‹ Back

SUPPORTING PCOS AND IVF THROUGH CHINESE MEDICINE

 

Fertility journeys can be challenging, particularly when conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are involved. At Xu Clinic, we take an individualised approach, combining acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle support alongside appropriate medical fertility treatment.

 

This case illustrates how complementary care was used to support a patient with PCOS during her fertility journey and IVF treatment. The details have been anonymised and generalised to protect patient confidentiality.

 

The starting point

 

The patient was in her late twenties and had been trying to conceive for around a year. She had PCOS and was not ovulating regularly on her own. She had also recently undergone an IVF cycle that had not resulted in pregnancy.

 

Alongside her fertility concerns, she was experiencing a number of symptoms affecting her general wellbeing, including migraines around her menstrual cycle, persistent tiredness, digestive discomfort, light sleep, brain fog and feeling unusually cold.

 

The focus was therefore not only on fertility, but also on supporting her overall wellbeing and helping her feel more balanced during what can be a physically and emotionally demanding time.

 

The approach

 

Treatment included regular acupuncture alongside Chinese herbal medicine, with the approach adjusted according to her changing symptoms and stage of treatment.

 

Lifestyle and dietary habits were also discussed. One significant change was moving away from intermittent fasting and towards three regular meals each day. This was intended to provide more consistent nourishment and energy throughout the day.

 

Other areas discussed included keeping a food diary to identify potential digestive triggers, establishing an earlier bedtime and incorporating gentle stretching alongside her existing meditation practice.

 

She also received massage to help relieve tension in the neck and shoulders, which was associated with her headaches.

Changes over time

 

Over the following weeks and months, she reported improvements in several areas of her wellbeing. Her migraines became less frequent, her energy and sleep improved, and her digestive symptoms and brain fog eased.

 

Her menstrual cycles also became more regular, and she began to ovulate more consistently.

 

When she returned to IVF treatment, her ovaries responded strongly to the medication. This can occur more readily in people with PCOS and can increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Her fertility team therefore took appropriate precautions and chose to freeze the embryos for a later transfer rather than proceeding with a fresh transfer.

 

Following egg collection, acupuncture and supportive care continued, with treatment adapted according to her symptoms and stage of her IVF journey. Acupuncture was also used to help manage some of the common effects she experienced from fertility medication, including bloating, night sweats, hot flushes, tiredness and skin breakouts.

 

Acupuncture continued alongside her medical treatment up to the time of embryo transfer. She subsequently became pregnant through IVF and went on to have a baby later that year.

 

A note on PCOS and fertility

 

PCOS can present very differently from one person to another, so there is no single approach that will suit everyone.

 

Throughout this fertility journey, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and personalised lifestyle support at Xu Clinic were used alongside IVF and under the care of her fertility team. Her holistic treatment plan was adapted as her symptoms and needs changed, including support with her menstrual cycle, digestion, energy, sleep and the side effects she experienced during IVF medication. Acupuncture continued through the different stages of her IVF journey, including up to embryo transfer.

 

At Xu Clinic, we believe fertility support should look at the whole person, not simply one symptom or diagnosis. Treatment is always tailored to the individual and may evolve as their needs change throughout their fertility journey.

 

                                 Helena, Associate Acupuncturist and Fertility Champion at Xu Clinic.