Acupuncture is not as effective as infertility treatment in women with PCOS

Xu, Liangzhi; Qiao, Xiaoyong

doi:10.1136/ebmed-2017-110828

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 7 publications

(4 reference statements)

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“…Low-frequency EA also reduced serum testosterone in rats with PCOS, which may be mediated by central opioid receptors such as Oprk1 and Oprm1 in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus [53]. Acupuncture has been also used, alone or in combination with clomiphene, to ameliorate the disorder of subfertility in PCOS patients [54,55]. With respect to psychological balance, acupuncture studies have been designed to relieve anxiety and depression through the regulation of circulating β-endorphins and androgens in patients with PCOS [56].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review on Acupuncture Efficiency in Human Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome

et al. 2023

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Objectives: Human Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a frequent endocrine pathophysiology among women of fertile age, is associated with woman's lifespan endocrine, metabolic and psychological implications. Long-term usage side effects of allopathic strategies and their low efficacy made complementary medicine treatments a relevant subject for these patients. The main aim of this work is to review the efficiency of the acupuncture treatment reported in the latest studies on literature regarding PCOS patients. Methods: A comprehensive literature search, in English language, about the use of acupuncture on the management of PCOS, was conducted in October 2020 using EBSCO, Cochrane, PubMed, Medline, Embase, databases for randomised and non-randomised controlled trials between 2015 and 2020 (09/2015-10/2020), following the PRISMA protocol.Results: This research led us to an analysis, according to PICOS, of six final papers selected among 178 in total. The articles addressed distinct aspects of the PCOS condition, diverse acupuncture techniques and different main and secondary outcomes in agreement to the respective main objective. According to this review, acupuncture seems to be useful for the treatment of this debilitating and chronic health condition which affects millions of women worldwide, many of them part of the workforce in their community. Conclusion: Despite of the display of these positive results addressing acupuncture treatments to manage PCOS major symptoms -whether they are reproductive, metabolic, or mental health features -more research is urgent. Randomized, double blinded controlled trials with improved quality design and following STRICTA and/or CONSORT recommendations are necessary to engage acupuncture as a standardized and scientific validated technique in PCOS condition.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review on Acupuncture Efficiency in Human Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome

et al. 2023

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“…Diverse studies using low frequency electroacupuncture (EA), alone [ 30 , 31 ] or in combination with exercise to modulate the sympathetic system, concluded that acupuncture seems to regulate the hypersecretion of androgens, improving both the reproductive and endocrine metabolic functional state [ 32 ]. Acupuncture has also been used, alone or in combination with clomiphene, to ameliorate the disorder of subfertility in PCOS patients [ 33 , 34 ]. With respect to psychological balance, acupuncture studies were designed to relieve anxiety and depression in PCOS patients [ 35 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acupuncture in Women with Human Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

et al. 2022

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(1) Background: Human polycystic ovary/ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is linked to endocrine, metabolic, and psychological complications. We propose a randomized controlled pilot study for an acupuncture protocol regarding the management of PCOS symptoms based on TCM diagnosis; (2) Methods: We will randomly allocate 120 women diagnosed with PCOS into two groups. The study group will be treated with acupuncture for points known to act upon the autonomous regulation of the hormonal, metabolic and emotional components. (3) Results and Conclusions: We expect to provide evidence of high methodological quality related to the effects and safety of an acupuncture protocol based on the perspective of a TCM diagnostic.

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