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 Understanding PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that affects ovulation, androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, and menstrual regularity. While PCOS presents differently in each person, common features include irregular cycles, anovulation, elevated androgens, ovarian dysfunction, inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation.

Acupuncture and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) offer non-pharmaceutical approaches that support hormonal balance, improve ovulatory function, and enhance overall reproductive and metabolic health.

How Acupuncture Supports PCOS

1. Regulates the Menstrual Cycle & Supports Ovulation

Acupuncture influences the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis, helping restore regular hormonal signaling.
Research shows acupuncture may:

  • Improve ovulation frequency

  • Reduce anovulatory cycles

  • Support more predictable menstrual patterns

  • Balance the timing of follicular and luteal phases

These effects help create a more stable and ovulatory cycle rhythm.

2. Reduces Elevated Androgens

PCOS is often associated with high testosterone and other androgens.

Acupuncture has been shown to:

  • Reduce total and free testosterone

  • Decrease ovarian androgen production

  • Improve symptoms such as acne, hair thinning, and hirsutism

By supporting the endocrine system, acupuncture helps reduce excess androgen activity.

3. Improves Insulin Sensitivity & Metabolic Function

Many individuals with PCOS experience insulin resistance, which contributes to hormonal imbalance and ovarian dysfunction.

Evidence suggests acupuncture can:

  • Improve insulin signaling

  • Reduce fasting insulin levels

  • Support healthier glucose metabolism

  • Lower systemic inflammation

These metabolic benefits may indirectly support more consistent ovulation and healthier cycles.

4. Supports Ovarian Function & Follicular Development

Healthy follicular growth depends on circulation, inflammation balance, and ovarian microenvironment.

Acupuncture may:

  • Increase ovarian blood flow

  • Support follicular maturation

  • Reduce ovarian inflammation

  • Improve ovarian responsiveness

These physiologic shifts support healthier eggs and more consistent ovulatory patterns.

5. Enhances Emotional Well-Being & Stress Regulation

PCOS often impacts mood, anxiety, and overall emotional regulation.

Acupuncture:

  • Reduces cortisol

  • Regulates the autonomic nervous system

  • Improves emotional balance

  • Supports restorative sleep

Emotional well-being is a foundational component of hormonal healing.

LLLT (Low-Level Light Therapy) for PCOS

Low-Level Light Therapy uses red and near-infrared light to improve cellular function, tissue repair, and metabolic balance.

For PCOS, LLLT may:

  • Improve ovarian and uterine blood flow

  • Reduce inflammation in reproductive tissues

  • Enhance mitochondrial function in ovarian cells

  • Support healthier follicular development

  • Improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic regulation

LLLT complements acupuncture by supporting the cellular and metabolic layers of PCOS physiology.

Summary

Acupuncture and LLLT support PCOS by regulating hormones, improving ovulatory function, reducing androgens, improving insulin sensitivity, enhancing ovarian blood flow, and supporting emotional and metabolic balance.
This holistic approach helps restore reproductive rhythm and overall well-being.

References

Anderson, B., & Rosenthal, L. (2019). Acupuncture for ovulatory disorders: A systematic review. Gynecological Endocrinology, 35(7), 565–570.

Benrick, A., Maliqueo, M., & Stener-Victorin, E. (2014). Acupuncture modulates androgen and sympathetic levels in PCOS models. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 307(10), E1027–E1034.

Jedel, E., et al. (2011). Acupuncture improves hyperandrogenism and menstrual frequency in women with PCOS. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 300(1), E37–E45.

Johansson, J., et al. (2013). Low-frequency acupuncture and exercise reduce metabolic markers in PCOS. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 304(9), E934–E940.

Lam, D., et al. (2022). Photobiomodulation for metabolic and endocrine disorders: A review. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine & Laser Surgery, 40(6), 365–372.

Li, X., et al. (2018). Acupuncture for insulin resistance in PCOS: A meta-analysis. Medicine, 97(23), e10943.

Mannerås, L., et al. (2009). Acupuncture and exercise regulate insulin sensitivity and ovarian morphology in PCOS models. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 7(1), 1–10.

Stener-Victorin, E., & Wu, X. (2016). Physiological mechanisms of acupuncture in PCOS. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 33(3), 288–298.

Zhao, H., et al. (2020). Effects of acupuncture on reproductive hormones and ovarian function in PCOS: A systematic review. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 11, 555.