Acupuncture for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Wednesday July 15, 2009
Acupuncture may benefit women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a disorder marked by elevated levels of androgens (such as testosterone), ovarian cysts, and irregular menstrual cycles. In a recent study of 20 women with PCOS, researchers discovered that 16 weeks of electro-acupuncture treatments led to more regular menstrual cycles and reduced testosterone levels.
Study results showed that electro-acupuncture also calmed the participants' sympathetic nerve activity. Thought to arise from elevated testosterone levels, abnormally high sympathetic nerve activity may contribute to insulin resistance, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
In electro-acupuncture, acupuncture needles are attached to a device that produces continuous electric impulses. For the study, needles were placed in participants' abdomen and legs (at points said to be associated with the ovaries) and stimulated with a low-frequency electrical charge. Past research suggests that acupuncture may also help relieve other women's health problems, including menstrual cramps and infertility.
Comments
Hi Cathy
I enjoy and use your alt. med.
There is one thing I have tried and recommended to several people, who swear by it,that it works, is Mustard OIL. It has not shown in any of your articles. mustard oil has natural heat producing properties; so, when rubbed in, it relieves pain, chest congestion, works on bruises too. My co -workers say it helped them walk and carry on their daily routine from debilitating back pain.