In a warm and caring consultation room, a woman in her thirties sits across from each other, expectant and anxious in her eyes. Her words are filled with fear of the unknown and a desire for solutions. This woman, like countless women who have experienced similar troubles, has been suffering from irregular menstrual periods for a long time, her weight is rising, and she and her partner have been trying for years but still can't get pregnant. After a detailed examination and a series of diagnoses, the truth of the problem was revealed: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common but often overlooked health problem that not only affects women's reproductive health, but also involves a complex balance between endocrine and metabolism. Unfortunately, this combination of symptoms is often misinterpreted as a problem with an individual's lifestyle rather than a pathological condition that requires medical intervention. In this case, we see not only a woman's pursuit of health, but also a challenge to the understanding of modern medicine.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects a woman's reproductive health. It is mainly manifested by irregular menstrual cycles, excessive or lack of ovulation, and the formation of multiple small cysts on the ovaries。In addition, PCOS is often accompanied by abnormalities in hormone levels, particularly insulin resistance and elevated androgen levels.
Insulin resistance is a key factor in PCOS, which not only exacerbates hormonal imbalances in the ovaries but may also lead to weight gain. Since insulin controls the body's energy metabolism, resistance can make energy use less efficient, leading to fat accumulation. In addition, high androgen levels can interfere with the normal process of ovulation, leading to irregular periods or even a complete lack of menstruation. In the long term, these symptoms not only affect fertility, but may also lead to the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 glucose metabolism.
When it comes to infertility, ovulation disorders due to PCOS are the main cause。Anovulation or irregular ovulation directly affects the likelihood of conception. In addition, being overweight or obese further increases the risk of infertility as they can affect ovarian function and hormonal balance.
In TCM theory, PCOS can be regarded as the embodiment of "liver stagnation and qi stagnation" and "endogenous spleen dampness". TCM believes that there is an interdependent and balanced relationship between the different organs and systems of the body. When this balance is upset, health problems arise.
"Liver stagnation" reflects the impact of factors such as mood, stress, and lifestyle on liver function. In the view of traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for promoting the circulation of qi and blood, and mood swings and stress can lead to poor liver qi, which in turn affects the overall flow of qi and blood, and ultimately affects menstruation and reproductive health。On the other hand, "spleen dampness endogenous" is related to the body's metabolic and digestive functions. The spleen is the foundation of nurture and is mainly responsible for the transformation and transport of nutrients. When the spleen is dysfunctional, there will be metabolic malfunction, and the accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body will lead to obesity and ovarian dysfunction.
Therefore, the strategy of TCM **PCOS is usually to regulate the flow of qi and blood in the liver and strengthen the transport function of the spleen to restore balance and coordination within the body.
TCM **PCOS methods typically include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustmentsWhole. In terms of traditional Chinese medicine, commonly used herbs include Bupleurum chinensis, Angelica sinensis, Atractylodes macrocephalus, etc., which can harmonize the liver, promote the circulation of qi and blood, and strengthen the function of the spleen and stomach. For example, Bupleurum Shugansan can be used to alleviate liver stagnation and qi stagnation, while Bazhen Tang can strengthen the spleen and stomach and improve the body's metabolic efficiency.
Acupuncture regulates the body's qi and blood flow and endocrine system by stimulating specific acupuncture points。Commonly used acupuncture points include Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, etc., which can help adjust endocrine imbalances and improve ovarian function.
In addition to medication and acupuncture, lifestyle modification is also an important part of TCM**PCOS. A low-sugar diet, increased physical activity, reduced stress and adequate sleep are recommended, all of which can help improve insulin resistance and hormone imbalances.
A 30-year-old woman was diagnosed with PCOS after seeking medical attention for irregular menstruation and infertility. After using TCM**, including taking conditioning medications, regular acupuncture and lifestyle modifications, his symptoms improved significantly. **After 6 months, the menstrual cycle gradually regularized, weight loss, and finally a successful pregnancy.
This case illustrates the effect of TCM PCOS. Through comprehensive means, it not only improves the symptoms, but also fundamentally regulates the imbalance in the body, and achieves the effect of treating both the symptoms and the root causes.