Acupuncture during IVF Preparation Regulates Hormones

Acupuncture during IVF. American researchers have investigated the effects of acupuncture during IVF on cortisol and prolactin levels in patients undergoing the associated drug treatment. 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. They add “With the data presented in this study, there does appear to be biochemical changes associated with the use of acupuncture in IVF that may explain the demonstrated improvements in reproductive outcomes. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, and while modern technology has assisted many couples to create families, we can expect even greater outcomes when both Eastern and Western medicines are combined.”

(Changes in serum cortisol & prolactin associated with acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer treatment. Fertility & Sterility, December 2009.)

Author: Robin Costello

I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training. I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.