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Case Report: Hormonal Regulation In PCOS with Acupuncture and Herbal Supplements

From our partners at Integrative Medicine, a Clinician’s Journal. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of menstrual irregularity and hyperandrogenism in women of reproductive age. Conventional treatment is centered around the use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) to regulate menstrual cycles, protect against endometrial hyperplasia, and manage clinically evident androgen excess. Many women prefer to avoid OCPs due to concerns about risks and adverse effects, or simply because they desire a non-pharmacologic approach.

This case study presents a young woman with a strong preference for a natural approach to her care who presented with PCOS manifesting in menstrual irregularity, acne, and hirsutism. In this case, acupuncture as well as the botanicals Vitex agnus-castus and diindolylmethane were used over a 10-month period. The patient regained menstrual cyclicity, and clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism normalized. This report underscores the need for an integrative approach to the management of multifactorial disorders such as PCOS and highlights the basic science and clinical data supporting the use of acupuncture, Vitex agnus-castus, and diindolylmethane in patients with this condition.

Click on the link below for a case that describes the use of botanical supplements and acupuncture in addressing menstrual irregularity and hyperandrogenism in a young woman with PCOS.

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Marika Alois, MD; is an Assistant Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine and UF Health Integrative Medicine Program Department of Medicine University of Florida College of Medicine located in Gainesville, Florida, USA. Irene M. Estores, MD; is the Medical Director UF Health Integrative Medicine Program and Associate Professor Division of General Internal Medicine and Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at University of Florida College of Medicine, located in Gainesville, Florida, USA.

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