American researchers have investigated the effects of acupuncture on cortisol and prolactin levels in patients undergoing drug treatment in preparation for IVF.
Sixty-seven women were randomised to receive either standard IVF alone or IVF plus acupuncture. Levels of cortisol and prolactin in the blood, were measured regularly during the treatment cycle. Cortisol levels in the acupuncture group were significantly higher on IVF medication days 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 & 13, compared with the control group. Prolactin levels in the acupuncture group were significantly higher on IVF medication days 5 ,6, 7 & 8, compared with the control group.
The authors of the study conclude that acupuncture appears to achieve beneficial regulation of these hormones during the medication phase of the IVF process, and a trend towards more normal fertile cycle characteristics.
(Changes in Serum Cortisol & Prolactin Associated with Acupuncture during Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation in Women undergoing in vitro fertilisation-embyro transfer Treatment. Fert Steril.2008 Dec 30 Epub ahead of print)