Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) often goes undiagnosed because women are not aware of it. More often than not, women only discover they have PCOS when they visit the gynaecologist because they have irregular periods or haven’t been successful in trying to get pregnant for over a year.
If you or your loved ones are amongst the 10% of women who suffer from PCOS, you know how frustrating and debilitating the disorder can be. It is a hormonal disorder that wreaks havoc on women’s menstruation, fertility, and overall health. Fortunately, there are effective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments such as Chinese acupuncture available to help women to get back onto the road to recovery. Treatments at a reputable TCM clinic in Singapore such as Sin Kang TCM can help women regulate their hormones and restore their health. Read on to learn more information about PCOS and how TCM can treat it effectively.
Breaking Down What Is PCOS
PCOS is caused by the hormonal imbalance of a woman’s reproductive hormones. This means that PCOS can affect any woman, no matter what her race or age is. This syndrome can show itself in many different ways, most commonly in women in their 20s and 30s. You may not have all the symptoms, but if you have some of these, you may have PCOS:
- Irregular or no menstruation
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Elevated LH hormones
- Insulin resistance
- Hirsutism, or excessive body hair in a male-like pattern on the upper lips and chin
- Hair loss
When you have some of these symptoms, it is recommended that you visit a doctor for an ultrasound. This is because women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries, which means that their ovaries have many small, painless cysts. When an ultrasound is done, these cysts look like a string of pearls. However, having some symptoms and seeing this are not always an indication of the condition.
For doctors to diagnose women with PCOS, they must meet two out of three requirements from the 2003 Rotterdam diagnosis:
- Infrequent or missing menstrual cycles
- Blood test with high levels of androgens
- Ultrasound that shows polycystic ovaries
If you think you have PCOS or have been diagnosed with it, it is essential for you to talk to your gynaecologist or a physician in a TCM clinic in Singapore about your treatment options.
The Role Of TCM In Treating PCOS
In TCM, PCOS is often caused by a deficiency in the Kidney organ, too much phlegm, and blood stagnation.
The goal of treatment is to release eggs and address other relevant metabolic problems. For women who want to conceive, TCM will help improve ovarian activity, uterine blood flow and boost ovulation in women.
TCM helps with:
- Strengthening the spleen to facilitate the removal of excess dampness in the body
- Tonifying the kidney which affects the reproductive system
- Increasing the flow of blood and Qi to transport optimal nutrients and oxygen to the egg
In particular, there is a growing acceptance of acupuncture as a treatment for PCOS and fertility. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles into specific body points to reduce pain, unblock energy, and boost blood flow to women’s reproductive organs. This process restores balance in the body and enhances fertility.
As a result, regular acupuncture sessions at TCM clinics can increase ovulation for women with PCOS and effectively reduce the duration of menstrual cycles in women with PCOS.
Treat PCOS Effectively With Sin Kang TCM
If PCOS is a struggle for you or your loved ones, be encouraged because Sin Kang TCM has had great success in treating women’s health issues and can help you get your life back on track. Sin Kang TCM Clinic is a MOH-registered TCM clinic and Chinese medical centre in Singapore with over 20 years of experience. Contact Sin Kang TCM for an appointment today to make use of our exclusive acupuncture promotion and start feeling like yourself again.