This week, we had Irina Kalashnikova, a 4th year Master's Intern at Yo San University of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is working to continue her studies and pursue her passion in women’s health, and gave a wonderfully informative talk about Approaching Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome with TCM.
What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS, is a condition found in women with enlarged ovaries and fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity. Oftentimes, it is a result of when fertility drugs overstimulate the ovaries, producing more than 10 to 20 eggs at the same time. This can cause extreme swelling, abdominal distention, loss of electrolytes, and water accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms of OHSS include ovarian enlargement, fluids leaking out of blood vessels and accumulating in the abdominal and chest cavities, pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid weight gain, tense ascites, kidney or liver dysfunction or failure, respiratory difficulty, or decreased urination.
How can TCM treat OHSS?
Acupuncture treatment for OHSS is focused on spreading the body’s natural energy flow (qi) to the liver. This way, acupuncture can invigorate the blood and help drain the excess fluid while treating abdominal pain/distention and nausea. In the case of treating most fertility and mild OHSS cases, the needles are focused around the legs, lower back and lower abdomen. These treatments focus on increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs and balancing/relaxing a patient’s endocrine system.
If you have more questions about TCM and OHSS (or women’s health in general), feel free to contact Irina at irinabkln@gmail.com.
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