Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the leading causes of female infertility. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PCOS affects approximately 8% to 13% of women of reproductive age globally, with 70% to 80% of patients experiencing ovulatory dysfunction, which can lead to infertility. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), infertility treatment focuses on regulating endocrine function, improving ovarian health, and enhancing conception rates—showing promising results and offering patients more hope and options.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is an endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, the presence of multiple small cystic follicles in the ovaries, and elevated androgen (male hormone) levels. Studies show that the infertility rate among PCOS patients ranges from 40% to 70%, making it one of the most common causes of female infertility. PCOS is also associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and a high risk of metabolic syndrome, all of which pose additional threats to women’s health.

For women planning to conceive, PCOS not only causes ovulatory issues but may also impair egg quality and the uterine environment, making it harder to achieve pregnancy. TCM takes a holistic approach, aiming to restore balance of Yin and Yang, regulate the internal organs, and harmonize Qi and blood to alleviate symptoms and restore fertility—a promising pathway worth exploring.

Typical Symptoms of PCOS

Recognizing common PCOS symptoms can help with early detection and timely treatment:

1. Irregular Menstruation

   This is a hallmark symptom of PCOS, often presenting as delayed periods (over 7 days late), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), heavy bleeding, or prolonged spotting—usually linked to ovulation disorders.

   
   

2. Obesity

   About 30% to 60% of PCOS patients are overweight (BMI ≥ 25). Obesity is often associated with insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

   
   

3. Excess Hair (Hirsutism)

   Elevated androgen levels can lead to abnormal hair growth in areas such as the face, chest, around the nipples, or pubic region—a common sign of PCOS.

   
   

4. Acne

   High androgen levels may also cause persistent and stubborn acne, especially on the face, back, or chest—even beyond adolescence.

   
   

5. Infertility

   PCOS is a major contributor to female infertility. Up to 74% of patients have ovulation issues, making conception difficult. Even if ovulation occurs, miscarriage risk may be higher.

   
   

6. Endometrial Abnormalities

   Due to chronic anovulation, estrogen overstimulates the endometrium without progesterone’s balancing effect, leading to hyperplasia. Symptoms include irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or abnormal uterine bleeding. If untreated, it may progress to endometrial cancer. Early intervention with hormone therapy or TCM approaches—such as promoting blood circulation and stopping bleeding—can help manage symptoms and reduce cancer risk.

   
   

Diagnosis of PCOS is based on symptoms, hormone blood tests, and ultrasound imaging (to detect ovarian cysts). If these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical advice for early treatment.

TCM Approaches to Treating PCOS and Infertility

According to WHO, PCOS currently has no definitive cure, but proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. For issues like irregular menstruation, infertility, acne, or hirsutism caused by high androgen levels, patients are advised to consult medical professionals for a personalized treatment plan.

Lifestyle changes are among the most effective first steps in managing PCOS. A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise not only help with weight management but also reduce the risk of metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes. Weight loss can also restore ovulation and regular menstruation.

In addition to lifestyle changes, medication may be prescribed depending on symptoms—for instance, hormonal therapy to regulate menstruation or ovulation-inducing drugs. Combining lifestyle changes with medication often leads to symptom relief and improved overall health.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatments for PCOS

TCM focuses on holistic body regulation. Through syndrome differentiation, treatments like herbal medicine, acupuncture, and diet therapy are used to restore balance.

• Herbal medicine: Helps regulate hormones and restore ovarian function.

• Acupuncture: Stimulates meridians and acupoints, promotes blood flow, and balances endocrine function.

• TCM emphasizes personalized treatment, overall restoration, and symptom relief—not only for improving ovulation but also for reducing symptoms like hirsutism and obesity. It is a safe, natural approach with minimal side effects.

  
  

TCM Syndromes and Treatment Strategies for PCOS

PCOS is viewed in TCM as a disorder involving kidney deficiency, spleen deficiency, liver stagnation, and phlegm-damp accumulation, with an underlying pattern of deficiency and excess.

Common TCM syndrome types include:

1. Kidney Yang Deficiency – Cold intolerance, fatigue; treated by warming and tonifying kidney Yang.

2. Kidney Yin Deficiency – Hot flashes, night sweats; treated by nourishing kidney Yin.

3. Kidney Deficiency with Blood Stasis – Dark, scanty menstruation; treated by tonifying the kidney and invigorating blood.

4. Kidney Deficiency with Phlegm-Damp – Obesity and excess mucus; treated by strengthening the spleen and eliminating phlegm.

5. Combined Phlegm and Blood Stasis – Treated by resolving stasis and clearing obstructions.

   
   

TCM Menstrual Cycle Therapy

This approach mimics the physiological rhythm of the female cycle, dividing treatment into four stages:

1. Follicular Phase – Nourish kidney Yin, promote follicle development.

2. Ovulation Phase – Activate blood circulation, support ovulation.

3. Luteal Phase – Balance Yin and Yang, mainly tonify kidney Yang.

4. Menstrual Phase – Promote blood circulation and resolve stasis, regulate menstruation.

Clinical Efficacy of TCM in PCOS Treatment

Recent literature supports that TCM is effective in:

• Regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis

• Reducing insulin resistance

• Improving ovulation and conception rates

  
  

Examples:

• Kidney-tonifying and blood-invigorating formulas help restore ovarian function and treat amenorrhea and infertility in blood stasis-type PCOS.

• Spleen-strengthening and kidney-supporting formulas are effective in treating spleen-kidney Yang deficiency, improving pregnancy rates and relieving symptoms like hirsutism and acne.