PCOS, also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a common health problem caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries. In patients with PCOS, the egg may not develop as it should or it may not be released during ovulation as it should be.
PCOS can cause missed or irregular menstrual periods. Irregular periods can lead to:

• Infertility (inability to get pregnant). In fact, PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women.
• Development of cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries
• High testosterone levels

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

• Irregular menstrual cycle. Women with PCOS may miss periods or have fewer periods (fewer than eight in a year). Or, their periods may come every 21 days or more often. Some women with PCOS stop having menstrual periods.
• Too much hair on the face, chin, or parts of the body where men usually have hair. This is called “hirsutism.” Hirsutism affects up to 70% of women with PCOS.3
• Acne on the face, chest, and upper back
• Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp; male-pattern baldness
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Darkening of skin, particularly along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath breasts
• Skin tags, which are small excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area

Can I still get pregnant with PCOS?

Yes. Having PCOS does not mean you can’t get pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common, but treatable, causes of infertility in women. In women with PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). If you don’t ovulate, you can’t get pregnant.

Are Acupuncture and Chinese herbs affective in treating PCOS?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into specific anatomical points (termed acupoints) and has been used in eastern Asian countries for thousands of years. Recently, the use of acupuncture in reproductive endocrinology and infertility has gained increased popularity worldwide. Several clinical and animal experimental studies indicate that acupuncture is beneficial for ovulatory dysfunction in PCOS. Acupuncture has also been reported to potentially improve insulin sensitivity and to decrease testosterone in patients with PCOS.
In a study, herbal extracts of Vitex agnus-castus, Cimicifuga racemosa, Tribulus terrestris, Glycyrrhiza spp., Paeonia lactiflora and Cinnamomum cassia. Endocrine outcomes included reduced luteinising hormone (LH), prolactin, fasting insulin and testosterone. There was evidence for the regulation of ovulation, improved metabolic hormone profile and improved fertility outcomes in PCOS.

Dermatological issues with PCOS:

Many patients with PCOS suffer from Acne, Hirsutism (excessive hair growth on chin/face), and hair loss due to elevated testosterone level. Acupuncture and herbs are very effective in reducing testosterone level, promote hair growth and reduce acne. A combination of internal herbs and an herbal mask found to be very effective in reducing Acne in patients with elevated testosterone such as patients with PCOS.

Links to studies:
1. Springer.com
2. NIC.gov
3. Springer.com