Study Shows Acupuncture Normalizes Hormones, Ups Pregnancy Rates

Study Shows Acupuncture Normalizes Hormones, Ups Pregnancy Rates

by | Aug 30, 2016 | Acupuncture Nashville TN

Researchers document that acupuncture produces higher pregnancy rates than fertility medications for women with hyperprolactinemia (HPL).

Acupuncture produces a higher rate of pregnancies than fertility medications with significantly less adverse effects. In a controlled clinical trial, researchers document that acupuncture outperforms bromocriptine and bromocriptine plus clomiphene for the treatment of infertility for women with hyperprolactinemia (HPL). Acupuncture produced a 43.3% pregnancy rate whereas fertility medications produced 20% pregnancy rate.

One important mechanism responsible for the fertility treatment success with acupuncture is hormonal regulation. Acupuncture more rapidly normalized levels of prolactin than fertility medications. In hyperprolactinemia, elevated levels of prolactin (PRL) hormone causes infertility by inhibiting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) production. GnRH is responsible for stimulating gonadotropins (Gn), luteinising hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) production. As a result, hyperprolactinemia affects the overall function of the ovaries, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation because Gn, LH, and FSH play an important biological role in reproductive health.

The study (Hu et al.) confirms that acupuncture normalizes prolactin levels more rapidly than receiving bromocriptine or bromocriptine plus clomiphene. Patients receiving acupuncture averaged a normalization of prolactin levels within two weeks. Patients receiving bromocriptine or bromocriptine plus clomiphene experienced normalization of prolactin levels within four weeks. The research indicates that acupuncture produces a faster homeostatic response for prolactin production in women with hyperprolactinemia.

One significant advantage to acupuncture treatment for the treatment of fertility emerged; acupuncture did not produce a high adverse effect rate. Conversely, fertility medications produced a high adverse effect rate. Patients receiving bromocriptine or bromocriptine plus clomiphene had a 63.33% adverse effect rate.

Hu et al. (Mawangdui Hospital of Hunan Province) determined that acupuncture is a preferential fertility treatment option for women with hyperprolactinemia. Production of greater positive patient outcomes combined with a significantly lower adverse affect rate was the basis for the conclusion. Let’s take a look at the treatment protocols for both the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach and the pharmacological approach.

The investigation included 60 female patients with infertility due to hyperprolactinemia. They were randomly divided into two equal sized groups. Patients ranged from age 26 to 33. The duration of illness ranged from 2 to 8 years. Acupuncture group patients received only acupuncture. Medication group patients received bromocriptine or bromocriptine plus clomiphene. The clomiphene was added for patients with thermoregulation irregularities. The primary acupoints selected for acupuncture therapy were the following:

Qihai (CV6)
Guanyuan (CV4)
Zusanli (ST36)
Sanyinjiao (SP6)
Taichong (LV3)
Taixi (KD3)
Ligou (LV5)
Therapy commenced on the 8th day of menstruation. A 0.30 mm x 40 mm disposable needle was used to administer acupuncture on all acupoints. For Qihai and Guanyuan, the needle was inserted in a slanted orientation and an upwards direction, thereafter manipulated with the Bu (tonify) technique. Zusanli was pierced perpendicularly for a depth of 1.5 inches, and the needle was manipulated with the Bu technique. Taichong and Ligou were both pierced for a depth of 0.5 inches, perpendicularly and horizontally respectively, then treated with the Xie (reducing) needle manipulation technique. For Taixi, the needle was inserted perpendicularly 0.5 inches deep and manipulated with the Bu technique. A needle retention time of 30 minutes was observed. During each menstrual cycle, one daily acupuncture session was conducted for a total of 10 days. The above treatment was administered for a period of 1 year.

For the fertility medication control group, an initial dosage of 1.25 mg of bromocriptine was administered twice per day after meals for 7 consecutive days. After that, the dosage was increased to 2.5 mg. Patients remained on the medication for a period of 1 year. In cases where the patient did not experience changes in dual-directional thermoregulation after 3 months of bromocriptine treatment, clomiphene was administered to facilitate ovulation. Bromocriptine is a synthetic drug and is an analogue of ergot alkaloids. It stimulates cortical dopaminergic receptors thereby inhibiting prolactin release. Clomiphene is a fertility drug that stimulates ovulation.

In hyperprolactinemia, women have unusually high levels of peripheral prolactin (PRL) and experience hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis dysfunction. This often causes menstrual disorders, galactorrhea, reproductive dysfunction, and infertility. The rate of occurrence of hyperprolactinemia is 0.4% among healthy women and 7% – 9% for infertile women (Zhang, 2012). The authors focused on the benefits of acupuncture for promoting fertility. However, the normalization of prolactin levels may have additional benefits for the patients. Further studies to examine the more global effects of acupuncture on PRL normalization and bodily health are required to quantify and confirm these additional benefits.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hyperprolactinemia results from a Chong and Ren meridian imbalance. The acupuncture point prescription chosen for the treatment protocol reflects this principle. The signature Zusanli acupoint is effective in promoting overall qi circulation. Together with Qihai and Guanyuan, these three acupoints consolidate yuan qi, revitalize the body, nourish body cells, and strengthen the reproductive system. Taichong and Ligou are acupoints located along the liver meridian, making them significant acupoints for promoting liver health. Taixi, being a kidney meridian acupoint, is ideal for promoting kidney health. Sanyinjiao is a powerful acupoint that maintains general bodily health and has proven efficacy in treating gynecological disorders. Acupuncture administered to Taichong, Ligou, Taixi, and Sanyinjiao has an overall effect of promoting qi circulation along the liver, spleen, and kidney meridians. Acupuncture on all of the aforementioned acupoints collectively promotes liver and kidney health, dredges liver qi, and benefits the Chong and Ren meridians.

As part of continuing education in the field of acupuncture and clinical research, additional studies using this acupuncture point prescription protocol with larger sample sizes will help to confirm the findings of Hu et al. It will also be interesting to see a third study group added to future investigations comparing acupuncture combined with medications to groups receiving medications or acupuncture only.

Rubin et al. conducted an investigation of acupuncture combined with medications. The research team consisted of investigators from the University of Washington, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, and Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences. Their meta-analysis confirms that live birth rates increase when acupuncture is added to standard care protocols for women receiving donor egg IVF (in vitro fertilization).

Xu et al. conclude that acupuncture benefits fertility rates for women with anovulatory infertility. The Ruikang Hospital researchers had a sample size of 40 patients. The effective rate was 85% based on the pregnancy rates measured in follow-up examinations. Acupuncture normalized FSH, LH, and E2 levels. Additionally, the thickness of the endometrium and the follicle diameter increased. Zigong, CV4, and CV3 were the primary acupoints used in the treatment protocol supplemented by additional Ling Gui Ba Fa acupoints. Ling Gui Ba Fa (eightfold sacred tortoise method) employs the addition of acupoints from a selection from the eight confluent points based on the time of day.

Overall, there is wealth of information indicating that acupuncture is successful in promoting reproductive health. Pregnancy rates increase accompanied by measurable improvements in hormonal regulation. Additional research is warranted based on the evidence.

 

References:
Hu J, Yan XL & Wang ZX. (2014). Acupuncture and Bromocriptine in the Treatment of Special HPL in Infertile Women. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 30(7).

Zhang P. (2012). Bromocriptine in treating hyperprolactinemia. Journal of Jingchu University of Technology. 24(7): 50-52.

Hullender Rubin, Lee E., Michael S. Opsahl, Lisa Taylor-Swanson, and Deborah L. Ackerman. “Acupuncture and In Vitro Fertilization: A Retrospective Chart Review.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2013).

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2012 Feb;32(2):113-6. Effects of electroacupuncture on embryo implanted potential for patients with infertility of different symptom complex]. Kong FY, Zhang QY, Guan Q, Jian FQ, Sun W, Wang Y. Department of Reproduction, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of TCM, Jinan, China.

Xu, Yin, and Miao Zhang. Efficacy observation on 40 cases of anovulatory infertility treated by acupuncture and moxibustion. World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion 23, no. 1 (2013): 40-43.

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1668-acupuncture-normalizes-hormones-ups-pregnancy-rates

Help the Body Without Hurting the Wallet

by | Jan 15, 2015 | Uncategorized

Looking to help your body without causing a lot of hurt to your wallet? Affinity Acupuncture has treatment packages available – 5 acupuncture sessions for $325 or 10 acupuncture sessions for $600. That’s a savings of 20% off standard rates. If you’re interested in learning more about how acupuncture can help you, call 615-939-2787 today. 

11 Reasons to try Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

by | Jan 8, 2015 | Uncategorized

1)      It’s customized to fit you and your needs.
Two people might come in with knee pain on the same day, but they won’t get the same treatment.  The body is made of numerous components, and things such as your digestion, the appearance of your tongue, your energy level, and the sound of your voice factor in to determining the treatment protocol specific to you and your needs.  

2)      It’s not as scary as it seems.
Yes, acupuncture uses needles, but they are about a tenth the size of a hypodermic needle.  You’ll feel them, sure, but most people describe feeling a pressure, and rarely even feel discomfort.  And look at it this way: isn’t getting past chronic pain, nausea, or illness worth 30 minutes with needles?   

3)      It’s non-invasive.
Unlike surgeries, acupuncture does not cause scar tissue.  There’s no need for anesthesia, or even bandages.  The risk of infection is minimal.  Some clients feel their bodies healing after an acupuncture session, but it’s not as significant as recovery post-surgery.

 

4)      It treats the problem, not just the symptoms.
Consider infertility, for example.  IVF and hormone therapies can be effective, but they are invasive and disruptive to life, not to mention expensive.  And they don’t necessarily treat the underlying challenges to conception.  We consider the whole body, and look at the conditions within the male and female body that are making it hard to get pregnant.  Stress levels, digestion, sleep quality, and more all affect reproductive health.  Acupuncture, sometimes in conjunction with herbal remedies, can be highly effective in restoring the body to balance so it can conceive and foster a healthy pregnancy (at a fraction of the cost).  

5)      Its side effects are helpful, not harmful.
Numerous individuals come in for treatment of a specific condition, such as high blood pressure, and find that acupuncture sessions improve their stress level, sleep, overall mood, and digestion also.  Medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, and more can get good results – for treating their target conditions.  They also make the body work incredibly hard to process the foreign substance, and over time can cause damage to the liver and other vital organs, not to mention other side effects.  One of the most common types of overdoses seen in hospitals is over the counter pain medicine.

 

6)      It works.
Acupuncture has been around since before recorded history.  That’s why it’s difficult to determine if it’s 2,500 years old, 4,000 years old, or more.  Tens of billions of people have used it over the millennia.  It isn’t as familiar in the US, because we only really started using it here in the 1970s.  Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world.  Nothing gets that kind of staying power if it doesn’t work.

7)      It’s your time and money – we respect that
Your health is your most important resource, and our job is helping you reach your wellness goals.  You deserve to have someone focus their attention on you for long enough that you get all of your questions answered and receive the treatment that you require.  We reserve at least 60 minutes for each session to make sure you get the time you need.
There are no silver bullets in life.  Healing takes time. You and your health are our priority.  We offer acupuncture, massage therapy, and various forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and will schedule enough time to make sure you get all of the treatments that you need. 

8)      It isn’t all in your head.
We get a lot of calls from people who say “I’ve tried everything else,” or “They say it’s XYZ, but I just don’t think so,” or even “I’ve had tons of tests and they’re all inconclusive, but I know something is wrong.”  You know your body and when something is off, but the symptoms you have might not make sense to someone with Western medicine training.  That doesn’t mean they’re bad physicians by any means, but Traditional Chinese Medicine can effectively treat syndromes and symptoms that aren’t clearly defined by Western standards.

9)      It’s a great preventative treatment, too.
Every so often, a client calls and asks for a “general tune up”.  The acupuncture treatments they received several months ago fixed their neck or back pain, but they generally feel out of sorts, or off-balance.  Acupuncture is the practice of restoring balance in your body.  It increases circulation, improves immunity, and much more.

 

10)   It’s more affordable than you think.
We’re so used to having insurance cover our medical expenses that when we’re asked to pay for care out of pocket, it feels expensive.  Minor surgeries cost at least $10,000, and major operations can easily be ten times that.  A year’s worth of cholesterol or blood pressure medication can cost over $1,000 out of pocket, even if you have insurance.  Many of those require other medications to counteract the side effects, too!  Certain surgeries and medications can be avoided with lifestyle changes that include preventative care. 
 

11)   It’s more popular than you realize.
Acupuncture really only started to become popular in the US in the 1970s, and because it’s so new here, the practice has its fair share of critics.  Chiropractic work and yoga went through the same thing.  But roughly two billion people around the world currently use acupuncture as their primary form of medicine.  Many insurance companies are slow to include acupuncture in their range of covered services, but an increasing number of doctors and nurses are realizing the “pill for every ill” approach to medicine can be improved by treating the whole person with a variety of modalities.