đ¸ PCOS, Fertility & Acupuncture: A Path to Natural Pregnancy đ¸
By Dr. Priscilla Kerr, R.Ac., TCM Dr â Priscilla Kerr Wellness
When it comes to womenâs health, we hear you. It can be overwhelming to manage symptoms that impact not just your hormones but also your quality of life and emotional well-being.
One of the most common conditions I treat is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)âa hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting nearly 2 million women in Canada. Shockingly, nearly 50% of women donât even realize they have it. PCOS is also one of the most common reasons I receive referrals from fertility clinicsânot only here in Manitoba but from across Canada.
Over the past two decades, Iâve had the privilege of helping hundreds of women diagnosed with PCOS and infertility achieve natural pregnanciesâwithout the use of IVF or medications. For many, acupuncture became the missing link in their fertility journey.
đŹ The Science Behind Acupuncture for PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Despite being so widespread, no fully satisfactory treatment has been developed for PCOS to date. Current treatments mainly focus on symptom management and long-term health risks.
For PCOS patients with immediate fertility goals, the priority is to promote ovulation and achieve pregnancy. For those not seeking pregnancy, treatment aims to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce acne, control excess hair growth, and manage weightâwhile preventing complications such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, and even endometrial cancer.
However, conventional treatments often come with poor efficacy, low compliance, side effects, and contraindications. This highlights the urgent need for safe, effective, and well-tolerated alternatives.
This is where acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), plays an important role. In recent years, acupuncture has been widely applied for PCOS treatment in China and globally because of its safety profile and therapeutic effectiveness.
âď¸ How Acupuncture Works for PCOS:
Regulates hormone levels, including lowering elevated androgens (male hormones)
Promotes ovulation naturally
Improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control
Reduces inflammation in the body
Modulates the neuroendocrine system by stimulating βâendorphin, which triggers gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)âessential for ovulation and menstrual regulation
Lowers stress hormones (like cortisol), supports mood, and improves overall well-being
Improves blood flow to the ovaries, reducing ovarian cysts and enhancing egg quality
đ Research Example:
A study by Stener-Victorin et al. demonstrated that ovulation rates increased from 15% to 66% in women with PCOS following acupunctureâconfirming the powerful effects we see firsthand in clinical practice.
đŠââď¸ Clinical Evidence Meets Real-World Success
While ongoing research is still working to map out every biological mechanism behind acupunctureâs success, the real-world results are undeniable.
I have personally witnessed dozens of couples who tried to conceive for over 4â5 yearsâwithout success through medications, IUI, or IVF. And the ONLY thing they changed was committing to acupuncture once a week for just 4 menstrual cycles.
Many of these women went from no ovulation to positive pregnancy testsâand later returned to me for help conceiving baby number two, three, and yesâeven twins.
These are not isolated cases; they are regular outcomes in my practice. It is truly one of the most rewarding aspects of my careerâto help families grow naturally when they had been told there was little hope.
⨠Common PCOS Symptoms:
Irregular, infrequent, or absent menstrual cycles
Heavy or anovulatory cycles (no ovulation)
Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
Acne or thinning hair (male-pattern hair loss)
Multiple small cysts on the ovaries (seen on ultrasound)
Weight gain, especially around the abdomen, often tied to insulin resistance
đ How Our Integrative Approach Helps PCOS Naturally
PCOS doesnât have to control your lifeâor your dreams of becoming a parent. Our clinic offers a comprehensive, natural approach combining acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle guidance tailored specifically for PCOS.
đż Our Proven PCOS Treatment Plan Includes:
âď¸ Customized Herbal Medicine & Targeted Supplements:
Support ovulation
Balance blood sugar & hormones
Reduce inflammation and support healthy weight
âď¸ Acupuncture Treatments:
Restore hormonal balance
Enhance ovarian function
Support emotional wellness and reduce stress
âď¸ Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching:
Focus on an anti-inflammatory, lower-carb, dairy-free diet
Encourage Paleo-style eating to support insulin sensitivity
Simple, sustainable meal plans: half your plate veggies + palm-sized protein
âď¸ Exercise Prescription:
Strength/resistance training 3 times weekly (45 mins) reduces androgens and waist size
Or vigorous cardio 75 mins weekly improves ovulation and hormone balance
⨠Real Results. Real Stories.
It is truly humbling to witness so many of my patients move from frustration and heartbreak to joyâafter years of being told pregnancy wasnât possible. PCOS does not define you. There is hope. And there are natural, effective solutions.
đ You are not alone in this journey.
If youâve been diagnosed with PCOS or are struggling with infertility, Kerr Wellness is here to help. Whether your goal is to conceive or simply regain control over your health and well-being, we are honored to be part of your care team.
đ Book a consultation today at www.kerrwellness.ca
đ Or call us at (204) 788-5715 to get started.đ¸ Your body has the ability to heal. Weâre here to help it remember how. đ¸