Effects of acupuncture on improving hormonal and metabolic biochemical characteristics in polycystic ovary syndrome

Chao Shao, Weihua Li, Jing Liang

Abstract

We investigated the effects of electroacupuncture on hormonal and metabolic characteristics in women with obesity-related polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this randomized controlled study, 120 patients were assigned to either an electroacupuncture group or a sham acupuncture group (60 per group) and treated three times weekly for 16 weeks. Hormonal profiles, metabolic parameters, inflammatory markers, ovarian morphology, and clinical outcomes were evaluated before and after intervention. Compared with sham treatment, electroacupuncture significantly reduced luteinizing hormone, LH/FSH ratio, testosterone, and anti-Müllerian hormone levels, while increasing sex hormone-binding globulin and progesterone. Metabolic improvements included reductions in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, uric acid, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose, along with increased HDL cholesterol and vitamin D levels. Inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, WBC, C3, and C4) were also significantly decreased. Clinically, electroacupuncture improved ovulation rate and quality of life, and reduced hirsutism, ovarian volume, and antral follicle count. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture may serve as an effective adjunct therapy for endocrine and metabolic dysfunction in PCOS

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