Research, Case Studies & Testimonials
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs alleviate symptoms of ovarian failure and perimenopause
Published On: Monday, September 13, 2021
Category: Gynaecology Clinic
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) can serve as complementary therapies to alleviate menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms, and improve serum sex hormone levels in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
Chinese authors conducted a systematic review, with meta-analysis performed on data from 14 trials involving 1030 women. Acupoint stimulation and CHM resulted in normalised menstrual cycles (risk ratio [RR] 2.06) and improved perimenopausal symptoms (RR 2.00), when compared with HRT. After treatment, compared with HRT, acupoint stimulation and CHM effectively decreased levels of follicle stimulating hormone (mean difference [MD] -2.88) and increased the level of estradiol (standardised mean difference [SMD] 0.88). The most frequently used herbs were observed to be Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Tu Si Zi (Cuscutae Semen), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Yin Yang Huo (Epimedii Herba), Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), Gou Qi Zi (Lycii Fructus), Bai Shao (Paeoniae Alba Radix), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Fu Ling (Poria), Ba Ji Tian (Morindae Officinalis Radix). The most used acupoints were Sanyinjiao SP-6, Guanyuan REN-4, Zusanli ST-36, Shenshu BL-23, Zigong M-CA-18, Xuehai SP-10, Pishu BL-20, Ciliao BL-32, Zhongji REN-3. Acupoint stimulation and Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020 Nov;41:101244.
