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PCOS is one of the more complex hormonal health conditions we treat, affecting the cycle, metabolism, androgen levels, and energy in ways that vary considerably from person to person. At our Chelsea clinic in New York City, we see people managing PCOS across the full range of presentations — from irregular cycles and fatigue to insulin resistance and androgen-driven symptoms. Acupuncture may help by addressing some of the underlying factors that drive those patterns — including insulin resistance, inflammation, and sympathetic nervous system activity — making it a well-tolerated complement to medical care.
A 2023 meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials published in Heliyon found that acupuncture was associated with meaningful reductions in insulin resistance markers compared to other treatments. Research suggests this occurs through effects on insulin signaling pathways in muscle and fat tissue, and through nervous system pathways that regulate glucose metabolism. Insulin resistance is a central feature of PCOS for many people, and it can drive a cascade of effects on androgen levels, energy, and cycle regularity.
Elevated androgens are a common feature of PCOS and contribute to symptoms like acne, changes in hair growth, and cycle disruption. Some research suggests acupuncture may support the body's ability to regulate androgen levels — a 2025 randomized controlled trial published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found a significant reduction in testosterone levels in the acupuncture group compared to sham. The evidence here is promising, though not yet definitive, and results vary by individual.
Chronic stress and an overactive sympathetic nervous system are closely linked to the hormonal patterns seen in PCOS — including elevated androgens and disrupted ovarian function. Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic response, which may help regulate cortisol and reduce the sympathetic signaling that can affect ovarian activity. Many people with PCOS also carry a significant stress burden alongside their physical symptoms, and acupuncture sessions are frequently described as deeply calming.
If you're already working with a doctor and taking metformin, birth control, or another medication for PCOS, acupuncture can complement that care without interfering with it. Many people find it useful as a way to address symptoms — fatigue, cycle irregularity, mood — that medication doesn't fully resolve on its own. We work alongside your existing care team, not in place of it.
Some people managing PCOS prefer to avoid or delay medication, or are looking for additional options beyond what's been prescribed. Acupuncture offers a well-tolerated, non-pharmaceutical approach to supporting the metabolic and hormonal factors involved in PCOS. It's most effective when combined with lifestyle changes and regular care, and it works through the body's own systems rather than overriding them.
Fertility is a concern for some people with PCOS, and acupuncture is sometimes used as a supportive measure alongside fertility treatment or while trying to conceive naturally. Acupuncture offers individualized care that addresses the broader pattern — insulin sensitivity, stress response, and overall hormonal regulation — as part of a larger plan.
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Our practitioners offer individualized care for people managing PCOS — alongside medication or on its own.
Acupuncture stimulates the body's natural pain-relief response — releasing endorphins, reducing inflammatory markers, and calming the nervous system signals that amplify pain. Whether the source is muscular, neurological, or inflammatory, this is a well-researched area of acupuncture and a foundation of how we treat at Olo.
Many conditions — from chronic pain to anxiety to hormonal imbalance — are rooted in a nervous system that's stuck in overdrive. Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic response, shifting the body out of fight-or-flight and into the rest-and-repair state where the body can rest and recover. Many patients notice a calming shift during treatment.
In Chinese medicine, the body is treated as an integrated system — not a collection of isolated symptoms. A tension headache, a disrupted sleep cycle, and a low-grade digestive issue may all reflect the same underlying pattern. Treating the root rather than just the symptom is why results from acupuncture often extend beyond symptom relief.
If you've never had acupuncture before, you're in good hands. We take time at your first visit to understand your full health picture, explain what to expect, and design a treatment plan around your specific needs. Most first-time patients are surprised by how comfortable — and how calming — the experience is.
Whether you're looking to reduce your reliance on medication, complement an existing treatment plan, or simply prefer a more natural approach, acupuncture offers a well-researched, well-tolerated path. It works through the body's own systems — not by overriding them.
Acupuncture isn't only for acute problems. Many patients at Olo come in regularly for maintenance — monthly sessions to manage stress, support energy, and keep the patterns that cause problems from building up. Think of it the way you'd think about exercise or sleep: a consistent practice that compounds over time.
Our team of licensed acupuncturists holds master's and doctoral degrees from accredited programs, with over 3,000 hours of training each. Nationally certified and licensed by the State of New York, they bring diverse specialties and approaches — so your care is always matched to your needs.
We offer a range of pricing options — from our full-price treatments to sliding scale rates — so that quality care is within reach. No insurance? No problem. We keep rates reasonable for cash-paying patients, and our full price list is always available online.
A number of health insurance plans in New York City cover acupuncture. We accept insurance appointments and are happy to help you understand your coverage. Not sure if you're covered? Learn more about insurance at Olo.
Olo has been a neighborhood fixture since 2011 — conveniently located between Chelsea and Flatiron, a short walk from Penn Station and multiple subway lines. Online scheduling is available 24/7, and our front desk team is here to make every visit as easy as possible.
Our community room offers acupuncture in a shared, peaceful space — comfortable reclining chairs, soft lighting, and a calm atmosphere. It's accessible, effective care in a setting that feels welcoming rather than clinical.
For patients who prefer a fully private setting — or whose treatment requires it — we offer individual treatment rooms. The same high standard of care, in a one-on-one environment.
Acupuncture may help with several of the factors involved in PCOS, including insulin resistance, androgen levels, and stress regulation. A 2023 meta-analysis published in Heliyon, reviewing 17 randomized controlled trials, found that acupuncture was associated with reductions in insulin resistance markers. Evidence for direct effects on cycle regulation is more mixed, and results vary from person to person — acupuncture is most useful as part of a broader care plan rather than as a standalone treatment.
Acupuncture is not a replacement for medical treatment. Many people use it as a complement to medication — including metformin or birth control — to address symptoms that aren't fully managed by pharmaceuticals alone.
Research suggests acupuncture may improve insulin sensitivity through effects on the nervous system and on signaling pathways in muscle and fat tissue. A 2023 meta-analysis published in Heliyon found that acupuncture was associated with greater reductions in a standard insulin resistance marker (HOMA-IR) compared to other treatments across 17 trials. Evidence is still developing, and individual responses vary, but insulin sensitivity is one of the better-supported areas of acupuncture research in PCOS.
Some people with PCOS use acupuncture as a supportive measure while trying to conceive, either naturally or alongside fertility treatment. Acupuncture offers individualized care that addresses the broader pattern — insulin sensitivity, stress response, and overall hormonal regulation — as part of a larger plan.
Some research suggests acupuncture may support the regulation of androgen levels, which drive symptoms like acne and changes in hair growth or density. A 2025 randomized controlled trial published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found significant reductions in testosterone in the acupuncture group. Results vary by individual, but addressing androgen patterns is a realistic goal of PCOS acupuncture treatment at Olo.
PCOS is a complex, multifaceted condition, and the number of sessions depends on how it presents for you. Most people benefit from a consistent course of weekly sessions over two to three months before assessing changes. Some people continue with monthly maintenance after that. We'll reassess regularly and adjust the plan based on how you're responding.
We'll take time to understand your health history and what's brought you in — then build a plan around you.
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