Effectiveness of acupuncture in polycystic ovary syndrome

Wu J, Chen D, Liu N · Medicine · 2020 May 29

DOI 10.1097/MD.0000000000020441

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in reproductive-age females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Conclusions

There was insufficient evidence to support that acupuncture could promote live birth, pregnancy, and ovulation. However, acupuncture could promote the recovery of menstrual cycles as well as downregulate the levels of LH and testosterone in patients with PCOS.

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Insights

Acupuncture could promote the recovery of menstrual cycles as well as downregulate the levels of LH and testosterone in patients with PCOS.

Twenty two studies with 2315 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. A pooled analysis showed a recovery of the menstrual period in the acupuncture group. Furthermore, there were significant decreases in the luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone in the acupuncture group. No significant differences were observed in the rates of live birth, pregnancy, and ovulation, and no significant differences were observed in the LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio. There was insufficient evidence to support that acupuncture could promote live birth, pregnancy, and ovulation. However, acupuncture could promote the recovery of menstrual cycles as well as downregulate the levels of LH and testosterone in patients with PCOS.