4 ways Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help Regulate PCOS and Support Natural Fertility

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to conceive.

From irregular cycles to acne, fatigue and stubborn weight gain, it often feels like your body is working against you. Many women are told to “just go on the pill” or “lose weight,” but deep down, you know there must be a more holistic way.

The good news is that there is a natural, effective approach - and I see it every week in my clinic.

Let me share the story of Sarah, one of my clients, whose journey beautifully shows what can happen when we combine acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and simple lifestyle changes.

Sarah’s Story: From Overwhelmed to Hopeful

When Sarah first came to me, she felt exhausted, confused and worried that she’d never conceive again.

She’d been trying to make healthy choices but was frustrated that her symptoms didn’t seem to add up. It felt like her body was sending mixed signals.

Here’s what she was experiencing:

• Irregular and missed periods, making ovulation hard to track

• Stubborn weight gain, especially around her middle, despite healthy habits

• Persistent chin and jawline acne that just wouldn’t clear up

• Excess body hair, which left her feeling self-conscious and anxious

Like many women with PCOS, Sarah had been given little explanation for why these symptoms were happening and even less guidance on how to fix them naturally.

That’s where traditional Chinese medicine offers something different.

How TCM Understands PCOS

In TCM, PCOS isn’t viewed as a single diagnosis but as a pattern of imbalance in the body.

Some common underlying patterns include:

• Phlegm-Damp accumulation – linked to sluggish digestion, weight gain and cyst formation

  
  

• Kidney deficiency – affecting hormonal balance and ovulation

  
  

• Liver Qi stagnation – contributing to stress, PMS and irregular cycles

Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, we look at how the whole system is functioning - hormones, digestion, energy and emotional wellbeing.

Once we understand the root pattern, we can begin to rebalance the body using acupuncture, herbs and lifestyle guidance.

Our Treatment Focus

For Sarah, the focus was on:

1️⃣ Balancing Blood Sugar

Unstable blood sugar is one of the most common drivers of PCOS symptoms. Every spike and crash can increase insulin resistance - which in turn affects ovulation and hormone balance.

We used TCM food therapy to support steady energy: warm, balanced meals, plenty of fibre and protein with every plate.

✅ Simple steps included: reducing refined carbs, avoiding skipping meals and favouring slow-release grains like quinoa or brown rice.

2️⃣ Supporting Ovulation with Acupuncture

Acupuncture plays a key role in improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. It also helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis - the body’s natural hormone feedback loop.

Over a few cycles, Sarah began to notice signs of ovulation returning: more consistent cervical mucus, mid-cycle changes and shorter, more predictable cycles.

Acupuncture also helped calm her nervous system and reduce stress - which is vital, as stress hormones can directly disrupt ovulation.

3️⃣ Calming Stress and Nourishing Qi

Stress has a big impact on PCOS. In TCM, stress causes Liver Qi stagnation, which can block hormonal communication and slow metabolism.

We used acupuncture alongside mind-body techniques like gentle breathing, journalling, and walking outdoors to soothe the Shen (mind/spirit). Over time, Sarah began to feel calmer, more centred and more in tune with her body.

4️⃣ Building Healthy Habits for Hormone Balance

We focused on creating daily rituals that supported her body’s natural rhythms - going to bed earlier, eating at regular times, gentle movement (like yoga or brisk walking) and choosing whole, warming foods.

It wasn’t about perfection — it was about consistency and self-compassion.

The Results

Within a few months, Sarah’s periods became more regular and her energy improved. Her acne began to clear, her mood lifted and for the first time in years, she felt confident in her body again.

And the most beautiful part? A few months later, she sent me the message every fertility acupuncturist loves to receive…

💗 A positive pregnancy test.

You’re Not Alone

If you’re living with PCOS and trying to conceive, please know - your body isn’t broken. It simply needs support, balance and nourishment.

Acupuncture and TCM work by addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms — helping your body find its rhythm again.

💛 If you’d like to learn how we can support your PCOS naturally, I’ve created a free resource to help you begin: “5 Things You Can Do This Month to Boost Your Fertility Naturally.” Click here to download your free guide DOWNLOAD HERE

For personalised women’s health and fertility support, or to learn more about acupuncture for PCOS visit stacydavisacupuncture.co.uk or connect on Instagram @stacydavisacupuncture.