Health needs, treatment decisions and experience of traditional complementary and integrative medicine use by women with diminished ovarian reserve: A cross-sectional survey.

Women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) have fewer eggs than expected for their age, affecting about 10% of those seeking fertility treatment. Researchers surveyed 67 women in Australia and New Zealand with DOR to understand their health needs and treatment choices. The study found that DOR significantly impacted fertility (91%) and mental health (52%), revealing that women with this condition need support beyond just fertility treatment. While most women used medically assisted reproduction (MAR) like IVF, the success rates for DOR patients are notably lower than average. Complementary therapies were extremely popular, with 88% taking supplements, 75% seeing complementary medicine practitioners, and 66% using self-care practices. Women reported using these approaches primarily to improve fertility, support pregnancy, and enhance overall wellbeing. Acupuncture was among the most commonly used complementary treatments, along with meditation, naturopathy, massage, and yoga. Respondents perceived these therapies as beneficial for both fertility outcomes and general health. This study highlights that women with DOR face complex health challenges, particularly mental health concerns related to their diagnosis and treatment journey. The widespread use of acupuncture and other complementary therapies suggests that women value integrative approaches alongside conventional fertility treatments. If you're considering acupuncture for fertility support, seek a qualified practitioner with specialized training in reproductive health and appropriate licensure.

This cross-sectional survey examined health needs and treatment patterns among 67 women diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) in Australia and New Zealand. Data collection occurred April-December 2021 via online survey distributed through fertility support networks. Key findings revealed fertility (91.0%) and mental health (52.2%) as primary impacted health domains. While MAR remained the predominant treatment (38.8% current users, 37.3% previous users), traditional complementary integrative medicine (TCIM) utilization was notably high: 88.1% used supplements, 74.6% consulted TCIM practitioners, and 65.7% adopted self-care practices. Primary motivations included fertility enhancement, pregnancy support, and general wellbeing improvement. Acupuncture, meditation, naturopathy, massage, and yoga were most commonly utilized modalities. Clinical significance: DOR patients demonstrate substantial unmet mental health needs alongside fertility concerns. The high TCIM utilization rate (particularly acupuncture) indicates patient-driven demand for integrative approaches, presenting opportunities for collaborative care models addressing both reproductive and psychological health in this challenging patient population.