Chinese Medicine enhances Fertility in DOR (Diminished Ovarian Reserve)

DOR refers to the condition of having a low number of normal oocytes (eggs) or having poor quality oocytes(eggs). (Scott et al. 1995). Clinically, DOR will present with an abnormal range of hormone levels such as FSH, LH and AMH.

The ovarian reserve is mainly regulated by a hormone feedback loop—Hypothalamic Pituitary Ovarian Axis (HPO- Axis) which regulates the menstrual cycle and consequently ovarian functions.

Chinese Medicine treatment may help with the DOR condition in many ways.

Regulates the HPO-Axis

Traditionally, TCM does not have an exact term for DOR.  However, TCM treatment modalities such as herbal medicine and acupuncture can help improve the ovarian functions and egg quality and potentially result in healthy embryos.

A recent study suggests that Chinese Herbal Medicine formulae act in the treatment of DOR by modulating sex hormone secretion via HPO-Axis. https://ovarianresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13048-025-01669-4

Improves blood flow to uterus and ovaries

Acupuncture improves microcirculation to the reproductive organs.  Recent basic and clinical research has demonstrated that electro-acupuncture stimulation regulates uterine and ovarian blood flow (OBF).  The effect is most likely mediated as a reflex response via the ovarian sympathetic nerve.  More blood supply and nutrients to the reproductive organs contributes to improving ovarian function and the quality of the uterine lining, both of which help to improve the fertility rate.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC411056/

Reduces stress and decreases cortisol level

Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture help to switch the fight-or-flight mode (Sympathetic Nervous System) to the resting mode (Parasympathetic Nervous System).  As a result, the stress hormone (cortisol) decreases and indirectly contribute to more balanced hormone levels.

Herbal medicine promotes cell development

According to a laboratory study *, a certain group of Chinese medicine herbs have a particular quality of ATP (the energy currency of the cell) enhancement in cells.  Hi-ATP is required during egg cell development and embryo cell division, the process that occurs after fertilization.

* Lyttleton, J., Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine. 2^nd edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2013; P-87

Promotes cycle regularity and egg quality

Throughout regular treatment over 3-6 months, many patients experience:

• More regular periods

• Improved Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

• Enhanced cervical mucus quality

• Better response to IVF or IUI cycles