[Acupuncture combined with medication improves endocrine hormone levels and ovarian reserve function in poor ovarian response patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transplantation].

Researchers in China studied whether acupuncture combined with hormone medication could help women with poor ovarian response (POR) who were undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The study included 100 women who had difficulty producing enough eggs during their first IVF cycle. Before their second IVF attempt, participants were divided into four groups: no treatment, medication only (Climen), acupuncture only, or both treatments combined. The acupuncture group received treatments at specific points including Guanyuan (CV4), Taixi (KI3), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Taichong (LR3) during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle for three months. The medication group took oral hormones for 21 days per cycle, also for three months. The results showed that all three treatment groups experienced improvements in hormone levels and ovarian function compared to the control group. Women receiving the combined acupuncture and medication treatment showed the most significant benefits, including better hormone balance, improved ovarian reserve markers, and higher numbers of quality embryos. These women also required lower doses of fertility drugs and fewer days of treatment. The study suggests that acupuncture, particularly when combined with standard medication, may improve the ovarian environment and support better outcomes for women with poor ovarian response undergoing IVF. If you're considering acupuncture for fertility support, seek a licensed acupuncturist with specialized training in reproductive health.

This randomized controlled trial examined 100 women with poor ovarian response (POR) undergoing IVF-ET across two treatment cycles. Participants were randomized into control, medication (Climen), acupuncture, or combined treatment groups before their second cycle. Acupuncture protocol involved manual stimulation of CV4, bilateral KI3, SP6, and LR3 during the follicular phase (days 8-15) for three menstrual cycles. Outcome measures included FSH, LH, E2, AMH, and antral follicle count (AFC), plus IVF parameters. The combined treatment group demonstrated superior outcomes: significantly reduced FSH, LH, and E2 levels; increased AMH and AFC; reduced gonadotropin dosage and administration days; elevated E2 on trigger day; and increased high-quality embryo yield compared to other groups (P<0.05). Both acupuncture alone and medication alone showed improvements over control, but combination therapy produced the most robust effects on endocrine regulation and ovarian reserve function, suggesting synergistic benefits for IVF outcomes in POR patients.