Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Effect and Mechanisms of Acupuncture for Ovulation Induction

Figure 1

Summary of the PCOS pathophysiology. (1) Ovarian androgens are the main source of hyperandrogenemia in PCOS. Hyperandrogenemia has both a direct effect on the ovarian alterations and (2) an increasing effect on pituitary LH pulse frequency and amplitude with relative low FSH secretion. (3) Further, adrenal androgens contribute to PCOS androgen excess. (4) Insulin resistance with compensatory hyperinsulinemia enhances ovarian androgen production as well as (5) decreases production of SHBG in the liver, and both increase the pool of bioavailable androgens. (6) PCOS is also associated with increased muscle sympathetic nerve activity that is related to high testosterone, insulin resistance, and obesity. (7) Genetic defects probably contribute to the pathology of PCOS. LH: luteinizing hormone, FSH: follicle stimulating hormone, SHBG: sex hormone binding globulin, DHEA: dehydroepiandrosterone, and DHEAS: dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate.