Hello, I have been diagnosed with PCOS, but I'm not sure that's what I have.
I have acne, mild hirsutism (mostly blondish, fuzzy looking hair), low libido and irregular periods. Unlike the 'typical' PCOS patient, I am thin (5'6", 125lbs). At times, I have skipped months where I didn't get a period, but for the last while it has been coming an average of every 20 days or even less! The frequent periods seem to come on once I started taking the anti-androgen spironolactone. I'm not trying to get pregnant, but the acne, hirsutism and low sex drive really bother me.
I want to get treatment for this from a TCM practitioner....but am uncertain that I would be able to find someone that could help me given my non-traditional PCOS symptoms. From doing research online, I feel that from a TCM perspective, it seems that I have a kidney yang deficiency and possibly blood stasis. I see that a herbal formula that might be suitable for me would be the 'women's precious formula'. However, I know that I shouldn't really self diagnose.
Do TCM practitioners know how to treat my type of 'PCOS' (if that's what it is)? I live in a rural-ish, northern town where there isn't much selection for TCM practitioners either.
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Hi Malbec,
There are lots of natural ways to help with PCOS. I have found atypical PCOS (Thin type) also respond well but \I focus more on stress reduction and not on weight loss. Both usually have a form of insulin resistance. We usually think of a high glycemic diet causing high blood sugars leading to insulin resistance but lack of sleep and chronic stress can also lead to high insulin levels. We have a study posted on our site showing how thin PCOS women have higher circulating levels of cortisol (cortisol is involved in glucose metabolism) and how 8 weeks of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) can helped most of these women have a return of ovulation. My point here is that stress reduction through moderate exercise, meditation acupuncture, deep breathing, CBT and yoga to name a few are very important for thin type PCOS.
If your diagnosis is correct, Kidney yang Deficiency with Blood stasis then women's precious would not be helpful enough. It is for Qi and blood deficiency. It does not address the Kidneys enough nor Blood stasis. And I have found clinically that most thin PCOS women do well with adding herbs that course the Liver and rectify the Qi. I also think dosage is important so using readymade pills would be wasting your time and money. You would want raw decoction or powder concentrates at the least.
Your case is unusual though as you have early menses and not delayed menses with cycles coming every 20 days. So I think there is even more going on from a TCM perspective.
Clinically I have seen acne and hirsutism resolve following a natural PCOS approach without any drugs. Actually most PCOS cases (thin or over weight) we have seen since March 2009 have their cycles regulated with ovulation usually before day 18 after a few months of treatment. (I am talking natural approach without clomid or IVF during our treatment program.) Our program involves more than just acupuncture and herbs but diet, lifestyle and relaxation techniques of which I will share some with you below.
It is beneficial to see a practitioner who actually has experience treating PCOS. Try www.aborm.org. We also offer long distant consults and can ship herbs directly to you and if needed direct your local practitioner with acupuncture frequency and treatment plan. There is a free webinar on Nov 9th I think you would find very useful. Click here for details.
Here is some info, tips and suggestions:
If you still feel you want more support, including herbal, after going through all the free resources I have listed above then possibly schedule a consult with one of our Doctors of TCM at Acubalance.
For those who live out of town- Phone Consults
Yes, TCM can treat PCOS effectively. You need to give it 3-6 months (uninterrupted with clomid or IVF) to achieve great results.
Lorne Brown, B.Sc., CA, DR TCM, FABORM
Founder, Clinical Director