PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome strikes 1 in every 10 women in the United States each year. This condition is the most commonly diagnosed female reproductive problem in the US. The symptoms of PCOS may include relatively light to severe and frequent or irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, especially secondary amenorrhea, occurrence of male sex attributes like hair thinning on the head, increased hair growth on the body, enlargement of the clitoris, deepening of the voice and decreased breast size. PCOS can also cause changes in the skin including creases around the neck, groin, armpits and breasts due to insulin sensitivity, thick and dark skin markings, and severe acne.
PCOS is the result of a hormonal imbalance. Progesterone and estrogen are the two primary female hormones. These two hormones play key roles in menstruation. Females also carry male hormones such as androgens and if PCOS arises, it is because the female carries too much androgen in her body. Women in their 20s and 30s more or less have a chronic case of androgen imbalance. If PCOS is not addressed, it can potentially lead to infertility.
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture is an effective cure for PCOS. They help restore balance to the hormones. Using a holistic perspective, a licensed acupuncturist needs to determine whether PCOS is the result of a deficiency in Kidney Yin or Yang or even both; most of the time though the cause of this condition is Kidney Yang deficiency. This causes the unsuccessful transformation of phlegm and dampness. Kidney Yang deficiency symptoms can include excess dampness and phlegm giving rise to the development of cysts. Blood stasis and liver qi are the other common symptoms that can occur with PCOS. Deficiency in Kidney may occasionally cause this condition. Deficiency in Kidney can be due to chronic blood stasis and qi. This can result in the malfunctioning of the transformation of phlegm and dampness, which then can cause the development of cysts.
With regards to PCOS, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners use common Chinese herbs to treat deficiency in Kidney Yan. These herbs may include poria pill and cinnamon twig which when combined with other herbs make an herbal formula called gui shi fu ling wan. Other Gui shi fu ling wan ingredients include tao ren, mu dan pi, zhao yao, fu ling and gui zhi. Gui zhi is an herb that has warming qualities. It can help unblock energy vessels, boost circulation, and decrease blood stasis. Fu ling improves downward circulation, changes phlegm into heat and nourishes the spleen and heart. Shao yao has many types. Generally this herb boosts circulation, alleviates spasms, and relieves stomach pain. Tao ren and mu dan pi invigorate and cool the blood as well as lessen the number of ovarian cysts and, break up stasis.
Each patient will manifest symptoms of PCOS in a unique way. It is important to seek treatment from a licensed Chinese herbalist and/or a licensed acupuncturist for the condition you are suffering from.
Asian Health Center
27059 Chardon Rd
Cleveland, OH 44143-1113
Phone: (440) 833-0983
www.clevelandacupunctureclinic.com