PCOS Case Study: Weight Loss and Improved Menstrual Cycle with TCM

In a clinical case, a 35-year-old woman presented with obesity and fatty liver, as revealed by a health check. She came to the center hoping to lose weight with the help of a Chinese medicine practitioner.

During the consultation, it was discovered that her menstruation occurred only once every 2-3 months, and she had increased acne and facial hair. Dr. Grace advised her to get a hospital checkup, which confirmed that she suffers from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This condition, characterized by infrequent menstruation (less than three times a year) and metabolic issues such as weight gain, elevated blood sugar, and blood lipids, also caused acne and hirsutism, with most hair appearing on her upper lip, chin, areola, and below the navel.

Chinese medicine analyzes the menstrual cycle from several perspectives:

The Kidney: Central to the reproductive system, initiating hormones, and promoting menstruation.

The Spleen and Stomach: These, through the digestive system, distribute nutrients to nourish and strengthen the reproductive function of the kidney.

The Liver: Ensures smooth flow of blood and qi among various organ systems, stabilizing menstruation.

The main issues for this patient included kidney deficiency, which led to menstrual irregularities, a weak spleen and stomach that couldn't support menstrual blood flow, and impaired digestion affecting overall metabolism, causing obesity due to unstable blood glucose and lipids. Additionally, work pressure caused liver qi stagnation, further destabilizing the spleen-kidney connection and leading to facial oiliness and acne due to qi stagnation and fire.

After six months of acupuncture treatment, her menstrual cycle normalized, she lost over 8 kilograms, and her BMI improved. PCOS not only disrupts normal menstruation but also causes obesity and infertility, and can lead to thickening of the uterine lining and other pathologies. Therefore, early detection and treatment are crucial.