Journal of Pharmacopuncture (대한약침학회지)

KOREAN PHARMACOPUNCTURE INSTITUTE (대한약침학회)
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A Review on Acupuncture Efficiency in Human Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome

  • Natalia M. de Oliveira (ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto-UP) ;
  • Jorge Machado (ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto-UP) ;
  • Lara Lopes (ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto-UP) ;
  • Maria Begona Criado (CBSin, Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health)
  • Received : 2021.04.20
  • Accepted : 2023.02.28
  • Published : 2023.06.30
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Abstract

Objectives: Human Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a frequent endocrine pathophysiology among women of fertile age, is associated with woman's lifespan endocrine, metabolic and psychological implications. Long-term usage side effects of allopathic strategies and their low efficacy made complementary medicine treatments a relevant subject for these patients. The main aim of this work is to review the efficiency of the acupuncture treatment reported in the latest studies on literature regarding PCOS patients. Methods: A comprehensive literature search, in English language, about the use of acupuncture on the management of PCOS, was conducted in October 2020 using EBSCO, Cochrane, PubMed, Medline, Embase, databases for randomised and non-randomised controlled trials between 2015 and 2020 (09/2015-10/2020), following the PRISMA protocol. Results: This research led us to an analysis, according to PICOS, of six final papers selected among 178 in total. The articles addressed distinct aspects of the PCOS condition, diverse acupuncture techniques and different main and secondary outcomes in agreement to the respective main objective. According to this review, acupuncture seems to be useful for the treatment of this debilitating and chronic health condition which affects millions of women worldwide, many of them part of the workforce in their community. Conclusion: Despite of the display of these positive results addressing acupuncture treatments to manage PCOS major symptoms - whether they are reproductive, metabolic, or mental health features - more research is urgent. Randomized, double blinded controlled trials with improved quality design and following STRICTA and/or CONSORT recommendations are necessary to engage acupuncture as a standardized and scientific validated technique in PCOS condition.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful to the Biomedical Science Institute Abel Salazar (ICBAS-UP), Porto, on behalf of the Master's Program in TCM, for welcoming and supporting scientific development on knowledge concerning Traditional Chinese Medicine. The authors are also thankful to the Center of Bio-Sciences in Integrative Health (CBSIn), Porto for facilitating the cooperation dynamics in between authors, investigators, and students and for supporting every step of the research performance on the development of Integrative Medicine and Bioscience, from the starting point of the creative process to the final delivery and promotion of the scientific work.

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