The role of acupoint embedding combined with clomiphene in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is a comprehensive syndrome with clinical features of low menstruation or amenorrhea,obesity,crinosity,and infertility as a result of endocrine disturbance and metabolic disorder[1].Its pathomechanism is extremely complex,e.g.,heredity,internal secretion,immunity,and metabolism.Furthermore,it is considered as the important dangerous factors of many serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes,cardiovascular diseases,hypertension syndrome of pregnancy and endometrial carcinoma,which make it go beyond the range of gynecology and raise the attention worldwide.

The etiology of PCOS remains poorly understood.At present,there is no therapeutic cure method and its management remains unsatisfactory because it mainly relies on the management of symptoms[2].Among which clomiphene is known as the first-line medicine in the medical treatment of PCOS.Unfortunately,about 20%of the patients are unresponsive to clomiphene and it usually leads to the occurrence of side effects,e.g.,ovarian enlargement,headache and blurred vision[3].

According to its clinical features,traditional Chinese medicine distributes it to the scope of“low menstruation”,“amenorrhea”or“infertility”.In the theory of Chinese medicine,kidney deficiency is the root and phlegm-damp is the surface.Strengthening kidney and removing phlegm-damp is considered as the fundamental method of treatment PCOS[4].In the field of traditional Chinese medicine,acupuncture therapy occupies an irreplaceable position.The earliest monograph of acupuncture in China is inZhenjiujiayijing(215-282 A.D.Jin Dynasty).However,through long-term clinical research,doctors have found that the effect of simple acupuncture on chronic diseases is difficult to sustain.Therefore it is necessary to"retain needles"to enhance and consolidate their curative effects[5-8].Acupoint embedding can further stimulate acupuncture points through the catgut suture for a long time,to reduce the number of outpatients as well as save the patient's time and cost.

To read more about the role of acupoint embedding combined with clomiphene in the treatment of PCOS,see this article please:effects of acupoint embedding combined with clomiphene in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome:a randomized controlled trial.Link:https://www.tmrjournals.com/ndt/EN/abstract/abstract367.shtml

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