Poly Cystic Ovaries - Diagnosis, Research & Acupuncture

We’re talking all things Poly Cystic Ovaries.

You know we geek out to this stuff! But also knowledge is power for women.

Ever been confused by a doctor about whether you have Poly Cystic Ovaries or the Syndrome or both or none of the above??

We are here to help.

You can also see previous Poly Cystic Ovaries blogs here.

See more on how we work with Acupuncture for Hormonal Health and Fertility.

Want some support for your Ovaries?

Do I have Poly Cystic Ovaries?

According to the Jean Hailes Foundation (Melbourne's own Women's Health Specialist Centre), Poly Cystic Ovaries can be seen on an ultrasound showing:

• more than 20 follicles (partly developed eggs) are visible on one or both ovaries

  or

• the size of one or both ovaries is increased (more than 10ml)

This can change over time too, depending on your overall health.

If your last ultrasound was over 6 months ago if you're trying to conceive or 12 months ago if not, its time for a rescan.

Do I have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome?

If you have meet the criteria, then you have PCO + the Syndrome (PCOS)

• Irregular or no period

• 20+ follicles/ovaries over 10mls

• Excess Androgen/Testosterone hormone levels (shown in bloods or with excess body hair, scalp hair loss or acne)

What are the blood tests needed to diagnose PCOS?

Hormones change throughout your cycle so need to be tested on day 2 or 3 of your cycle for the most accurate results. If your periods are irregular or non-existent, test as soon as you need!

• Testosterone

• SHBG - Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

• DHEAs - dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate

• HBA1c% (preferred) or Fasting Glucose

These can be arranged through your GP or tested privately.

Other recommended tests

Periods & hormones can go haywire for other reasons. We also recommend testing:

• Other hormones: Oestrogen, FSH, LH, Prolactin (test on day 2-3 for most accurate results)

• Full iron studies - anemia can affect regular hormone function

• TSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

Can Acupuncture help?

As you know we are pretty big fans of a decent research paper! Here's just a few.

• This Systematic Review found "Acupuncture may increase the ongoing pregnancy rates and decrease the risk of OHSS (Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome) in women with PCOS undergoing IVF or ICSI"
  

• This Randomised Control Trial found "repeated acupuncture treatments resulted in higher ovulation frequency in lean/overweight women with PCOS"
  

• This Systematic Review found "Acupuncture appears to significantly improve the recovery of the menstrual cycles and decrease the levels of BMI and LH in women with PCOS"

See even more about how we work with women's health & fertility.

Read more on Poly Cystic Ovaries.