries that contain numerous cysts along the outer edge of each ovary. Women who have PCOS often experience prolonged or infrequent menstrual periods, obesity, acne, and excess hair growth.
The cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown. Because PCOS is associated with complications such as stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, women are urged to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms of the disease so they can get a prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Acupuncture for polycystic ovary syndrome
According to a recent study, one type of treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome that has proven effective is electroacupuncture. Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with a high amount of muscle sympathetic nerve activity, and use of electroacupuncture can modulate the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and the nerves involved in PCOS.
Twenty women who had polycystic ovary syndrome were randomly assigned to one of three groups: treatment with low-frequency electroacupuncture, physical exercise, or untreated controls. The study lasted 16 weeks. At the end of the study, the women who had been treated with electroacupuncture reduced muscle sympathetic nerve activity, as did physical exercise, when compared with the control group. This was the first study to find that electroacupuncture and physical exercise can reduce high sympathetic nerve activity in women who hare polycystic ovary syndrome.
In a previous trial, published in March 2008, researchers conducted the first study to directly address sympathetic nerve activity in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome and showed that PCOS is associated with high levels of such activity. The investigators suggested that the increased muscle sympathetic nerve activity may contribute to the increased risk for cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS.
Women who have PCOS who are not satisfied with their current treatment or want to try a different treatment approach may turn to acupuncture. There are numerous acupuncture practitioners in the Phoenix/Tucson area. When contacting them, ask them specifically if they have treated women who have polycystic ovary syndrome.
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