Abstract:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological endocrine disorder that is more common in women of puberty and childbearing age. The main pathological features of PCOS include persistent anovulation, polycystic ovary changes, hyperandrogenism (HA), and insulin resistance (IR). Traditional Chinese medicine has found that the patients with Dampness Phlegm type PCOS account for a large proportion, and that “Dampness Phlegm” as a key pathogenic factor is closely related to obesity, abnormal sex hormone levels and metabolic disorders. Compared with non-Dampness Phlegm type PCOS patients, Dampness Phlegm type patients have higher obesity level, fasting insulin level, IR index, free testosterone index, significant glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, and sex hormone level disorders. Dampness Phlegm type patients are also prone to subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperuricemia, as well as other metabolic diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine has achieved significant efficacy in treating Dampness Phlegm type PCOS. The dialectical treatment includes tonifying the kidney and resolving phlegm, strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness, clearing the liver and eliminating dampness, resolving phlegm and eliminating dampness, etc. The therapeutic effect of dialectical treatment is significant. Acupuncture and moxibustion can reduce body mass, adjust endocrine, improve glucose and lipid metabolism, and increase ovulation rate and pregnancy rate. Adjusting dietary habits and exercise are also important non-pharmacological treatments that can effectively improve symptoms. However, due to the lack of high-level evidence-based medicine and in-depth basic research in most traditional Chinese medicine treatment plans, further exploration of the biological mechanisms of Dampness Phlegm and PCOS is needed in the future to achieve the tangible advantages of the combined treatment with traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Dampness phlegm syndrome, Treatment based on syndrome differentiation, Acupuncture moxibustion therapy, Endocrine characteristics