Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. It can cause menstrual irregularities, weight gain, difficulty losing weight, excess hair growth on the face and body, thinning of the hair on the scalp, depression, acne and infertility. Little is understood about the cause of PCOS, but it is thought to be related to genetic factors and/or lifestyle imbalance.  Treatment options for women suffering with PCOS include exercise, healthy diet, other lifestyle modifications and, in some cases, hormone therapy. If PCOS is not treated, over time it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer a safe addition or alternative for the treatment of PCOS.  Through regulating the menstrual cycle, and thus balancing a woman's hormonal system, many of the aforementioned symptoms of PCOS can be significantly reduced.  Along with dietary and lifestyle modifications, acupuncture and herbal medicine can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life in women suffering with PCOS, thus assisting in the prevention of future health complications such as infertility, heart disease and diabetes.