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Fertility & Acupuncture
Acupuncture in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Current Experimental
and Clinical Evidence
E. Stener-Victorin,* E. Jedel† and L. Manneras*
*Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology,
Sahlgrenska Academy, Goteborg University, Go¨teborg, Sweden.
Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska
Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
This review describes the aetiology and pathogenesis of polycystic ovary
syndrome (PCOS) and
evaluates the use of acupuncture to prevent and reduce symptoms related with
PCOS. PCOS is
the most common female endocrine disorder and it is strongly associated with
hyperandrogenism,
ovulatory dysfunction and obesity.
PCOS increases the risk for metabolic disturbances
such
as hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2
diabetes, hypertension
and an increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular risk factors
and impaired mental health
later in life. Despite extensive research, little is known about the
aetiology of PCOS. The syndrome
is associated with peripheral and central factors that influence sympathetic
nerve activity.
Thus, the sympathetic nervous system may be an important factor in
the development and
maintenance of PCOS. Many women with PCOS require prolonged treatment.
Current pharmacological
approaches are effective but have adverse effects. Therefore, nonpharmacological
treatment
strategies need to be evaluated. Clearly, acupuncture can affect PCOS
via modulation of
endogenous regulatory systems, including the sympathetic nervous system,
the endocrine and
the neuroendocrine system. Experimental observations in rat models of
steroid-induced polycystic
ovaries and clinical data from studies in women with PCOS suggest that
acupuncture exert
long-lasting beneficial effects on metabolic and endocrine systems and
ovulation.
Key words: acupuncture, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, obesity,
opioids, ovulation, physical exercise, polycystic ovary syndrome, sympathetic
nerve activity.
Learn more about PCOS and
treatment options (Full Study)
Your path to radiant health...
from motherhood to menopause.
Lorraine H. Harris, Licensed Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbalist Specialist in fertility, women's health and rejuvenation located in the Western North Carolina (WNC) and Asheville area.
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