Premature ovarian failure (POF) occurs when a woman’s
ovaries, which store and release eggs, stop working before she turns age 40. It
is characterised by irregular periods or cessation of periods associated with high
levels of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and low levels of
oestrogen. Infertility is a common result. It is believed that causes of POF
may be linked to genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, resulting from pelvic
surgery such as hysterectomy and cancer treatments such as radiotherapy or
chemotherapy.
Patients with POF are often recommended to have hormone
replacement therapy to prevent some of the problems. For women wishing to have
a baby, IVF with donor’s egg is the recommended course of action.
Acupuncture has long been used to treat infertility-related
conditions. However how does acupuncture regulate ovulation is unclear. Recently
a pilot study investigated the mechanisms of acupuncture in ovulation
regulation in patients with POF. Thirty one patients with POF were treated with
acupuncture once other day, three times a week for three months. At the end of
treatment, biochemical studies showed that the serum levels of follicle
stimulation hormone and luteinizing hormone were significantly reduced and
serum levels of oestrogen were significantly elevated compared to prior
treatment base line. Four patients resumed menstrual cycle after treatment and
two patients resumed menstrual cycle during one month follow-up. The data suggested that acupuncture improves POF by regulating ovulation related hormones.
Reference:
Chen Y et al., Effect of acupuncture on
premature ovarian failure: a pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.
2014; 2014:718675. doi: 10.1155/2014/718675. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24711856 
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