Photo by unfurled.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is one of the leading causes of infertility. Almost ten percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS but many of them have no idea about it until they actually try to conceive.

Infertility is not the only symptom; here are other common signs:

• weight gain
• acne (often red, sore and cystic acne is a symptom)
• excessive hair growth (more noticeable on the face)
• irregular menstrual cycles (sometimes so irregular that they only occur once every few months)
• severe cramping and heavy bleeding when they menstrual cycle finally comes

But what do these symptoms mean? Also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, PCOS an ovulation disorder. The ovaries, responsible for producing eggs, become enlarged and develop fluid-filled cysts or sacs. These cysts produce hormones called androgens, which block the development of follicles which release an egg, cause degeneration, and result in a lack of ovulation.

Anovulation (no ovulation) means that it’s going to be difficult to conceive naturally, though not impossible. This is where acupuncture comes in handy! By balancing the hormones in the body, draining dampness (cysts are seen as a form of damp in the body), and relieving stress (see what stress does to your body here), your body will relax into a natural rhythm of cycles again. We use points on the lower abdomen to help stimulate ovulation, and balancing points in the rest of the body to help maintain proper function.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are great tools, but working with PCOS symptoms also means taking better care of your body. Here’s how to cope with the symptoms:

• Cut out all forms of refined sugar (avoid prepackaged food and always read labels)
• Avoid dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol. Drink caffeine-free tea instead!
• Make exercise a regular part of your weekly schedule. Try bouncing!
• Take your Basal Body Temperature to chart if and when you are ovulating.
• Get acupuncture! A fascinating study in a recent issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology discovered that electro-acupuncture combined with regular exercise may help women with PCOS.

Recommended reading

• The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association has a lot of great information has a lot of information about diagnosis and treatment options.
• Soulcysters is a wonderful online site for women to listen, speak, and write about their experience with PCOS.

Amy Chitwood, L.Ac. is a graduate of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. She is nationally board certified in Chinese herbal medicine and manages the Portland Acupuncture Blog.