Symptoms of PCOS
Affecting millions of people worldwide, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a group of symptoms that can affect the daily activities of females who have this condition. The cause of PCOS is still not well understood, but it is being considered a result of a complex relationship between genetics, the endocrine system, and the reproductive system. PCOS is characterised by elevated androgen levels, irregular menstrual cycles, and the presence of ovarian cysts.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disorder and something I frequently treat in my practice. It often results in irregular or no menstruation and fertility difficulties due to the lack of regular ovulation.
This condition got its name because most of the women with PCOS (but not all) have ovaries that look enlarged and contain numerous small cysts on the outer edge of each ovary.
Five to ten percent of women of childbearing age have polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS. It can occur in girls as young as 11 years old. In approximately 75% of cases where young women have problems with menstruation due to late puberty,
PCOS is often diagnosed. Irregular, infrequent or absent periods, or periods with heavy flow and unbearable pain, are all variations of the problem.
Sometimes PCOS presents itself much later in life when a woman of childbearing age stops using contraceptive pills and finds herself having very long cycles or no cycles at all, and is unable to conceive.
Modern treatments are available. However, in recent studies, many individuals are now considering alternative solutions that address the root causes of PCOS to shorten the course of the condition and also to avoid the risks of modern drug side effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), although it has been renowned for treating women’s health for thousands of years, has regained attention for its ability to offer effective treatment for PCOS symptoms because of its holistic approach.
Herbs combined with acupuncture have shown effective results in treating PCOS. Herbal medication for PCOS is not a one-size-fits-all. The combination of herbs recommended to be taken will depend on your symptoms and current condition. That is why it's advisable to consult an expert when taking these medications for optimum results and to avoid complications. Both acupuncture and herbs can help regulate your cycle and alleviate many of the other unpleasant symptoms. Traditional Chinese Medicine is also very good for regulating the cycle, encouraging ovulation and generally improving fertility if PCOS is making getting pregnant more difficult.
Treatment plans are unique to the patient, and it usually takes three to six months of regular treatment to obtain optimal results. I find the best outcomes occur when a woman uses both acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine together, though some patients prefer to do just one or the other.
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