Acupuncture in polycystic ovary syndrom

Abstract

Introduction Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by the clinical signs of oligomenorrhoea, infertility, and hirsutism. Biochemically, women with PCOS often show signs of hyperandrogenism (excessive production of androgen). Aim The aim was to evaluate the use of acupuncture to prevent and reduce symptoms related to PCOS in patients with infertility. Patients and methods This study was carried out on 32 women with PCOS of reproductive age (20–35 years) who presented with infertility. The diagnostic criteria of PCOS applied in this study were based on the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine consensus in Rotterdam, 2003. Results A total of 15 (46.9%) women experienced a good effect. Women with good effect from acupuncture had significantly lower BMI (from 27.68±3.36 to 26.97±3.34; P=0.006), but there was no significant change in waist-to-hip circumference (from 0.85±0.14 to 0.84±0.14; P=0.188). There was a significant decrease in mean serum concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) (from 13.81±3.91 to 10.30±5.14), LH/follicle stimulating hormone ratio (from 2.32±0.81 to1.69±0.90), serum testosterone (from 1.26±0.68 to 1.08±0.75), and fasting insulin (from 31.32±9.90 to 27.53±7.67); a decrease in mean and SD for serum concentration of LH (from 13.81±3.91 to 10.30±5.14), LH/follicle stimulating hormone ratio (from 2.32±0.81 to 1.69±0.90), serum testosterone (from 1.26±0.68 to 1.08±0.75), and fasting insulin (from 31.32±9.90 to 27.53±7.67); and a significant increase in serum E2 (from 34.23±15.32 to 49.02±26.08). Conclusion Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment of PCOS, as the adverse effect of pharmacologic interventions are not present in patients with PCOS who use acupuncture. Acupuncture therapy increases the blood flow to the ovaries, reducing ovarian volume and the number of ovarian cysts. Reducing serum testosterone, increasing insulin sensitivity, and decreasing insulin level also assist in weight loss.