Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects a growing number of women in Singapore, particularly those in their 30s and 40s who are balancing demanding careers and family planning goals. While Western medicine typically focuses on hormonal regulation through pharmaceuticals, TCM for women’s health in Singapore offers an alternative or complementary path rooted in centuries-old diagnostic and treatment systems. Many local women are now turning to TCM to manage PCOS symptoms in a more holistic, long-term manner.
How TCM Understands PCOS
Unlike Western medicine, which often treats PCOS as a hormonal disorder, Traditional Chinese Medicine interprets PCOS through imbalances in organ systems—mainly the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen. PCOS, in the TCM framework, is commonly associated with “Kidney deficiency,” “Liver Qi stagnation,” and “Phlegm-Damp accumulation.” These diagnoses are determined through pulse, tongue, and symptom analysis, rather than blood tests or ultrasounds.
This approach allows TCM practitioners to address the underlying constitutional imbalances that lead to irregular menstruation, weight gain, acne, and infertility. This deeper diagnostic style feels more personalised for many local women, especially when symptoms do not align neatly with Western criteria.
Herbal Formulas Commonly Prescribed for PCOS
Herbal prescriptions play a central role in managing PCOS through TCM. These formulas are customised based on the individual’s body constitution and symptoms. Popular herbal blends include Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan for blood stagnation, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan for Kidney Yin deficiency, and Cang Fu Dao Tan Tang for Phlegm-Damp issues.
TCM clinics typically source herbs from HSA-approved suppliers to ensure quality and safety. Patients are often given herbs in granulated powder or capsule form for ease of use. Some women may combine these with fertility medication or other Western treatments, under close supervision.
Acupuncture and Hormonal Regulation
Acupuncture is another common treatment method in TCM for women’s health in Singapore, particularly for PCOS. Studies show that regular acupuncture can influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which helps regulate ovulation and reduce testosterone levels. This approach is especially important for women trying to conceive in their late 30s or early 40s, when time-sensitive fertility interventions are a concern.
Many women schedule acupuncture sessions once or twice a week for several months, aligning treatment with their menstrual cycle. Acupuncturists may also incorporate moxibustion, electroacupuncture, and cupping to enhance results.
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TCM as a Complement to Western Fertility Treatments
TCM, for women undergoing IVF or other fertility treatments, is increasingly used to support overall reproductive health. Some fertility clinics even work in tandem with TCM practitioners to prepare the body for embryo transfer and improve uterine receptivity.
In this context, TCM does not replace medical procedures but complements them by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and addressing stress—all critical factors in fertility success. The integration of Eastern and Western practices is becoming more common in private gynaecology and fertility clinics across Singapore.
Who Seeks TCM for PCOS?
Most women who pursue TCM for PCOS management tend to be working professionals in their 30s and 40s who are either planning for pregnancy or dealing with irregular periods and hormonal imbalances. These women are often well-informed, seeking long-term solutions with minimal side effects. Many begin with Western treatment but turn to TCM when faced with side effects or when treatment results plateau.
Some women also seek TCM to avoid the long-term use of hormonal contraceptives, metformin, or other medications, particularly if they are managing co-existing conditions like thyroid imbalance or insulin resistance.
Conclusion
TCM for women’s health in Singapore continues to gain ground as awareness of integrative health grows, particularly in managing conditions like PCOS. Through its focus on underlying imbalances, customised herbal therapy, and non-invasive treatments like acupuncture, TCM offers a viable complement or alternative to conventional methods—especially for women in their 30s and 40s who are looking for sustainable, whole-body health management.
Contact 1TCM and discover how personalised herbal therapy and acupuncture can support your hormonal balance, regulate your cycle, and optimise your fertility journey.
