1 in 10 women suffer from endometriosis. For many women this can be a debilitating, life changing condition, the exact cause of which is unknown. The pain from endometriosis can be functional, neuropathic or a result of inflammation or, a result of a combination of these.

Acupuncture may benefit women with endometriosis by stimulating nerves in muscles and other tissues to release endorphins and other neurohumoral factors to provide pain relief (1)(2)(3). It can promote and regulate vascular and immunomodulatory factors (e.g. prostaglandin) to reduce inflammation (3)(4).

PCOS is thought affect about every 1 in 10 women in the UK. It is the most common endocrine disorder in women and manifests differently in each person. Symptoms include irregular or no periods, excessive hair, acne, weight gain and difficulty in conceiving.

Acupuncture may specifically help with symptoms of PCOS by regulating reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, GnRH) (5)(6) and improving blood flow to the ovaries. It may also play a role in controlling hyperglycaemia (5).

A prolonged period of treatment is usually necessary for this condition.

Estimates suggest that around 25-50% of adult women and about 75% of adolescents experience pain with menstruation.

Recent systematic reviews found acupuncture to be effective for primary dysmenorrhoea, providing significantly more pain relief than NSAIDs (8).

Acupuncture helps reduce symptoms by increasing nitric oxide levels which relaxes smooth muscle and may inhibit uterine contractions (7). It can stimulate nerves located in muscle and other tissues to release endorphins and other neurohumoral factors to provide pain relief (3). It can promote and regulate vascular and immunomodulatory factors (e.g. prostaglandin) to reduce inflammation (4).