My special interest is in all areas of women’s health, from puberty, preconception and pregnancy to the menopause. Acupuncture can help with many gynaecological problems; painful and heavy periods, polycystic ovaries, infertility and menopausal symptoms.

Acupuncture used to regulate the menstrual cycle can reduce unwanted symptoms and have far reaching effects. In pregnancy it can help to bring natural relief from morning sickness, backache, pelvic pain and insomnia, reducing the need for drugs. It can be used to induce labour or turn a breech presentation. It can also help with postnatal depression and increase energy levels.

Studies

Acupuncture for low back pain in pregnancy. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of acupuncture in low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy under real life conditions, as compared with patients undergoing conventional treatment. Average pain scores decreased by at least 50% over time in 78% of patients in the acupuncture group and 15% in the control group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture seems to alleviate low back ache and pelvic pain during pregnancy, as well as to increase the capacity for some physical activities and diminish the need for drugs. (Acupunct Med. June 2004)

Studies have suggested that certain effects of acupuncture are mediated through beta-endorphins in the central nervous system. Because these neuropeptides influence gonadotropin secretion it is logical to hypothesize that acupuncture may impact the menstrual cycle. RESULTS: Besides its central effect, the sympathoinhibitory effects of acupuncture may impact on uterine blood flow. (Fertil Steril. Dec 2002)

The role of acupuncture in the treatment of infertility. A study carried out at the Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Centre in Colorado Springs, USA, has compared pregnancy rates of 114 women, half the women received acupuncture after embryo transfer and the other half without. The acupuncture group obtained 51% pregnancy rate and an 8% miscarriage rate compared to 36% and 21% respectively in the control group. (American Soc for Reproductive Medicine, Oct 2004)

Can acupuncture ease the symptoms of menopause? In a randomised, 2-group clinical study, acupuncture was used for the relief of menopausal hot flushes, sleep disturbances and mood changes. CONCLUSION: The group that received specific Acupuncture showed a decrease in mean monthly hot flush severity and sleep disturbance. Acupuncture therefore holds promise for nonhormonal relief. (Holist Nurs Pract. Nov/Dec 2003)

Of all the alternative therapies, acupuncture has been shown in controlled scientific studies to be one of the most effective in helping to treat hormonal disturbances. Acupuncture has, of course, traditionally been successfully employed in China to treat most illnesses, but in recent years, there have been several interesting controlled scientific studies also demonstrating the value of acupuncture for PCO sufferers.