case studies

CASE STUDY: OVARIAN CYSTS

• Background: 32 yo, female presented with pain in left lower quadrant (LLQ) due to ovarian cysts in her left ovary. The cysts measure 1.5 cm and 3 cm, respectively. Ultrasound imaging also revealed multiple follicles in the right ovary, which almost met the diagnostic criteria for PCOS. Pain in LLQ is a constant ache, with occasional stabbing pain, especially before and during her period. Patient also suffers from mid-cycle bleeding, with bleeding lasting for 25 days. She also flu-like symptoms (congestion, muscle aches) prior to her period.

• Treatment Plan: Acupuncture treatment twice a week for 1 month. Because of her specific case, patient was switched to a custom herbal treatment plan.

• How Patient Attributes Success: (1) Pain relief during acupuncture and herbal therapy. (2) PMS symptoms also improved. (3) Reduced stress, which is a driving factor for most fertility issues. (4) Significant improvement in most recent ultrasound results: multiple follicles on the right ovary completely gone; with only 1 remaining cyst was found on the left ovary measuring 2 cm. (5) Patient was pain free since starting acupuncture and herbal medicine, allowing her to avoid surgery (6) PCP is supportive of her herbal treatment.

• After 3 months of herbal treatment, significant improvement in her ultrasound results were seen, as corroborated by her tongue, a diagnostic pillar in Chinese Medicine. Patient conitnued to be on the herbal plan until remaining cyst resolved.