Managing PCOS Symptoms with Acupuncture – What do we know?

00:00- Introduction 02:13- Background on acupuncture, its scientific basis & how it is performed. 06:04- Is the procedure painful? How much current is used in electric acupuncture? 08:19- Acupuncture for PCOS and specific points in the body that are targeted. 11:55- Can we predict if acupuncture procedure will work for a particular patient and not for other? 14:50- Tatiana’s experience 15:46- Why does acupuncture sometimes give sensations of electricity flowing through the body? 18:23- Most common PCOS symptoms that the patients come with. 20:41- Role of clinicians from other disciplines for helping the patients under treatment? 23:40- How would the acupuncture practices differ with each PCOS symptom? 27:25- Multidisciplinary approach in treatment- referring to people who could help in different aspects. 31:40- Measurements to track the improvements of particular symptoms? 35:11- Can acupuncture have any side effects? 36:49- How to choose a qualified practitioner and a good acupuncture clinic? PCOS is characterized by the clinical signs of irregular menstruation, infertility, male pattern baldness and excessive hair growth. The current standard treatments for women with PCOS are lifestyle changes and pharmacological‐based therapies such as clomiphene, birth control pills and surgery that may have various side effects. Acupuncture, a Chinese therapy, is growing in popularity to help reduce symptoms of PCOS. The exact mechanism of how acupuncture works for PCOS is not known, but studies show that it helps improve ovarian function. We are talking to Sandro Graca, Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM); Director, Evidence Based Acupuncture, to understand the safety and effectiveness of Acupuncture therapy in relieving PCOS symptoms. Patient advocate Tatiana Alafaouzo will join us to guide the discussion from the patient panel. #pcos #acupuncture @pcosmanagement