PCOS or polycyctic ovarian syndrome, is a disorder that affects many women during their reproductive years. It can cause infertility, irregular or absent menstruation, excess body hair, acne, fatigue, male pattern hair loss and other problems. It is associated with insulin resistance, and hormonal disruptions including excess testosterone. Women with PCOS typically don’t ovulate or ovulate irregularly, hence the disruption to a regular menstrual cycle and resulting infertility.
A study published in the American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism has reported that acupuncture and exercise are helpful in reducing testosterone levels by 25%.
In the study one group received acupuncture with manual and low level electro-stimulation while another group was instructed to exercise three times per week. After 16 weeks the results were analyzed with both groups showing improvement in testosterone levels and more regular menstruation. However, in a published statement associate professor Elisabet Stener-Victorin said; “Of the two treatments, the acupuncture proved more effective.”