Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a very complex disorder and due to multiple hormonal imbalances. Women with PCOS may ovulate irregularly or not at all. This results from elevated insulin levels that stimulate excess androgen production by the ovaries. The androgens cause premature follicular wasting which causes inconsistent or absent ovulation. PCOS is not thoroughly understood, but it is thought to be due to hypersensitivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Acupuncture moderates the sympathetic nervous system and has been seen to help women with PCOS ovulate. Unfortunately very few clinical studies have been done in PCOS women with ovulation problems. The results however were very good, except in the more severe cases of obesity and high testosterone and insulin levels. My own experience with women with longer than usual cycles is that their cycles become shorter, and quickly get closer and closer to the ideal 28 day cycle.
Clomid is the drug of choice to create ovulation, but it fails to address the underlying problems such as an androgen rich environment surrounding the ovaies. Also, high insulin levels can create poor quality eggs. The side effects of Clomid are a thinning of the uterine lining which means you can’t nourish an embryo, and a drying of the fertile mucus that is required for sperm to transport themselves to and egg. If you are using Clomid, be careful to monitor your body for unwelcome side effects. Acupuncture may help in this.
The following study demonstrated that low frequency electro acupuncture (EA) used twice a week over a course of 16 weeks helped women regain ovulation and also lower testosterone levels. For very stubborn cases 3-4 times a week would be necessary.