Acupuncture & the Reproductive System

Imbalances in the reproductive system can be a sensitive subject for people – and natural medicine is a sensitive treatment.

What does science say about acupuncture and the reproductive system?

1. Acupuncture mediates the release of neurotransmitters, which may, in turn, stimulate secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone, thereby influencing the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility.
2. Acupuncture may stimulate blood flow to the uterus by inhibiting uterine central sympathetic nerve activity.
3. Acupuncture may stimulate the production of endogenous opioids, which may inhibit the central nervous system’s outflow and the biological stress response.

Animal studies indicate that intensive EA can facilitate substantial change in PCOS; that is, systemic and local effects involving intracellular signaling pathways in muscle that may account for the improved insulin sensitivity. Repeated low-frequency EA and physical exercise each improves hyperandrogenism and menstrual frequency in women with PCOS more effectively than no active intervention, with low-frequency EA being superior to physical exercise. These findings suggest that low-frequency EA may be used in the reduction of hyperandrogenism and oligo-/amenorrhea in women with PCOS.

Stress is known to have a negative effect on reproduction and perhaps the menstrual cycle. As acupuncture, for example, aids in lowering stress hormones, which undermine fertility, it is thought that this may be a major mechanism for acupuncture to influence reproductive function and account for fertility-boosting effects. One study examining the levels of “stress hormones” – serum cortisol (CORT) and serum prolactin (PRL) – during an IVF cycle demonstrated biochemical differences in serum levels of CORT and PRL in patients receiving acupuncture along with their IVF treatments. CORT levels in the acupuncture group were significantly higher (P<0.05) on IVF medication days 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13 when compared with controls. PRL levels in the acupuncture group were significantly higher (P<0.05) on IVF medication days 5, 6, 7, and 8 when compared with controls. This connection is demonstrated in further clinical studies (detailed in the following sections) of how stress reduction using acupuncture impacts reproductive health.

Infertility and recurrent miscarriage

Recent medical research suggests that infertility and miscarriages are caused by the mother’s overactive immune system.  The genetics that make up the embryo are half from the mother and half from the father.  When the mother’s immune system rejects the father’s genetic material, the rejection inhibits implantation of the embryo or causes miscarriage after implantation.  Calming down the mother’s overactive immune system with acupuncture can increase the chance of successful implantation and reduce the chance of miscarriage.