WO M E N ’ S E N C Y C L O P E D I A O F N AT U R A L M E D I C I N E

A Note About Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been shown to improve pregnancy
rates in women undergoing fertility treatment. Pelvic
ultrasound studies have confirmed that acupuncture
treatments can improve pelvic blood flow, and this
may account for its effectiveness. Another possible
mechanism for the ability of acupuncture to improve
female fertility is a favorable effect on gonadotropinreleasing
hormone, and therefore on the secretion of
gonadotropins and improved thickening of the lining
of the uterus (the endometrium). In addition,
acupuncture can also be helpful in improving sperm
count, menstrual cycle regulation, ovulation induction,
and decreasing stress and depression. Acupuncture,
as with many complementary therapies, is best
when combined with conventional treatment when
indicated. Research studies thus far have had small
sample sizes and difficulty in providing proper control,
so the results should not be overemphasized
until further studies can be done. Acupuncture by a
licensed professional with experience working with
fertility issues appears to be safe and well tolerated.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also
known as chronic anovulatory syndrome, is the
association of hyperandrogenism with chronic
anovulation in women without specific underlying
diseases of the adrenal or pituitary glands.
One of the characteristics is infertility, although
some PCOS patients may randomly ovulate and
are fertile that month. PCOS is a complicated
disorder that takes a very comprehensive, multifactorial
approach. Several herbs may have a role.
Flaxseed, nettles, and green tea stimulate sexhormone-
binding globulin, which can lower the
elevated estrogens and androgens. Saw palmetto
can inhibit 5-alpha reductase, which then inhibits
the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone,
and smilax and sanguinaria may be able to
produce a progesterone effect. All of these mechanisms—
plus modifying insulin resistance and/or
lowering a hypersecretion of insulin, treating the
underlying endocrine problem, and inducing
ovulation—are the keys to treating PCOS.