Clinical Impact of Electroacupuncture on Hormonal Profiles and Clinical Outcomes in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Retrospective Study

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age. Electroacupuncture (EA) may offer therapeutic benefits, but high-quality retrospective evidence is limited. Objective To evaluate the effects of EA on serum sex hormones, ovarian function, and clinical outcomes in PCOS patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of PCOS patients treated between July 2023 and July 2025. Patients received 12-week therapy: controls with conventional drugs alone and the study group with drugs plus EA. Propensity score matching (1:1, caliper 0.015) reduced selection bias. Primary outcomes included changes in LH, FSH, testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), AMH, LH/FSH ratio, and free androgen index. Secondary outcomes were ovulation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, endometrial thickness, ovarian volume, and menstrual cycle length. Sensitivity analyses varied PSM calipers and computed E-values for pregnancy and ovulation. Results After matching, 30 patients per group were analyzed (standardized mean difference < 0.2). EA plus drugs was associated with greater reductions in LH, T, AMH, and LH/FSH ratio and a larger increase in SHBG (all P < 0.05). FSH and E2 were unchanged. Endometrial thickness (9.8 ± 1.2 vs. 8.4 ± 1.1 mm) and ovarian volume (8.5 ± 1.8 vs. 10.2 ± 2.1 cm 3 ) favored the study group ( P < 0.05). Menstrual regularization (76.7% vs. 43.3%) and ovulation rate (73.3% vs. 40.0%) showed significant improvement in the study group compared with controls ( P < 0.05). Six-month clinical pregnancy rates were 43.3% vs. 20.0% ( P > 0.05). Adverse events were similar (16.7% vs. 20.0%), with no serious events. Sensitivity analyses supported robustness. Conclusion EA combined with conventional therapy was associated with improved hormonal profiles, ovarian and endometrial parameters, menstrual cycles, and ovulation in PCOS, with a comparable safety profile, warranting prospective validation.