Does Acupuncture Improve Egg Quality and Ovarian Reserve? Can It Increase Low AMH?
When trying to conceive, one of the most critical factors that women face is their egg quality and ovarian reserve. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and as they age, both the quality of those eggs and the number (or ovarian reserve) decline.
For some, this decline can happen prematurely, which can lead to fertility challenges. One measure of ovarian reserve is Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), a hormone produced by follicles in the ovaries. Women with low AMH are often told they have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), meaning fewer eggs remain and, in many cases, these eggs are of lower quality.
Acupuncture, a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has gained traction as a complementary treatment for fertility. Acupuncture has been shown to help improve egg quality, increase ovarian reserve, and potentially raise AMH levels, all of which can significantly boost fertility potential.
In this blog, we’ll explore how acupuncture can benefit women with low AMH, improve egg quality, and why the Blackheath London Acupuncture Clinic is a trusted choice for fertility acupuncture.
Understanding AMH and Ovarian Reserve
What Is AMH?
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a protein hormone produced by cells in the ovarian follicles. It is commonly used as a marker for a woman’s ovarian reserve—the number of viable eggs she has left. A low AMH level indicates diminished ovarian reserve, which can lead to challenges with fertility. While low AMH doesn’t directly affect a woman’s ability to conceive, it is often correlated with fewer available eggs, and by extension, lower chances of pregnancy, particularly when undergoing treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Ovarian Reserve and Egg Quality
Ovarian reserve refers to the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs. While AMH levels indicate the quantity of eggs, the quality of those eggs also plays a crucial role in fertility. As women age, egg quality typically declines, increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and making conception more challenging. This is why many fertility experts focus not just on the number of eggs, but also on improving their quality.
Can Acupuncture Improve Egg Quality and Increase Low AMH?
Acupuncture has long been used to support reproductive health, including improving egg quality and addressing low ovarian reserve. More recently, studies suggest that acupuncture may help increase AMH levels in women with diminished ovarian reserve, enhancing their fertility potential. Here are some key ways acupuncture may help:
- Enhancing Blood Flow to the Ovaries
Acupuncture improves blood flow to the reproductive organs, particularly the ovaries and uterus. Enhanced circulation ensures that the ovaries receive optimal oxygen and nutrient supply, promoting healthier eggs. Poor blood flow to the ovaries can result in sluggish follicle development and lower-quality eggs.
By stimulating specific acupuncture points, practitioners can increase blood circulation to the ovaries, creating a more supportive environment for egg maturation. Research shows that improved blood flow to the ovaries can result in healthier eggs, which is especially important for women with low AMH.
- Regulating Hormonal Balance
Acupuncture is known for its ability to balance hormones, which plays a significant role in improving fertility. For women with low AMH or diminished ovarian reserve, hormonal imbalances often go hand-in-hand with reduced egg quality. Acupuncture helps regulate the production and release of key reproductive hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone.
Balancing these hormones can promote healthier follicular development, support ovulation, and improve the overall quality of eggs. Studies have shown that women undergoing acupuncture treatments have better hormonal regulation during fertility treatments, which can improve their chances of conceiving.
- Reducing Stress and Cortisol Levels
The stress and emotional toll of fertility challenges can have a profound impact on hormone levels, further complicating conception. High levels of cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) can interfere with reproductive hormones and negatively affect the body’s ability to produce and release healthy eggs. Stress can also suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which regulates ovulation and ovarian function.
Acupuncture has a well-documented ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. By lowering cortisol levels, acupuncture helps create a more balanced hormonal environment that supports healthy egg development and improves fertility outcomes.
- Supporting AMH Levels and Ovarian Reserve
Several studies have indicated that acupuncture may have a positive effect on AMH levels. While AMH naturally declines with age, acupuncture can help improve ovarian function, which may, in turn, boost AMH levels in some women.
One study published in the journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that acupuncture treatments increased AMH levels in women with diminished ovarian reserve. The researchers concluded that acupuncture’s ability to improve blood flow to the ovaries and regulate hormonal balance may contribute to the improvement in ovarian reserve and AMH production. Another 2015 study showed that acupuncture, when combined with herbal medicine, helped increase AMH levels in women with low ovarian reserve.
These findings suggest that acupuncture can be a valuable tool for women with low AMH who are seeking to enhance their fertility potential.
- Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation can have a detrimental impact on ovarian function and egg quality. Conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which are associated with chronic inflammation, can negatively affect fertility and ovarian reserve. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation by modulating the immune system and promoting a balanced inflammatory response. By reducing inflammation in the reproductive organs, acupuncture helps create a healthier environment for egg development and maturation.
Acupuncture and Egg Quality: The Research
While more research is needed to fully understand acupuncture’s impact on fertility, several studies have demonstrated its benefits in improving egg quality and ovarian reserve. Here are a few notable studies:
- Improved IVF Outcomes
A 2012 study published in Reproductive Medicine examined the effects of acupuncture on women undergoing IVF treatment. The study found that women who received acupuncture had higher-quality eggs retrieved during IVF cycles and a higher number of viable embryos. The researchers suggested that acupuncture’s ability to improve blood flow and hormone regulation played a significant role in these improved outcomes.
- Acupuncture and Low AMH
A 2017 study in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that acupuncture helped increase AMH levels in women with diminished ovarian reserve. The study concluded that acupuncture may improve ovarian function by promoting blood flow to the ovaries and supporting hormone regulation, leading to increased AMH levels in some women.
- Balancing Hormones
A 2015 study focused on women with PCOS, a condition that often leads to poor egg quality and low ovarian reserve. The researchers found that acupuncture helped regulate levels of LH and testosterone, which contributed to improved ovulation and healthier eggs. Women with balanced hormone levels had a better chance of producing high-quality eggs, improving their overall fertility outcomes.
When to Start Acupuncture for Low AMH and Egg Quality
Acupuncture treatments for improving egg quality and boosting ovarian reserve should begin 3-6 months before trying to conceive or starting fertility treatments. This allows time for acupuncture to stimulate blood flow, regulate hormone levels, and support overall reproductive health.
Frequency of Treatments
It’s recommended to receive acupuncture treatments once or twice a week during this period. For women undergoing IVF, acupuncture can be particularly beneficial during the ovarian stimulation phase to promote the development of healthy, viable eggs.
Why Choose the Blackheath London Acupuncture Clinic?
For women looking to improve egg quality and increase low AMH levels, the Blackheath London Acupuncture Clinic offers expert care and personalized treatment plans tailored to your fertility needs. Here’s why our clinic is the ideal choice:
Expertise in Fertility Acupuncture
At the Blackheath London Acupuncture Clinic, our practitioners specialize in fertility acupuncture with extensive experience supporting women with low AMH and diminished ovarian reserve. We use evidence-based acupuncture techniques to enhance reproductive health and improve your chances of conception.
Personalized, Holistic Care
We believe that every fertility journey is unique, which is why we provide personalized treatment plans designed to meet your individual needs. Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or undergoing fertility treatments, our holistic approach supports both your physical and emotional well-being.
Calm and Supportive Environment
Our clinic offers a nurturing, calm atmosphere where you can feel relaxed and supported throughout your fertility journey. We understand the challenges of fertility treatments, and our goal is to help you feel empowered and cared for at every stage.
Contact Us
To learn more about how acupuncture can improve egg quality and increase low AMH levels, contact the Blackheath London Acupuncture Clinic today.
Website: AcupunctureBlackheath.com
Email: blackheathacupunctureclinic@gmail.com
Book Your Appointment Today!
Acupuncture is a natural and effective way to enhance egg quality, boost ovarian reserve, and potentially raise low AMH levels. By improving blood flow, regulating hormones, and reducing stress, acupuncture can help create the optimal conditions for conception.
Schedule your appointment at the Blackheath London Acupuncture Clinic today to start your fertility journey with expert care and support!