Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, presenting a range of symptoms that can impact fertility, metabolic health, and appearance. Central to PCOS is a hormonal imbalance, particularly elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), which can disrupt the menstrual cycle and lead to irregular periods or even the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea). Many women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries, where the ovaries are enlarged and contain numerous small fluid-filled sacs (follicles) but fail to release eggs regularly. This ovulatory dysfunction is a common cause of infertility.
Beyond reproductive issues, PCOS is associated with insulin resistance, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Symptoms of PCOS often include weight gain, particularly around the waist, acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face and body), and thinning hair on the scalp. While the exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as obesity and lack of physical activity.
Managing PCOS requires a multifaceted approach to address the range of symptoms and associated health risks. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and regular exercise, play a crucial role, especially for those dealing with obesity. Weight loss can help regulate menstrual cycles, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce insulin resistance. Although there is no cure for PCOS, effective management focused on the individual’s symptoms and health goals can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of long-term complications such as heart disease and diabetes. A personalized treatment plan that addresses both the metabolic and reproductive aspects of PCOS is key to effective management, with ongoing care and support being vital for optimal outcomes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for PCOS
At Axis Acupuncture, our practitioners use Traditional Chinese Medicine to offer effective treatments tailored to the unique symptoms of PCOS. Here’s why we recommend women with PCOS turn to TCM:
• NATURAL PAIN REDUCTION
• HOLISTIC APPROACH
• SYMPTOM RELIEF
• PERSONALIZED PLAN
Common Symptoms Of PCOS
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Women with PCOS often experience irregular menstrual cycles due to hormonal imbalances that interfere with ovulation. Without regular ovulation, the uterine lining does not shed consistently, leading to irregular or missed periods. This symptom is one of the most common signs of PCOS and can vary from cycles longer than 35 days to very few periods per year or even no periods at all.
Excess Androgen Levels
Elevated androgen levels are a key feature of PCOS and can cause physical signs such as hirsutism (excess hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, or upper thighs), severe acne, and male-pattern baldness or thinning hair. These symptoms occur because the ovaries produce more androgens than normal, which disrupts the normal release of eggs during ovulation. Treatment options for managing excess androgen levels include hormonal contraceptives to lower androgen production, anti-androgens to block androgen effects on the body, and lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise to help reduce androgen levels.
Polycystic Ovaries
Polycystic ovaries are enlarged and contain many small fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround eggs. While not all women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries, and not all women with polycystic ovaries have PCOS, this characteristic is commonly used to diagnose the condition in combination with other symptoms. These cysts can be detected via ultrasound and are typically harmless and don’t require removal. However, their presence indicates abnormal or absent ovulation, which can contribute to infertility. Addressing polycystic ovaries usually involves targeting the hormonal imbalances through medication and lifestyle changes to promote regular ovulation and improve fertility.
Insulin Resistance
Many women with PCOS experience insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, leading to elevated insulin levels in the blood. This condition is a precursor to type 2 diabetes and is linked to increased risks of weight gain, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic issues. Symptoms of insulin resistance may not be obvious but can include fatigue, hunger, and difficulty losing weight. Managing insulin resistance often involves dietary changes to control blood sugar, regular exercise to improve insulin sensitivity, and medications like metformin, which helps lower blood sugar levels and is beneficial for women with PCOS.
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