Acupuncture for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Survey of Clinical Practice
By Sandro Graca - Online MSc - Advanced Oriental Medicine
Abstract
Background
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age, accounting for 70-80% of anovulatory infertility. PCOS can impact a woman’s entire lifespan in a self-perpetuating chain reaction of neuroendocrine, reproductive, and metabolic dysfunctions. Acupuncture, used alone or in combination with lifestyle advice or medication, shows promising results addressing clinical symptoms of PCOS.
Aim and Objectives
This study aimed at investigating how specialist acupuncturists in the field of reproductive medicine treat PCOS and how they assess their treatment outcomes in clinic. The picture of clinical reality offered by the results from the survey was compared and discussed against the backdrop of the existing literature, in order to inform clinical practice and future research on acupuncture for PCOS.
Methodology
Descriptive cross-sectional survey delivered online and designed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from Fellows of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine. Data analysis included descriptive statistics or the quantitative data and thematic analysis or the qualitative data obtained from the open-ended questions, with verbatim responses complementing quantitative data. Findings Acupuncture points Spleen 6 and 9on the lower leg and Liver 3 on the dorsum of the foot are the most commonly used, along with lower abdomen points Zigong and REN4. Treatment frequency reported was mainly once per week and assessment done within or at 12 weeks, using the menstrual cycle as the main outcome.
Conclusion
This study highlights issues of acupuncture dosage in clinic, with practitioners reporting a lower than intended treatment frequency due to patients’ availability and finances. Tools to assist future trial design were identified, specifically regarding differential diagnosis and point selection, combination, and justification. Further research supported by a strong communication link between clinical reality and trial design is advised.
