Acupuncture has for many years now been used to treat a variety of disorders including stress, aches and pains, and even joint problems. It’s been used by the Chinese for well over 2000 years.

However Swedish scientists now think the Chinese medical therapy could be useful in treating one form of infertility – polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

The research was carried out by medical scientists at the University of Gothenberg who published their report in the American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism. They found that after a combination of electrical stimulation and acupuncture over a 4 month period, the level of testosterone in the participating women dropped by a staggering 25%.

As the particular disorder looked at is characterised by increased testosterone levels as well as higher levels of other male hormones, this research is welcome news. Apparently PCOS affects around 10% of women in the USA. As such, it causes an inability for this group to conceive. PCOS also causes other unfortunate side effects including acne, obesity, and irregular menstruation.

The Swedish scientists believe the electrical stimulation of the muscles via the acupuncture needles mimics exercise. The suggestion comes from the control group who were asked simply to exercise. They too had reduced male hormone levels as well as improvements in menstrual regularity and loss of weight, something that was expected.

Although this is interesting research, it also serves to reinforce that proper exercise alone can effect changes in medical conditions, so relying on external techniques is not always necessary.