Effect of Acupuncture to Improve Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR), Increase Low AMH & Reduce High FSH
A recently published randomized, sham-controlled trial in the International Journal of Women’s Health evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture for diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Researchers found that women who received a 12-week course of acupuncture experienced significantly greater improvements in antral follicle count (AFC) compared with those receiving sham acupuncture, suggesting that acupuncture may play a supportive role in reproductive health.
The study also demonstrated that acupuncture was safe and well tolerated, with only mild and infrequent side effects reported. These findings add to the growing body of evidence supporting fertility acupuncture as a complementary approach for women navigating low ovarian reserve and IVF treatment.
Why This Study Matters
1. It Used a Rigorous Sham-Controlled Design
Acupuncture research is often criticized for lacking appropriate control groups. This study addressed that concern by comparing true acupuncture with sham acupuncture, allowing researchers to better evaluate whether the effects were due to the acupuncture treatment itself.
A total of 120 women between the ages of 18 and 40 with diminished ovarian reserve were randomized into either an acupuncture or sham acupuncture group, with 108 participants completing the study.
2. Acupuncture Improved Antral Follicle Count
The primary outcome measured was the change in antral follicle count (AFC), one of the markers commonly used to assess ovarian reserve.
After 12 weeks of treatment, women receiving acupuncture showed significantly greater improvements in AFC compared with the sham acupuncture group. Although both groups demonstrated some improvement, the acupuncture group experienced a larger increase.
While ovarian reserve markers cannot predict egg quality or guarantee pregnancy, improving ovarian response remains an important area of fertility research. For women searching for acupuncture for diminished ovarian reserve or acupuncture for low AMH, these findings offer encouraging evidence that acupuncture may help support reproductive health.
3. Better Hormonal Changes Were Observed
Researchers also evaluated several secondary outcomes, including:
- Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Estradiol (E2)
- Menstrual cycle length
- Anxiety scores
Both groups demonstrated improvements in AMH and reductions in FSH over the course of the study, although these differences were not statistically significant between groups. The acupuncture group also experienced improvements in anxiety scores during follow-up.
Many women diagnosed with low AMH or diminished ovarian reserve experience significant stress and uncertainty surrounding their fertility journey. In addition to supporting physical health, acupuncture may also help promote emotional well-being and reduce anxiety during fertility treatment.
4. Acupuncture Done by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) Demonstrated Minimal Side Effects
No serious adverse events were reported during the trial.
Among the 60 women who received acupuncture, only a small number experienced mild side effects such as temporary bruising or needling discomfort, all of which resolved naturally without medical intervention.
These findings reinforce what many practitioners observe in clinical practice: acupuncture is generally a safe and well-tolerated therapy when performed by qualified professionals. This is particularly reassuring for women seeking natural fertility support or complementary therapies alongside IVF.
What This Means for Patients Seeking Fertility Acupuncture in Markham
For women diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve, low AMH, or poor ovarian response, this study provides encouraging evidence that acupuncture may offer supportive benefits by improving certain markers of ovarian reserve while also promoting emotional well-being.
It is important to recognize that diminished ovarian reserve is a complex condition, and no single treatment can reverse age-related declines in fertility. However, acupuncture for diminished ovarian reserve may serve as a valuable complementary therapy alongside conventional fertility care, IVF treatment, and other assisted reproductive technologies.
At Full Circle Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic, we provide fertility acupuncture in Markham using evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s unique reproductive goals. Led by our team of experts and fertility acupuncturist, our clinic offers individualized care for patients seeking acupuncture for low AMH, acupuncture for diminished ovarian reserve, and IVF support in Markham.
Whether you are preparing for an IVF cycle, undergoing egg retrieval, or trying to optimize your fertility naturally, our goal is to support your journey with safe, holistic, and evidence-informed care.
As research on fertility acupuncture continues to evolve, studies such as this help strengthen the growing body of evidence supporting acupuncture as an integrative approach to reproductive medicine. If you are trying to conceive and have been struggling with low AMH, diminished ovarian reserve, high FSH and are interested in better understanding how acupuncture can help, our team is committed to helping you navigate your fertility journey with compassionate and personalized care.
Reference
Wang X, Du P, Yang L, et al. Effect of Acupuncture for Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial. International Journal of Women’s Health. 2026;18:580821.