Ovarian Function

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• Definition
• Introduction
• Signs & Symptoms
• Research Summary

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Executive Summary

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Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Research into Chinese medicine treatment for Ovarian Function" summarising the research below and using language that can be easily understood by patients and avoiding medical jargon using a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Researched Chinese medicine treatments for Ovarian Function" summarising the research below in an objective and easy to understand way, and using language that can be easily understood by patients. Group the article into Chinese medicine treatments first, followed by nutrition and other treatments. Avoid using medical jargon and use a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write me a concise but easy to understand executive summary on the topic of "Chinese medicine treatments for Ovarian Function" based on the following research that I will give you. Your summary should be 2 paragraphs long in Australian English spelling and include references to the studies.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2026 in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology found that Oral Chinese herbal formulas have shown potential for improving hormone levels in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency, but their safety and overall efficacy remains unclear. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted by searching through eight bibliographic databases, clinical trial registry platforms, and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry until May 30, 2026. The aim was to compare hormone replacement therapy (HRT)-based regimens with pure oral Chinese herbal formulas within three specific categories of therapeutic principles. Emphasis was placed on evaluating menstrual return and levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and anti-Müllerian hormone, designated as primary surrogate biomarkers indicative of ovarian function. 41 HRT-controlled trials fitting the specified criteria were incorporated into the study. The review found no distinctive differences in menstrual return between participants using HRT and those using herbal formulas. However, hormone level analysis showed a preference towards herbal formulas for improving levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and anti-Müllerian hormone. Concurrently, these results were associated with high uncertainty due to their surrogate nature. Furthermore, the study also noted that fewer adverse events were reported among participants taking herbal formulas. Nevertheless, safety imperatives associated with herbal formulas could not be established due to incomplete reporting. Additionally, the study could not establish any comparative superiority among the specific categories of herbal formulas based on kidney-tonifying principles.

A published in 2025 in the journal Menopause found that Yangyin Shugan capsules can considerably enhance ovarian reserve function and emotional health in women suffering from premature ovarian insufficiency. Methodology: The study that involved 548 Chinese women diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency was conducted across 13 hospitals in Guangdong between August 2016 and June 2021. Following a screening process, 333 participants were selected and assigned to two groups. One group, twice as large as the second, received Yangyin Shugan capsules, while the control group received a placebo. The treatment period lasted for 12 weeks. Primary data gathered included the Kupperman Index and serum levels of basal follicle-stimulating hormone, baseline E2, and anti-Müllerian hormone. Secondary data were collected relating to psychological status scores and ovarian markers. Results: The findings reflected that Yangyin Shugan capsules had strong efficacy compared to the placebo across all endpoints. This included greater reductions in Kupperman Index scores and basal follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and higher increases in anti-Müllerian hormone levels. Participants in the treatment group also showed larger gains in antral follicle counts and improvements in peak systolic velocity, coupled with greater reductions in psychological scores reflecting emotional status. All results highlighted the significant improvement in ovarian reserve function and emotional disorders in women with premature ovarian insufficiency when treated with Yangyin Shugan capsules.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2024 in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry found that Acupuncture-related therapies are more effective than hormone therapy in relieving anxiety and depression symptoms in women with decreased ovarian function. The researchers performed a comprehensive search of eight prominent databases to find randomized controlled trials concerning the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture on patients with ovarian hypofunction, up to October 30, 2024. These databases included international platforms such as PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, as well as China's Biomedical, National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP databases. 12 such trials involving 780 patients were selected for meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of acupuncture-related therapies on these patients' mental health. The results of this study indicated that acupuncture-related therapies were superior to hormone therapy in relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with ovarian hypofunction. The included trials involved three categories of patients: those with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and premature ovarian failure (POF). Across all patient categories, acupuncture-related therapy consistently outperformed hormone therapy, supporting the use of these therapies in addressing mental health issues associated with decreased ovarian function.

A Systematic Review published in 2024 in the journal Medicine found that Acupuncture and moxibustion therapies, focusing on specific acupoints in the abdomen and lower back, provide a promising treatment approach for diminished ovarian reserve and premature ovarian failure. In the methodology used, the researchers gathered clinical studies on acupuncture and moxibustion treatments for diminished ovarian reserve and premature ovarian failure from five databases, up until the middle of September, 2024. The literature was carefully selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to establish a database of acupuncture and moxibustion prescriptions for these conditions. They conducted association rule analysis and complex network analysis on 70 articles and 67 acupoints arising from 70 prescriptions using software tools. The results observed a complex small-world network effect with 24 core acupoints on the abdomen and lower back, with the Guanyuan and Zusanli acupoints emerging as key nodes. The findings show that acupuncture treatments for these conditions often overlap with distantly located points. The combinations are oriented by therapeutic principles that prioritize the nourishment of the kidney, strengthening the spleen, regularizing liver qi, calming the heart, and promoting blood flow.

A Animal Study published in 2023 in the journal Food Research International found that Fermented soy milk significantly improves lipid profiles and fertility in a model of premenopausal mice, due to increased bioavailability and action of beneficial compounds. In this study, non-fermented soy beverage (SB) and soy beverage fermented with Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum INIA P815 (FSB) were tested on both cyclic and acyclic C57BL/6J aged female mice which mimic premenopause and menopause conditions respectively. Over a period of 36 days, the beverages were given to the mice and the variables measured included body weight, lipid and inflammatory profile and fertility. In addition, hepatic gene expressions were examined and the faecal microbiota composition was assessed to further understand the effects of the two beverages. In the results, FSB displayed a higher concentration of the aglycones daidzein and genistein as well as increased antioxidant activity due to the fermentation process. The cyclic mice that were given FSB experienced a significant rise in the number of oocytes and zygotes retrieved. It was also noticed that the triglycerides were lower in the groups that were given FSB compared to the SB groups. However, it was found that neither of the treatments significantly influenced the inflammatory profile or caused a major shift in intestinal microbiota or hepatic gene expressions in either of the groups. Still, it was observed that FSB had more health benefits than SB with regards to the lipid profile and fertility in the cyclic mice, likely due to the increased bioavailability and bioactivity of compounds due to fermentation.

A Network Pharmacology published in 2022 in the journal Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening found that The Chinese medicine formulas Zuo Gui Wan and You Gui Wan have the potential to treat premature ovarian failure through different pharmacological pathways. This study used a public database to identify the active ingredients and potential targets of the Zuo Gui Wan and You Gui Wan compounds. These were analyzed in relation to premature ovarian failure (POF) related genes obtained from OMIM and GeneCards. A protein-protein interaction network was established using STRING, and a drug-active ingredient-target gene network was constructed. The study thus identified similarities and differences in potential targets, active ingredients, and enriched pathways between the two compounds. Analyzing the drug-target-pathway network revealed that both compounds contain multiple common active ingredients, as well as unique components, and share several targets in the treatment of POF, showing similar core mechanisms of action. However, each compound also targets some unique pathways, which indicates their differential approaches to POF treatment.

A Experimental Study published in 2022 in the journal Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Saffron petal extract and anthocyanins can alleviate symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by rectifying hormonal imbalances and reducing inflammation in PCOS mice. The study conducted experiments on mice induced with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) through the injection of testosterone enanthate. These mice were then treated with saffron petal extract and anthocyanins to observe the effect on their ovarian hormones, steroidogenic enzymes, ovarian dysfunction, regulation of anti-inflammatory genes, and antioxidant factors. The treatment was found to decrease the elevated levels of luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estrogen in the PCOS mice, while reviving the reduced follicular-stimulating hormone and progesterone levels. In discussion of the results, it was observed that saffron petal extract and anthocyanins positively altered the levels of gonadotropin receptors, steroid receptors, inflammatory markers, inflammatory-related factors, and antioxidant enzymes that were affected by the PCOS condition in the subject mice. The study also noted that the reproductive tissues of the PCOS mice, which were converted into androgen-dominant environments by the testosterone enanthate induction, were restored into estrogenic conditions after the treatment. Further findings suggested that saffron petal extract and anthocyanins led to amelioration of PCOS symptoms by enhancing the regulation of ovarian steroids, steroidogenic processes, antioxidant enzyme production, and inflammatory markers.

A Systematic Review published in 2021 in the journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that Green tea extract could be considered a potential agent to attenuate PCOS complications mainly due to its effect on weight loss and glycemic levels. Current evidence indicates that green tea extract (GTE) supplementation has potential beneficial effects on PCOS. Of 314 articles found in the search, four human studies and four animal studies were included. All studies in humans showed the effects of GTE on weight loss. GTE's effect on decreasing testosterone levels in humans and LH levels in animals were also reported. In addition, increases in FSH and progesterone levels in animal models were observed. Although GTE improved fasting blood sugar and insulin levels, the effect of GTE on inflammatory parameters, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6 and antioxidant status, was limited to animal studies.

A Review Article published in 2021 in the journal Metabolites found that The date palm enhances both male and female fertility parameters through its nutritional attributes and antioxidant functionality. 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.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that In a meta-analysis of 14 trials with 1030 women, acupoint stimulation and Chinese Herbal Medicine were effective in improving menstrual cycles, perimenopausal symptoms, and sex hormone levels in comparison to Hormone Replacement Therapy. In a meta-analysis involving 14 trials with 1030 women experiencing Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), acupoint stimulation and Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) were found to offer benefits in normalizing menstrual cycles and improving perimenopausal symptoms, compared to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). These treatments also effectively lowered follicle stimulating hormone levels and increased estradiol levels when compared to HRT. However, there were no significant differences in luteinizing hormone levels or adverse effects between the groups. The conclusion of the study is that acupoint stimulation and CHM can be considered complementary therapies for alleviating menstrual disorders, perimenopausal symptoms, and serum sex hormone levels in POI females.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Acupuncture enhances Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFS) ovulation, hormone levels, artery characteristics. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the overall effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for treating Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFS) using Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). Ten studies with 715 participants were analyzed. Acupuncture, whether used alone or alongside other treatments, significantly improved ovulation rates, as confirmed by Trial Sequential Analysis. However, evidence regarding acupuncture's impact on pregnancy rates was insufficient. The studies also showed improvements in hormone levels and ovarian artery characteristics. The level of evidence for most outcomes was rated as "low" or "very low," emphasizing the need for cautious interpretation. The conclusion suggests that acupuncture, either alone or in combination with drugs, is effective in improving ovulation in LUFS cases. However, due to limited concurrent evidence, further high-quality studies are required to strengthen these findings.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science found that The present study indicated that acupuncture had an advantage over hormone replacement therapy in reducing serum FSH level and increasing serum E2 level in women with premature ovarian insufficiency. Eight eligible RCTs with a total of 496 POI patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that there was a significant reduction in the basal serum FSH level and a remarkable elevation in the basal E2 level in the acupuncture group when compared with the control. Subgroup analysis showed that compared with HRT, a significant decrease in the FSH level was observed in both acupuncture alone and acupuncture plus HRT, while a remarkable elevation of E2 was only found in acupuncture plus HRT. There was no significant difference in the LH level between acupuncture and HRT, only one trial reported AMH, and no significant difference was found between acupuncture and HRT.

A Systematic Review published in 2019 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that The use of acupuncture as a monotherapy significantly improved the rate of pregnancy among the study participants compared with the use of clomiphene citrate alone. The use of acupuncture in the treatment of infertility may be an appropriate alternative for some patients. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis available to date that compares the use of acupuncture alone or together with clomiphene citrate versus clomiphene citrate alone in the treatment of anovulatory infertility. While some results were promising, their validity is limited by questionable methodological designs, lack of sufficient allocation concealment, inadequate sample sizes and limited long-term follow-up. As such, any results drawn from these studies should be interpreted with caution and applied with care to clinical practice.

A Animal Study published in 2018 in the journal Nutrients found that Welsh onion root extract administration influenced aromatase production, enhanced the estrogen steroid synthesis, and consequently restored the estrogenic feedback mechanism on the pituitary-ovary system. Using letrozole-induced PCOS rats, we focused on herbal therapy using extract of Allium fistulosum (AF; A. fistulosum) roots to improve ovarian functions. As a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, letrozole blocks conversion of testosterone to estrogen and subsequently induces PCOS phenomenon. We divided six-week-old female rats into four groups, including control, letrozole, letrozole + AF extract, and temporary letrozole groups. In our study, treatment with AF extract shows a low plasma LH/FSH ratio, and reveals high estrogen levels, ovarian morphology, folliculogenesis-related genes, and aromatase expression under PCOS mimic conditions.

A Systematic Review published in 2015 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Acupuncture may impact Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFS) by lowering FSH, increasing E2, and resuming menstruation. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the potential of acupuncture for treating Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFS) through Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). Analyzing 8 studies involving 620 participants, the review found that acupuncture, whether alone or combined with drugs, could lower follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and increase the likelihood of menstruation resumption. Serum estradiol (E2) levels significantly increased with acupuncture, while luteinizing hormone (LH) levels showed no clear changes. Limited data on adverse events (AEs) suggested acupuncture's relative safety. However, due to small sample sizes, risk of bias, and varying study methodologies, the overall evidence quality was rated as "low" or "very low." This suggests a potential benefit of acupuncture for LUFS, but further high-quality studies are necessary to establish its effectiveness and safety definitively.

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