Acupuncture for PCOS: Can It Really Help?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide, yet it’s still widely misunderstood and often frustrating to manage. Conventional treatments, such as birth control pills, insulin-sensitizing medications, or fertility drugs often mask symptoms rather than heal the root issue. Acupuncture is a gentle and powerful complementary therapy that can be combined with other holistic lifestyle treatments. 

But does acupuncture actually help with PCOS, and if so, how?

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic condition characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgens (“male hormones”), and the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. Symptoms can include:

• Irregular or absent periods

• Difficulty getting pregnant

• Acne or excess hair growth

• Weight fluctuations or insulin resistance

• Mood changes and fatigue

Because PCOS impacts multiple systems in the body, treatment often requires a multi-layered approach.

How Acupuncture May Support PCOS

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice, involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to restore balance and encourage healing. While research is still developing, studies and clinical experience suggest acupuncture can support women with PCOS in several ways:

1. Regulating Menstrual Cycles

PCOS often disrupts ovulation, leading to long or irregular cycles. Acupuncture may help stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, essentially the communication line between your brain and ovaries, supporting more regular ovulation and menstrual cycles.

2. Improving Insulin Sensitivity

Many women with PCOS also struggle with insulin resistance, which contributes to weight gain and hormonal imbalance. Some studies suggest acupuncture can improve the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, which in turn helps reduce PCOS symptoms.

3. Balancing Hormones

High levels of androgens can lead to acne, hair loss, and excess facial/body hair. Acupuncture may help reduce these elevated hormone levels while encouraging better balance overall.

4. Supporting Fertility

For women trying to conceive, acupuncture is sometimes used alongside fertility treatments. By improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries and reducing stress, acupuncture may enhance fertility outcomes.

5. Reducing Stress & Supporting Mental Health

Living with PCOS can be emotionally draining. Acupuncture is well-known for its calming effect on the nervous system, which may help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and create a greater sense of balance.

Acupuncture as Part of a Bigger Picture

While acupuncture is powerful on its own, it’s most effective as part of a whole-person approach. At Common Ground Wellness, we often pair treatments with guidance around nutrition, movement, stress management, and collaboration with your other healthcare providers.

Our goal isn’t just to treat PCOS symptoms; it’s to support you as a whole person, helping you feel more at ease in your body and more in control of your health.

Ready to Explore Acupuncture for PCOS?

If you’ve been feeling stuck with your PCOS care, or if you’re looking for a natural way to support your body alongside your current treatment, acupuncture may be the missing piece.

We’d love to talk with you about your goals and help you create a personalized path forward.