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Cathy Wong

Acupuncture for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

By , About.com GuideJuly 22, 2009

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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
July 28, 2009 at 12:51 pm
(1) Michael says:

I’ve never had acupuncture done, does it work? Anyways I have my own medical blog you should check out Medical Assistant

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