What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (abbreviated PCOS or PCO), also known clinically as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is an endocrine disorder that affects approximately one in ten women. PCOS affects all races and nationalities and is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age.
The principal features of PCOS are weight problems, lack of regular ovulation and/or menstruation, and excessive amounts or effects androgenic hormones. While the causes are unknown, insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes are all strongly correlated with PCOS. One of the main clinical signs of PCOS is the observation of numerous follicles in the periphery ovaries, often referred to as having the appearance of a “string of pearls”. Interestingly polycystic women ovulate much more frequently when they are underweight which might be an evolutionary trick to keep the population going in times of famine.
Symptoms of PCOS:
• Oligomenorrhea (irregular menstruation), amenorrhea (no menstruation)
• Infertility
• Hirsutism (excessive body hair)
• Dyspareunia-pain during intercourse
• Acne
• Dark patches of skin
• Insulin resistence
• Prolonged PMS
Traditional Chinese Medicine and PCOS:
Chinese medicine considers PCOS to be a fluid disorder that results in accumulation of dampness and phlegm. In this case, the ovaries become bogged down with fluid and are unable to “hear” the message from the pituitary (FSH) telling one follicle to grow larger than the rest so the ovary is filled with numerous immature follicles. This is a stuck situation where ovulation is impeded.
Acupuncture, herbal therapy, dietary therapy and lifestyle modifications all play an enormous role in helping women with PCOS to ovulate. I have treated numerous anovulatory women and have seen their cycles return within a few weeks to a few months. I usually recommend at least three months of weekly treatments and herbs to regulate a menstrual cycle.
Chinese medicine addresses PCOS by helping reduce dampness and phlegm accumulation by tonifying the Spleen and the Kidneys. Traditional medicine views the Spleen as the organ in charge of distributing the energy one takes in from food. Often people with Spleen Qi weakness gain weight easily, feel sluggish, bruise easily, feel gassy or bloated after eating and may have either loose stool or be constipated.
People manifesting Kidney Yang deficiency signs may feel all of the above symptoms with the additional of cold feelings-like cold feet or hands, decreased libido, excessive urination and excessive sweating.
Treatments help fire up the digestive powers and metabolic rate by using traditional points to help the body generate energy. Additionally, classical formulas address the dampness by helping boost metabolism and shed excess water weight.
I always track people’s lifestyle choices and help them choose correct foods that have a lowered glycemic index.
Some foods to avoid: white foods, wheat, yeast, sugar, coffee.
Some foods to add: artichokes, dark green leafy vegetables, barley and lean protein.
To make an appointment e-mail Laurel@ancientcurrent.com or call 917-862-7589.
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