Research & Evidence
Supporting Evidence for Complementary Therapies in Fertility and Hormonal Health
At Dr Ryu Natural Medicine, we value integrating evidence-informed complementary modalities—such as acupuncture and herbal medicine—into holistic care. Below, we present current scientific insights across multiple areas, with transparent citations and balanced framing.
1. Acupuncture and IVF Outcomes
- A 2021 overview of systematic reviews concluded acupuncture may improve clinical pregnancy rates (CPR)in IVF, with relative risk (RR) ~1.31; however, live birth rate (LBR), ongoing pregnancy, biochemical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates showed no significant improvement. Evidence quality is moderate with methodological limitations. (PubMed)
- A 2019 meta-analysis found that women with previous unsuccessful IVF attempts achieved notably higher CPR (RR 1.60) and LBR (RR 1.42) when acupuncture supplemented IVF. (BioMed Central)
- A 2025 study highlighted that acupuncture may alleviate pain and anxiety during IVF, though it could carry risks like early miscarriage if improperly applied. (ScienceDirect)
2. Acupuncture for Natural Fertility (Non-IVF)
- A 2022 review indicated acupuncture could improve pregnancy rates and reduce anxiety and depression among women overcoming infertility, though systematic evidence remains limited. (PMC)
- Preliminary mechanisms suggest acupuncture may support hormonal regulation, improved uterine/ovarian blood flow, and stress reduction—but high-quality evidence is still needed. (MDPI)
3. Acupuncture for PCOS
- A 2025 trial reported acupuncture may improve ovulation, pregnancy rates, androgen levels, and endometrial receptivity in PCOS. (ScienceDirect)
- However, a 2023 meta-analysis found no significant effect of acupuncture (with or without moxibustion) on live birth rates in PCOS. (Frontiers)
- A 2024 review indicated higher acupuncture “dose” (more frequent sessions) may relate to better IVF outcomes in PCOS. (BioMed Central)
- A 2023 study found acupuncture combined with moxibustion improved ovulation and pregnancy when used alongside standard PCOS treatments. (ScienceDirect)
4. Acupuncture for Hormonal Balance
- Integrative Traditional Chinese Medicine models propose acupuncture may modulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis, aid hormonal regulation, and reduce stress. (MDPI)
5. Acupuncture for Male-Factor Fertility
- While specific trials are sparse, broader reviews note acupuncture may improve reproductive outcomes and mental health in both men and women. (Frontiers)
6. Acupuncture for Diminished Ovarian Reserve / Ovarian Rejuvenation (e.g., PRP)
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injected intra‑ovarianly is being explored for ovarian rejuvenation: early studies show increased antral follicle count (AFC), improved blastocyst quality, and trends toward better pregnancy outcomes—but results are preliminary and not conclusive. (Wikipedia)
7. Acupuncture to Prevent Miscarriage
- Systematic reviews suggest acupuncture may reduce pregnancy loss rates, although again the evidence base is limited by study heterogeneity. (Frontiers)
8. Herbal Medicine
Fertility & Hormonal Health
- A 2020 review concluded herbal medicine may be effective in treating infertility, though it noted acupuncture showed lower evidence strength. (PMC)
PCOS, Dysmenorrhoea, Menstrual Irregularity
- Myo-inositol shows promise in improving menstrual cyclicity and hormonal profile in PCOS, but effects on actual pregnancy remain inconclusive. (Wikipedia)
- A 2018 RCT combining letrozole, electroacupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine improved ovulation and pregnancy rates in PCOS patients. (Wikipedia)
Supplements & Insulin Resistance (e.g., CoQ10, Myo-inositol)
- Coenzyme Q10 improved ovarian response and embryo quality in women with low ovarian reserve in RCTs. (Wikipedia)
- Myo-inositol improved fertilisation rates and ovarian sensitivity in poor responders in a 2021 trial. (Wikipedia)
Other Conditions (Premature Ovarian Failure, Thyroid, Autoimmune, Adrenal)
- High-quality clinical evidence for herbal interventions in these areas remains limited; most research is preclinical or anecdotal. Best practice: integrate herbal care with standard endocrine evaluation and management.
Summary Table
| Category | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Acupuncture & IVF | May increase pregnancy rates in certain groups (e.g., repeat IVF failures), but impact on live birth uncertain; variability in evidence. |
| Acupuncture (Natural Fertility, PCOS, Hormonal Balance) | Mixed outcomes; some RCT support ovulation/pregnancy improvements and stress reduction, especially when combined with acupuncture dose or herbal medicine. |
| Herbal Medicine & Supplements | Some RCTs support roles of myo-inositol, CoQ10, and certain herbal formulas in PCOS or diminished reserve, but evidence for live birth or broad fertility support remains preliminary. |
| PRP & Advanced Interventions | Experimental with early positive signals; not yet standard of care. |
| Safety | Generally safe when administered by qualified practitioners; rare serious adverse events. (The Guardian, MDPI, Wikipedia, Verywell Family, Wikipedia) |
How This Informs Our Practice
- Evidence-informed, not evidence-guaranteed—we integrate research findings with clinical judgment, personalisation, and collaboration with medical care.
- Combined modality strength—certain protocols combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, and supplements may offer additive benefits, particularly for PCOS and hormonal regulation.
- Low-risk supportive adjunct—while definitive outcomes are not assured, complementary therapies may enhance patient resilience, reduce stress, and support treatment adherence.
Important note: The research presented here is for informational purposes and should not substitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before pursuing new treatments.