Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in women causing excess production of androgens, or male sex hormones. High levels of androgens interfere with ovulation. Although the ovaries continue to produce follicles (tiny sacs containing immature eggs), the eggs never mature and ovulation doesn't occur. The tiny sacs accumulate inside the ovaries, causing the formation of multiple cysts.

Researchers estimate about 10 percent of all women of reproductive age have PCOS. Hormonal imbalances lead to menstrual irregularities (often irregular or absent menstruation) and infertility. Women may also experience an excessive growth of hair on the face or other parts of the body, thinning scalp hair, acne, skin tags, high blood pressure, obesity, insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, pelvic pain and sleep apnea. Women with PCOS are also at increased risk for developing endometrial cancer.

Treating PCOS

There are a number of different treatments for PCOS that are aimed at reducing symptoms. Birth control pills may be prescribed to regulate the menstrual cycle and suppress excess production of androgen. Weight loss, exercise and medications may help patients manage diabetes, high blood pressure and some of the other medical conditions associated with PCOS. Some women benefit from a drug called metformin, which improves the body's ability to use insulin. Treatments are also available to deal with acne, excessive hair growth and removal of skin tags. Infertile women may be given medications to induce ovulation.

Acupuncture for PCOS

Researchers at the University of Virginia are testing the use of acupuncture to restore monthly periods and ovulation in women with PCOS. Investigators are looking for women 18 to 43 who have a diagnosis of PCOS. Some of the women will receive acupuncture treatment with placement of the acupuncture needles at specific points in the body. The other women will receive a sham treatment. A total of 12 "treatments" will be given over eight weeks. Then participants will have three months of follow-up. All women will be asked to provide periodic blood and urine samples to measure the effects of the treatments on ovulation response and insulin sensitivity.

Lisa Pastore, Ph.D., Epidemiologist, says she started looking into acupuncture because not all women want to take pills to restore menstruation and ovulation. And some medications can have unwanted side effects. She is hopeful that acupuncture can successfully restore menstruation and ovulation and allow women with PCOS to become pregnant.

If the study shows that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for PCOS-related fertility issues, further studies will need to be done to determine how long the effects last and if booster treatments are necessary.

For information about the Acupuncture study, call (434) 982-6657 or log onto:

http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/clinical_trials/detail.cfm?trial_id=12045

For general information on PCOS:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The Hormone Foundation

InterNational Council in Infertility Information Dissemination, Inc.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association