How Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture can support PCOS

Chinese medicine and acupuncture support women’s health by helping to balance hormones, regulate the menstrual cycle, ease stress, and promote overall wellbeing throughout every stage of life

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What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterised by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, polycystic ovaries (enlarged ovaries with multiple small cysts).

There are several types of PCOS. These include Insulin-Resistant PCOS, inflammatory PCOS, and adrenal PCOS.

There is also Polycystic ovaries (PCO) and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), however these are not the same as PCOS, and understanding these differences is important.

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How is PCOS diagnosed?

PCOS is diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria, where two out of the following three features must be present, after excluding other possible causes. Other conditions that mimic PCOS (such as thyroid disorders, hyperprolactinemia, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia) must be excluded before confirming the diagnosis.

  1. Irregular or absent periods (oligo-/anovulation)

  2. Clinical signs (hirsutism, acne, alopecia) and/or high androgens

  3. Polycystic Ovarian Morphology ≥20 follicles per ovary or ovarian volume >10 cm³ on ultrasound.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Symptoms may include:

  • Irregular or missed periods

  • Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)

  • Acne or oily skin

  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

  • Thinning hair on the scalp

  • Difficulty getting pregnant

PCOS is also associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

How may Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture help?

  • Regulate cycles

    Acupuncture may help regulate menstrual cycles and support ovulation in PCOS by encouraging hormonal balance, improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, and reducing stress that can impact the endocrine system.

  • Hormones

    Some studies show it can lower testosterone and other male hormones, which may reduce symptoms like acne and excess hair growth.

  • Insulin sensitivy

    Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may help enhance the body’s response to insulin by supporting metabolic balance, improving circulation, and calming the stress response, which can influence blood sugar regulation.

  • Reduce stress

    Many women with PCOS experience elevated stress, and acupuncture is known for its calming effects, which may indirectly support hormonal balance.

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    AHPRA Registered

    Chinese medicine and acupuncture is a 4 year university degree, and our practitioners are registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia and follow all professional standards and guidelines set out by AHPRA.

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    Intergrative Care

    Our acupuncturists have undergone further training in fertility and women’s health, and offer an integrated approach. We will also review your blood tests through a functional medicine lens. You are supported.

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    Individualised care

    We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and individualised care for everyone. We take the time to truly listen, so each treatment is tailored to your unique needs, goals, and lived experience.

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