PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)

PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common hormonal condition in which the maturation and ovulation of egg follicles are disrupted. As a result, several small follicles remain in the ovaries, which can be visible on an ultrasound as several small cysts.

PCOS occurs in around 1 in 10 women of childbearing age and is one of the most common causes of an irregular menstrual cycle and reduced fertility.

In addition to hormonal changes, hereditary predisposition, insulin resistance, metabolic processes and lifestyle factors also play a role in the development of PCOS.

Common complaints

Not every woman with PCOS has the same complaints.

Common complaints are:

Some women have only a few complaints, while others experience several complaints at the same time.

Possible causes

The exact cause of PCOS is not yet fully known. The condition probably arises from a combination of different factors.

Factors that can play a role include:

What can acupuncture do?

Acupuncture is tailored to your personal situation and to the pattern of complaints that emerges during the course of treatment. The treatment is aimed at supporting the body's natural regulation and can be adjusted over the course of treatment when your complaints change.

Depending on your situation, acupuncture can offer support with:

Acupuncture can be combined well with guidance from your GP, gynaecologist or fertility doctor.

What can Chinese herbal medicine do?

Chinese herbs are often used as a complement to acupuncture. The herbs can support the body daily in between treatments. The herbal formula is tailored to your personal situation and can be adjusted over the course of treatment when your complaints or situation change.

Depending on your situation, Chinese herbs can offer support with:

In addition, where appropriate, attention is also given to nutrition, exercise, sleep and other lifestyle factors that can support recovery.

How does Chinese medicine view PCOS?

In Western medicine, the diagnosis is mainly central to PCOS. Traditional Chinese medicine also looks at which bodily functions are functioning less well and how different complaints are connected. As a result, two women with the same diagnosis can still receive a different treatment.

Chinese medicine links various bodily functions to what are known as organ systems. An organ system is not the same as the anatomical organ from Western medicine, but represents a collection of functions. Each organ system is moreover connected to a meridian, along which, according to Chinese medicine, Qi and Blood circulate through the body.

In PCOS, the Kidneys, Spleen and Liver in particular play an important role. The Kidneys are seen as the basis of fertility, hormonal development and the body's natural regulating capacity. The Spleen plays an important role in the processing of food and the fluid metabolism. The Liver ensures a free flow of Qi and Blood and, according to Chinese medicine, contributes to a regular menstrual cycle.

When one or more of these organ systems function less well, a recognisable combination of complaints often arises. Such a combination of symptoms is called a pattern in Chinese medicine. As a result, two women with the same PCOS diagnosis can still receive a different treatment. The patterns that occur most often with PCOS are:

Kidney deficiency

In Chinese medicine, the Kidneys are seen as the basis of fertility, hormonal development and the body's natural regulating capacity. When these functions are weakened, the maturation of follicles, ovulation and the menstrual cycle can become disrupted.

Complaints that can fit with this include:

Damp and Phlegm

When the Spleen regulates the fluid metabolism less well, Damp and Phlegm can arise according to Chinese medicine. In PCOS this pattern is often associated with the formation of cysts.

When Damp persists for a longer time, it can develop into Damp-Heat. This pattern is regularly seen in women who, in addition to an irregular menstrual cycle, also have acne or oily skin.

Complaints that can fit with this include:

Liver Qi stagnation

According to Chinese medicine, the Liver ensures a free flow of Qi and Blood. Prolonged stress and emotional tension can disrupt this flow, causing the menstrual cycle to become further out of balance.

Complaints that can fit with this include:

Blood stasis

When Qi stagnates for a long time, Blood stasis can eventually also arise. This pattern is seen more often when PCOS goes together with painful periods or clearly present cysts.

Complaints that can fit with this include:

Prognosis

PCOS is usually a chronic condition. Treatment within Chinese medicine focuses on gradually supporting the menstrual cycle, ovulation and hormonal balance.

How quickly improvement occurs differs from person to person and depends, among other things, on:

Many women notice after a few menstrual cycles that their periods become more regular and their complaints decrease. With a wish to conceive, a longer treatment period is often needed, in which the treatment is tailored to the menstrual cycle and the personal situation.

Contact

Do you have PCOS, or do you suspect that your complaints fit with it, and would you like to know whether acupuncture can mean something for you? During a first consultation we discuss your complaints, menstrual cycle, medical history and any underlying factors in detail. On that basis a treatment plan is drawn up that suits your situation. You can book an appointment online right away or get in touch for more information.

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