You are here: / / advanced maternal age
Vitalis Skiauteris

New Research Highlights Acupuncture’s Potential to Improve IVF Success in Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve

, ,
Close-up of fresh and shrivelled figs illustrating diminished ovarian reserve

Being told you have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) can feel overwhelming. Many women immediately begin asking the same questions. Will IVF work? Have I left it too late? Is there anything I can do to improve my chances?

A newly published systematic review and meta-analysis offers encouraging news. By analysing the results of 11 randomised controlled trials involving 885 women, researchers found growing evidence that acupuncture has the potential to improve several important IVF outcomes for women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF or ICSI.

The findings add to a growing body of research supporting acupuncture as a complementary treatment alongside modern fertility care. Read more

by
Vitalis Skiauteris

How Acupuncture Supports the HPO Axis and Fertility

, , , , ,
A New Zealand native fern: symbolising the natural balancing effect of acupuncture on HPO Axis and fertility

When it comes to fertility, balance within the body’s hormonal system is one of the essentials. One of the most important factors regulating this system is the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis — the communication pathway between the brain and the ovaries that regulates ovulation, hormone levels, and reproductive health. Ovarian disorders (like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or Premature Ovarian Insufficiency) happen when this communication network is unbalanced. A  study publishsed in Journal of Integrative Neuroscience has explored how acupuncture helps to restore this delicate balance by directly influencing the HPO axis.

The Study at a Glance

Researchers investigated how acupuncture affects the HPO axis. The study measured key reproductive hormones to understand how acupuncture regulates them.

In participants with dysfunctional or irregular ovulation, acupuncture was found to modulate the neuroendocrine activity of the HPO axis. Specifically, it helped normalise the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus, which in turn improved the balance of FSH and LH secreted by the pituitary gland. This hormonal adjustment supported better ovarian function and more regular ovulatory cycles.

What the Findings Show

Acupuncture helps restore ovarian function by re-balancing the HPO axis through two main pathways:

1. Adjusting Chemical Messengers (Neuroendocrine Regulation)

Acupuncture works by influencing the release of key hormones and nerve signals produced in the brain (hypothalamus) that control reproduction, including:

  • Reproductive Signal Control: Acupuncture helps regulate crucial reproductive signals, such as GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone), which, in turn, influences the release of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone). By doing this, acupuncture may promote follicle development and ovulation.
  • Key Peptides: It specifically targets neuropeptides like kisspeptin and neuropeptide Y (NPY), which are critical for maintaining reproductive homeostasis. For instance, acupuncture can stimulate the release of kisspeptin to activate the HPO axis.
  • Mood and Nerve Chemistry: Acupuncture also modulates neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, GABA). This regulation may help modulate emotional states and HPO axis function.

2. Regulating Nerve Communication (Neural Pathways)

Read more

by
Vitalis Skiauteris

Acupuncture and AMH: Can It Improve Ovarian Reserve Hormones?

,
Serene flower symbolising balance and renewal—reflecting how acupuncture may support AMH levels and ovarian reserve naturally.

A recent controlled study sheds valuable insight into how acupuncture and AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) levels may be connected, especially in women approaching later reproductive years. This research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting acupuncture could help support ovarian reserve, fertility preservation, and reproductive potential.

While the study was designed to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on insomnia during perimenopause, the findings may have secondary relevance for those interested in ovarian reserve and fertility preservation.

The study compared a group receiving the traditional Chinese acupuncture method of “regulating liver and nourishing blood” with a control group taking alprazolam for sleep disturbances. After four weeks, the acupuncture group showed not only improved sleep, mood, and quality of life, but also significant hormonal changes. Notably, levels of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) decreased, while Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and oestradiol (E2) levels increased. These are the hormones commonly used to evaluate ovarian reserve and reproductive potential.

Elevated FSH or reduced AMH levels are often indicators of diminished ovarian reserve and age-related fertility decline. That participants who received acupuncture treatments experienced a reduction in FSH and, more surprisingly, signs of increases in AMH is especially noteworthy. AMH levels are generally expected to decline with age, and there are currently no widely accepted interventions known to reverse this trend. In clinical settings, some practitioners have also observed similar improvements in AMH after regular acupuncture sessions.

These findings point to the potential of acupuncture as a supportive therapy for those facing age-related fertility challenges or exploring fertility preservation options. Rather than simply addressing symptoms, acupuncture may contribute to creating a hormonal environment more conducive to ovulation, conception, and long-term reproductive health.

For individuals looking to improve ovarian reserve, preserve fertility, or support natural conception, especially where AMH levels are a concern, acupuncture offers a promising complementary option. Its ability to influence hormone levels – especially AMH and FSH – makes it a compelling addition to holistic fertility and fertility preservation strategies.

This research brings hope to many trying to conceive later in life and to those actively exploring ways to preserve their fertility, reinforcing the role of acupuncture in enhancing reproductive wellness through natural, hormone-supportive mechanisms. Read more

by
Roberta Mek

Poor IVF responder? Add acupuncture to improve outcomes

, , ,

Have you been labelled as a poor IVF responder? Is there a way you can up your chances of making a baby? You know there are not many options. Can acupuncture help?

IVF is the numbers game. The important part of IVF is for your ovaries to safely produce as many follicles as possible. And poor IVF responders’ ovaries, as the name suggests, don’t grow many follicles. This means these IVF cycles are often cancelled. If you are lucky you may end up with a couple of oocytes. Furthermore, those eggs are less likely to turn into embryos.

The poor ovarian response (POR) is a diagnosis no one wants when trying to conceive. IVF clinics can’t do much to help you respond better. There are several IVF protocols you can try, but unfortunately, they are seldom successful.

So, what does “poor IVF responder” mean? Let’s take it apart.

Read more

by
Vitalis Skiauteris

Ovarian reserve – acupuncture offers new hope

,
Close-up of fresh and shrivelled figs illustrating diminished ovarian reserve

Ovarian reserve is a major factor predicting outcomes in fertility treatments such as IVF. Recent studies suggest acupuncture may help. In this post we will explore what the evidence says.

What is “low ovarian reserve”?

“Low ovarian reserve” generally refers to situations when:

  • Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels are reduced – this is the most common way to diagnose it by IVF clinics
  • There is poorer response to stimulation in IVF, meaning fewer eggs retrieved
  • Antral follicle count (AFC) is low (via ultrasound)

These markers are commonly used by fertility specialists to predict how ovaries may respond in IVF cycles.

In this study, researchers investigated how acupuncture influenced reproductive potential in women who had low ovarian reserve. They used a kind of acupuncture with no needles, where very gentle electric impulses are used to stimulate acupuncture points. This study has shown improved the hormone levels including AMH.

Key findings

Researchers observed increased number of eggs collected with IVF. The embryo quality was also improved. Consequently, women who had acupuncture had better IVF pregnancy outcomes.

  • Hormone levels improved in TEAS and AEC groups: increases in AMH and AFC; decreases in FSH; improved FSH/LH ratio.
    Infertility Acupuncture info NZ
  • Egg retrieval: More oocytes retrieved in TEAS and AEC than in placebo or control.
    Infertility Acupuncture info NZ
  • Embryo quality / transfer numbers: Higher number of embryos transferred and better embryo quality in treatment groups.
    Infertility Acupuncture info NZ
  • Pregnancy rates: Clinical pregnancy rate in the TEAS group was markedly higher than in the other three groups.

The study was published in The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research.

Summary

Low ovarian reserve can make fertility treatment more difficult. Early evidence shows acupuncture may support ovarian reserve and improve IVF outcomes, though more research is needed.

Are you interested in learning how acupuncture can support your fertility? Contact Dr Vitalis Acupuncture Auckland.

Read more

by
Vitalis Skiauteris

Can acupuncture help 35+ year old pregnant women reduce pregnancy risks

,

Can acupuncture help 35+ year old pregnant women reduce pregnancy risks?

Women of this age, are a high risk for developing stillbirth and fetal growth restriction among other complications.

This study, published in Journal of Physiology, researchers from the University of Manchester, UK concluded that the blood flow to placenta may be the reason for increased risks. Acupuncture increases the blood flow to uterus. Use acupuncture in pregnancy as a preventative measure to reduce the risks for the developing baby.

Read more

by
Vitalis Skiauteris

IUI plus Acupuncture = higher success rate

, ,
IUi acupuncture European Journal

iui-acupuncture-european-journal
Acupuncture and herbs increased IUI success rate from 39.4% to 65.5% in this study. The difference in the success rates is even more interesting, considering that the control group, who didn’t receive acupuncture was on average 2.3 years younger. The control group was 37.1 years old and the treatment group was 39.4. Normally, you’d expect much lower pregnancy rates in 39 year olds.

[visualizer id=”971″]

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment for women undergoing intrauterine insemination
Keren Sela, Ofer Lehavi, Amnon Buchan, Karin Kedar-Shalema, Haim Yavetz, Shahar Lev-ari

Unit of Complementary Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine,

Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizmann St., Tel Aviv 64239, Israel

Fertility Research Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

Aim: To assess the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM, acupuncture and medicinal herbs) as a therapeutic adjuvant to ovulation induction with intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures and evaluate its contribution to pregnancy and “take-home baby” rates.

Materials and methods: A comparative retrospective study was carried out in a university – affiliated municipal hospital. All women undergoing artificial insemination by donor spermatozoa (AID) and concomitantly treated with TCM were invited to participate. The enrolled women underwent weekly TCM in parallel with medical therapy. The treatment lasted between 2 and 36 cycles (equivalent to a time period ranging from one month to one year). The control group was comprised of women who underwent AID without TCM and whose data were retrospectively retrieved from hospital files. Pregnancy was assessed by human chorionic gonadotropin findings in blood 12–14 days after IUI. The birth rate was calculated during follow-up.

Results: A total of 29 women aged 30–45 years were enrolled in the study. The historical control group included 94 women aged 28–46 years.

Results over an average 4-5 months cumulative period:
1. Acupuncture and herbs plus IUI; average age 39.43 years
2. Control group – IUI (DI) only; average age 37.12 years

Women who combined TCM with the procedures for undergoing IUI had significantly higher pregnancy (OR = 4.403, 95% CI 1.51–12.835,
p = 0.007) and birth rates (OR = 3.905, 95% CI 1.321–11.549, p = 0.014) than the control group.

Conclusions: TCM appears to be beneficial as an adjunctive treatment in IUI procedures. Randomized controlled trials are needed to further assess the role of acupuncture and herbs in this setting.

Full text of the study here: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment for IUI

by