Understanding PCOS and the Healing Power of TCM

December 24, 2024

Understanding PCOS and the Healing Power of TCM

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the irregular appearance of multiple water-filled blisters in the ovaries and affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It has been discovered in 1937 and is largely driven by an imbalance in reproductive hormones and endocrine metabolism disorders. One of the key factors is the elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), which can disrupt the regular menstrual cycle. This hormonal imbalance doesn’t just interfere with the menstrual period, it also brings a range of frustrating symptoms, including weight gain, acne, excessive growth of body hair, hair loss and more.

Figure 1 https://www.newhopefertility.com/blog/common-signs-and-symptoms-of-pcos/

How does PCOS affect fertility?

Hormones play a significant role in conception and PCOS can significantly impact this process. Elevated androgens may prevent ovarian eggs from maturing properly or even stop the ovaries from releasing an egg during ovulation, which might first show in irregular periods, or no period. In simple terms, women with PCOS may find it more difficult to conceive due to these hormonal disruptions.

How is PCOS Diagnosed?Diagnosing PCOS typically involves a combination of methods:

Medical and gynaecological history review: assess symptoms and overall health history
Blood tests: check hormone levels and identify any imbalances
Ultrasound scan: examine the ovaries for cysts

A diagnosis is usually made when at least two of the following are met: irregular or absent periods, high androgen levels, or polycystic ovaries (blisters at the ovaries).

Take the First Step Towards Managing the Symptoms

PCOS can be overwhelming, but did you know that small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in managing the symptoms? Here are a few simple ways to support your body naturally:

1. Eat a Balanced, Whole-Food Diet

Choose nutrient-rich foods like whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats. Avoid refined sugars and carbs to maintain stable blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance, which is often a concern with PCOS.

2. Stay Active

Exercise regularly with a mix of cardio and strength training to support weight management, improve mood, and balance hormones.

3. Manage StressHigh stress can worsen hormone imbalances. Try relaxation practices like meditation, deep breathing, or gentle movement practices such as Tai Chi. Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support overall hormonal health.

4. Balance Blood Sugar

Eat smaller, frequent meals and pair carbohydrates with proteins or healthy fats to avoid insulin spikes.How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can helpTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture and herbal remedies, has been proven to be an effective support for women with PCOS by addressing underlying imbalances in the body. Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach,TCM also recognizes PCOS as a complex condition driven by hormonal changes that lead to various symptoms. According to TCM principles, these hormonal imbalances can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy), leading to blood stasis and phlegm-damp accumulation—all of which contribute to PCOS symptoms.

Figure2 https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000020441

Figure3 https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007535.pub4

TCM practitioners assess how the body is out of balance by reading your tongue and taking your pulse. Based on this assessment, custom herbal remedies and acupuncture are offered to meet individual’s unique needs and help restore balance. Herbal remedies aim to regulate menstrual cycles, balance hormones, reduce cyst formation, and promote long-term improvement. Acupuncture complements this by regulating insulin sensitivity, reducing stress, and stimulating ovulation. Regular acupuncture sessions can help rebalance hormones and support menstrual regularity.

By taking the holistic approaches, including TCM, lifestyle adjustments and stress management, women with PCOS can find natural ways to improve symptoms.

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Understanding PCOS and the Healing Power of TCM