Relief Found for Women with Ovarian Disorder

Women suffering from the endocrine disorder known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) may find some immediate help with Acupuncture. A recent study completed in Sweden shows promise for the 10 percent of women of reproductive age who are regularly troubled by the symptoms of the disorder.

The commonly noted symptoms of PCOS include ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, elevated levels of the male hormone testosterone and even infertility. Those with PCOS often have to deal with an increase in sympathetic nerve activity, the mechanism in the body the triggers a ‘fight or flight’ response that results in blood vessel constriction. When this occurs, women become more susceptible to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

Researchers did their work at the Sahlgrenska Academy of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and at the Karolinska Institute of Stockholm, Sweden. Their work involved comparing responses and improvements in PCOS women who received low-frequency electro-acupuncture to those who were involved in physical exercise. The goal was to find a long-lasting treatment for PCOS that could reduce its symptoms without the use of medication while producing no adverse side effects to participants.

Three research groups were established from a small sample of 20 women with an average age of 30. Low-frequency electro-acupuncture was received by 9 of those in the group. Exercise was the main activity of 5 and another 6 served as a control group and received no treatment.

The Acupuncture group received 14 treatments during a 16 week period. Acupuncture was delivered to points in the abdominal muscles and the back of the knees. These are points associated with the ovaries. A low-frequency electric charge produced muscle contraction, but not pain. The exercise group was instructed to walk or ride a bicycle at a level fast enough to elevate heart rate to 120 beats per minute. They exercised for 30-45 minutes at least 3 days per week. The control group did not exercise or receive Acupuncture. They only got instruction in the importance of exercise and a healthy diet.

Researchers found that both Acupuncture and exercise reduced the sympathetic nerve activity that triggers ‘fight or flight.’ Both groups experienced positive physical changes noted in reduced waist size in the Acupuncture group and reduced body weight in the exercise group. In addition, the Acupuncture group experienced fewer menstrual irregularities while the exercise groups did not change. Finally, the key change in the Acupuncture group was the reduction of testosterone.

“This is the first study to demonstrate that repeated low-frequency electro-acupuncture and physical exercise can reduce high sympathetic nerve activity seen in women with PCOS,” according to the authors. “Furthermore, both therapies decreased measures of obesity, while only low frequency electro-acupuncture improved menstrual bleeding pattern.”