The Benefits of Acupuncture for PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age. It often causes irregular ovulation, elevated androgens, and the development of small ovarian cysts, all of which can interfere with fertility. Beyond reproduction, PCOS may also contribute to irregular or missed periods, acne, weight gain, hair thinning, and excessive hair growth.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, PCOS often reflects deeper imbalances such as Kidney deficiency, damp accumulation, or qi and blood stagnation. These patterns affect the body’s ability to regulate hormones and metabolism, leading to cycle irregularity and systemic symptoms. By targeting the root causes, acupuncture and Chinese herbs help restore hormonal balance, improve cycle regularity, and enhance overall wellness in a sustainable way.
PCOS and Fertility: Improving Chances for Conception
For women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant, acupuncture offers natural support for ovulation and conception. By improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, regulating hormones, and creating a healthier environment for implantation, acupuncture has been shown to increase pregnancy success rates both naturally and alongside fertility treatments like IUI or IVF.
Supporting the Whole PCOS Picture
While many patients come to us with fertility in mind, PCOS affects far more than reproductive function. From a holistic lens, we address related symptoms like:
✧ Blood sugar imbalance and insulin resistance
✧ Chronic fatigue and low energy
✧ Mood fluctuations and anxiety
✧ Inflammation and digestive sluggishness
✧ Acne, skin changes, and hair loss or excess growth
Our treatments are designed to improve not just cycle regularity, but your day-to-day quality of life and to help your body find a more sustainable rhythm.
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Evidence-Based Research on Acupuncture for PCOS
A 2021 study found that women with PCOS receiving acupuncture twice weekly for three menstrual cycles had a 46.34% pregnancy rate compared to 18.42% in the control group
A 2022 systematic review concluded that acupuncture significantly improved ovulation rates, menstrual frequency, and reduced testosterone levels in PCOS patients
A 2020 review of TCM herbal therapies found they helped normalize female hormones, lower male hormones, restore cycles, and improve insulin sensitivity
A 2024 large-scale meta-analysis showed that combined TCM approaches - acupuncture, moxibustion, herbs, and electroacupuncture - significantly improved clinical pregnancy rates in PCOS patients compared with single therapies
PCOS in Teenagers
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome doesn’t just affect women trying to conceive, it can also appear during the teenage years. For adolescents, PCOS may show up as irregular or absent periods, acne, oily skin, unwanted hair growth, or weight changes. Because hormonal fluctuations are normal during puberty, PCOS can sometimes be overlooked or misdiagnosed, leaving teens without the support they need.
At Seed Acupuncture in Encinitas, we offer safe, gentle, and medication-free care for teens with PCOS. Acupuncture helps regulate cycles, calm excess androgens, improve mood, and ease the physical and emotional challenges of PCOS in adolescents. Families throughout North County San Diego trust us to provide compassionate, evidence-based support that builds a healthier foundation for long-term hormonal balance and reproductive wellness.
Looking for a gentle, natural approach to support your teen with PCOS? We’re here to help.
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Coming Off Birth Control with PCOS
For many with PCOS, birth control has been used for years to mask symptoms but not treat the root cause. After stopping the pill, patients often experience delayed cycle return, acne flares, or new hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help the body re-establish hormonal communication and regulate the cycle more effectively post-pill, without synthetic hormones.
