Insights & Discussion
PCOS patients suggests that combining acupuncture with metformin might enhance pregnancy and ovulation rates, as well as improve insulin resistance.
The study initially screened 330 relevant articles, eventually including nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria. These trials encompassed 1,159 patients with PCOS who underwent acupuncture or acupuncture combined with metformin treatment. Using the GRADE method, a "Summary of Findings" table was employed to evaluate the quality of evidence for various outcome measures. The main results indicated that acupuncture combined with metformin exhibited superiority over metformin alone in terms of pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, and HOMA-IR (insulin resistance). Subgroup analysis highlighted that diagnostic criteria and random methods contributed to heterogeneity in results.
However, the evidence's quality was predominantly low or very low due to study limitations, inconsistencies, and imprecisions. The intervention measures, such as acupuncture methods and treatment parameters, varied substantially among studies. Challenges in contacting original authors and incomplete information posed further limitations. The study suggested potential improvements in pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, and HOMA-IR with acupuncture combined with metformin, but these findings were subject to uncertainties related to diagnostic criteria and overall evidence quality. Consequently, the conclusive efficacy of acupuncture combined with metformin for treating PCOS remains uncertain due to the dearth of high-quality research. The study called for well-designed and well-executed RCTs to address this question under standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols for acupuncture and metformin.
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The study found that acupuncture as an adjuvant therapy for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in infertile women had positive effects on pregnancy outcomes.
2022 Frontiers in Public Health Effects of acupuncture on the pregnancy outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A systematic review and meta-analysis Zhu C, Xia W, Huang J, Zhang X, Li F, Yu X, et al.
Systematic Review Embryo Transfer
The study investigates the effects of acupuncture as supplementary therapy for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in infertile women. It finds significant positive impacts on clinical pregnancy rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, endometrial thickness, and pattern. However, the evidence quality is considered unsatisfactory, prompting a call for more robust research and refined acupuncture protocols.
Honey, combined with Iron (Fe), effectively enhances hemoglobin levels and reduces oxidative stress markers in anemic expectant mothers.
2022 Journal of Asian Multicultural Research for Medical and Health Science Study Effect of Honey to Levels Hemoglobin and Levels of 8-Hydroxy-2-Deoxyguanosin (8-Ohdg) in Pregnant Women with Anemia A A, Astuti A, Leli L, Saad R
Randomised Controlled Trial Anaemia Haemoglobin Honey
This quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design involved 30 pregnant women divided into two groups: one receiving Fe (Control Group) and the other Honey + Fe (Intervention Group) for 60 days. Blood and urine analyses revealed a remarkable increase in hemoglobin levels in the Honey + Fe group (2.80 ± 0.26 g/dl), surpassing the Fe control group (0.80 ± 0.13 g/dl). Moreover, the Intervention Group demonstrated a notable decrease in 8-Ohdg levels (-4.23 ± 1.32 nmol/ml, p = 0.031), indicating reduced oxidative stress, while the Fe control group exhibited less significant changes (2.98 ± 1.30 nmol/ml, p = 0.322). Independent T Test confirmed the Honey + Fe group's superior effectiveness in increasing hemoglobin levels and decreasing 8-Ohdg levels in anemic pregnant women (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively).
The study underscores the synergistic benefits of honey and iron supplementation in enhancing hemoglobin levels and mitigating oxidative stress among anemic pregnant women. The robust findings, supported by statistical significance, emphasize the potential clinical relevance of incorporating honey into anemia management strategies, offering a more effective approach compared to iron supplementation alone.
Acupuncture treatment for postpartum depression is effective and can improve Hamilton Depression (HAMD) Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and serum estradiol scores.
2021 World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Meta analysis on acupuncture for postpartum depression WANG, J., TAN, L., MEI, Q., et al.
Systematic Review Postpartum Depression
Meta analysis was conducted in the literature in recent 10 years relating to clinical randomized controlled trials of acupuncture in treatment of postpartum depression, which provided references for acupuncture in treatment of postpartum depression.
Fourteen articles were included in this study, among which, acupuncture group was set as treatment group, and oral administration of fluoxetine as control group in 4 articles; acupuncture group was set as treatment group, and oral administration of maltodextrin granules as control group in 2 articles. The differences in the 6 articles were statistically significant, without interference from other compound factors.
The date palm enhances both male and female fertility parameters through its nutritional attributes and antioxidant functionality.
2021 Metabolites Therapeutic Potential of Date Palm against Human Infertility: A Review Shehzad M, Rasheed H, Naqvi SA, Al-Khayri JM, Lorenzo JM, Alaghbari MA, et al.
Review Article Date Fruit Female Fertility Ovarian Function
The research conducted a thorough review of the role of date palm in treating infertility. The health benefits of date palm and its varied components were explored, with a focus on their effects on reproductive parameters in both sexes. The comprehensive review shed light on how the substantial nutrients and antioxidant features of date palm can be beneficial for people dealing with infertility.
In men, the study found direct links between consumption of date palm and improved hormonal levels alongside notable enhancements in seminal vesicle parameters and sperm quality. For women, this natural remedy showed a positive impact on the process of oogenesis, hormone regulation, and improving pregnancy outcomes. The focus was on the potential of date fruit as a natural enhancer of fertility, downplaying the role of any synthetic or invasive medical interventions. The study thus testifies to the innovative use of a widely available natural resource in addressing a pressing health issue.
Endometriosis and Adenomyosis can have impact on miscarriage risk in pregnancy.
2020 BioMed Research International Miscarriage on Endometriosis and Adenomyosis in Women by Assisted Reproductive Technology or with Spontaneous Conception: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Yangxue Huang, Xianhong Zhao, Yiyuan Chen, Jie Wang, Weilin Zheng, Lixing Cao
Systematic Review
The study analyzed 39 publications involving 697,984 women to assess the impact of endometriosis (EMS) and adenomyosis (AD) on miscarriage risk. Women with EMS showed increased miscarriage risk in spontaneous conception (SC), but similar risk in assisted reproductive technology (ART) compared to tubal infertility. AD was associated with higher miscarriage risk in ART. Sensitivity analyses supported these conclusions. EMS staging did not significantly alter miscarriage risk. Early-stage EMS showed higher early abortion risk. No significant associations were found between EMS and low birthweight, placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, or preeclampsia. EMS correlated with higher odds of antepartum hemorrhage, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm birth, placenta praevia, and stillbirth. SUP and DIE were linked to increased miscarriage risk, while OMA showed no significant association. The findings suggest the need for closer monitoring and follow-up for pregnant women with EMS or AD, particularly in early pregnancy. Standardized recording of EMS types, stages, and miscarriage timing is recommended for future studies.
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