Study Finds Acupuncture, Exercise May Help Ease Hormone Disorder

Numerous studies have suggested that acupuncture may reduce pain, aches, tension or stress. Now, a report from the University of Gothenberg, Sweden, has determined that the ancient alternative remedy may partially treat women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

A study published in the American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism found that four months of acupuncture treatment combined with electrical stimulation reduced the levels of testosterone in women with PCOS by 25 percent.

The syndrome is the most common cause of infertility in women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The authors of the study estimated that PCOS affects 10 percent of women in the U.S. A hormone imbalance, the syndrome results in high levels of male hormones, particularly testosterone, making it difficult for a woman to conceive and causing side effects like obesity, acne and irregular menstruation.

The Swedish team found that a low-level electrical current run through acupuncture needles appeared to stimulate muscles in a way similar to exercise. Indeed, groups separately treated with exercise or acupuncture both experienced improvements in weight, testosterone levels, acne and menstrual regularity.

Full abstract (pdf format) available online here. At Health On Point we can support your fertility needs with acupuncture, lifestyle counseling and supplementation if needed. For additional information please call or email.