Electroacupuncture Modulates Reproductive Hormone Levels in Patients with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Results from a Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on serum FSH, E2, and LH levels, women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) were treated with EA once a day, five times a week for the first four weeks and once every other day, three times a week, for the following two months, and then were followed up for three months. Serum E2, FSH, and LH levels were measured at baseline, at the end of treatment, and during followup. A total of 11 women with POI were included in this prospective consecutive case series study. Compared with baseline, patients' serum E2 increased, FSH decreased, and LH decreased (P = 0.002, 0.001, and 0.002, resp.) after EA treatment, and these effects persisted during followup. With treatment, 10 patients resumed menstruation (10/11, 90.91%), whereas one patient remained amenorrhea. During followup, two patients, including the one with amenorrhea during treatment, reported absence of menstruation. Temporary pain occurred occasionally, and no other adverse events were found during treatment. The results suggest that EA could decrease serum FSH and LH levels and increase serum E2 level in women with POI with little or no side effects; however, further randomized control trials are needed.

Electroacupuncture for Reproductive Hormone Levels in Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Prospective Observational Study

“…Differences were also demonstrated in E2 and LH levels at weeks 12 and 24, respectively. Our results are comparable to those of previous studies in POI 11–14. Similar influences of acupuncture on FSH, LH and E2 levels have also been seen in studies of PCOS,23 menopausal symptoms and other gynaecological conditions,24 indicating that acupuncture can modulate reproductive hormone levels and improve ovarian reserve.…”

“…There are, nonetheless, three published case series studies and one low-quality RCT of acupuncture for the related condition of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Two case studies found that EA decreased serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) levels, increased serum oestradiol (E2) levels, relieved anxiety, reduced mental stress and improved menopausal symptoms,11 12 while the third simply reported that hormone levels were improved in 9 out of 15 patients without providing specific data 13. The single RCT14 randomised 151 patients to receive acupuncture (n=76) or clomiphene and diethylstilboestrol (n=75) for a total of 6 months, without explicitly disclosing the inclusion/exclusion criteria or methods of randomisation and allocation concealment.…”

Acupuncture to Reduce Sleep Disturbances in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

“…49 Studies have reported conflicting results regarding changes in hormone levels associated with acupuncture. 13,[50][51][52][53] This systematic review and metaanalysis shows a significant increase in serum estradiol levels (7.56 pg/mL) and reduced serum FSH and LH levels associated with acupuncture therapy (26.75 milli-international units/mL and 22.71 milliinternational units/mL, respectively). Moderator analyses showed that the studies in which the Sanyinjiao acupoint was applied were associated with a larger increase in serum estradiol level compared with those in which other acupoints were used.…”

Bee Stings at Sites of Acupuncture as a Potential Therapy for Idiopathic Premature Ovarian Failure: A Pilot Study

“…Serum concentration of E2 significantly increased from 49.5 ± 30.5 to 68.24 ±36.15 pmol/L (p = 0.001). In another study, electroacupuncture (EA) was used in 21 patients with idiopathic POF, EA stimulation in each patient was done for at least 20 minutes once daily and five times per week for the first four weeks, then once every other day and three times per week for the two months [26]. They were then followed for three months.…”

“…Improvement in symptoms of patients was also related to improved mental state including rhythmic secretions of pituitary gonadotropin. Acupuncture can manage various gynaecological disorders, including POF through modulation of the autonomic nerve functions [26]. Acupuncture in the lower abdomen enhances activities under control of the vagal innervation and suppress sympathetic activities simultaneously, this leads to stimulation of the autonomic innervation of the pelvic organs with increased their blood flow [28].…”