Electro-acupuncture (EA) may improve reproductive hormone levels in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), according to preliminary research from China. Twenty-one patients with DOR received EA over 12 weeks (five times a week for four weeks, followed by three times a week for eight weeks). Standardised EA treatment was provided using two alternating point prescriptions: A (Zhongliao BL-33) and B (Tianshu ST-25, Zigong M-CA-18 and Zhongji REN-4). Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were observed to fall by almost half from baseline to week 12, and this decrease persisted until 12 weeks post-treatment, with no significant side effects. In addition, oestradiol and luteinising hormone (LH) levels, FSH/LH ratios and irritability scores were improved at weeks 12 and 24. Approximately 30% of patients reported subjective increases in menstrual volume after treatment.
Electroacupuncture for reproductive hormone levels in patients with diminished ovarian reserve: a prospective observational study.
Acupunct Med. 2016 May 13. pii: acupmed-2015-011014.
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