How does TCM view and treat PCOS?
24 Aug 2022
By Physician Na Yi Ting
As discussed previously in What you need to know about PCOS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common gynaecological problem faced by women, and one of the common causes of subfertility.
In my many years of clinical practices, there are more and more cases of females with PCOS taking up TCM to help with their fertility journey. Many of these females have issue with ovulation, while a portion of them wish to use TCM to build up their body before they start on ART techniques such as IUI and IVF.
Many of you must be wondering how does TCM help with PCOS?
In TCM, we view that PCOS are commonly caused by poor qi and blood circulation, phlegm accumulation and kidney deficiency.
Common TCM causes of PCOS:
Qi Stagnation and poor blood circulation
Phlegm accumulation
Kidney deficiency: Kidney Qi, Kidney Yin or Kidney Yang deficiencies
During consultation and diagnosis, as a physician ask about the patient's current symptoms, menstruation situation, looking through your test reports (if any) and after taking a look at the tongue coloration and taking the pulse, the physician will be able to diagnose what is the possible cause for that particular PCOS individual.
Enquiring about your condition
Going through your test reports
Looking at tongue coloration
Taking the pulse
Treatment will then be given to help the patient to:
Improve Qi and blood circulation
Get rid of excessive phlegm in the body
Invigorate the Kidney (Boosting the Kidney Yin, Kidney Yang or Kidney Qi depending on the patient's diagnosis)
What are the common TCM treatments available for PCOS patients?
Herbal medication
Herbal medication are commonly given to help PCOS patients to improve their egg quality and ovulation. Herbal medication are prescribed by the physician depending on the patient's diagnosis and body constitution. Some common TCM prescriptions given includes Xiao Yao San （逍遥散）to improve qi circulation, Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan（苍附导痰丸） to remove excessive phlegm and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan（六味地黄丸） to invigorate the Kidney.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture are also done to help PCOS patient to improve blood circulation towards the uterus and ovaries to help with follicle growth, promote ovulation and strengthen the womb condition for implantation.