A new study has come out indicating that exercise and electro-acupuncture treatments can reduce sympathetic nerve activity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is important because women with PCOS often have elevated sympathetic nerve activity, which plays a role in hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

The study also found that electro-acupuncture treatments led to more regular menstrual cycles, reduced testosterone levels and reduced waist circumference.

One of the researchers, Dr. Elisabet Stener-Victorin of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden states that; “The findings that low-frequency electro-acupuncture and exercise decrease sympathetic nerve activity in women with PCOS indicates a possible alternative non-pharmacologic approach to reduce cardiovascular risk in these patients.”

The findings regarding menstrual cycles and decrease in testosterone levels also are important because this can help improve fertility in those PCOS patients who are trying to become pregnant. As an acupuncturist with a specialty in women's health and fertility I often have patients who's fertility is impaired by PCOS. This is wonderful news and validation of the ability of acupuncture to normalize hormonal function and menstrual cycles. For more information on how acupuncture helps fertility visit my website.

The study, “Low-frequency electro-acupuncture and physical exercise decrease high muscle sympathetic nerve activity in polycystic ovary syndrome” was conducted by Elisabet Stener-Victorin, Elizabeth Jedel, Per Olof Janson and Vrsa Bergmann Sverrisdottir, all of the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden and the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. The study is in the online edition of the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, published by The American Physiological Society.

For more information on acupuncture and how it can help go to www.bethanymuhl.com.