Dr Maggie Ju Acupuncture London Chelsea, North Kensington, Notting Hill, and Richmond

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition characterized by a decline in ovarian function before the age of 40, which is a significant contributor to female infertility. This condition is marked by elevated levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), along with low levels of estradiol (E2). Common symptoms of POI include menstrual disturbances, as well as menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia. Additionally, POI increases the risk of decreased bone mineral density and cardiovascular disease. The incidence of POI is estimated to be around 1%–5%. The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) has established guidelines for the diagnosis of POI. According to these guidelines, the diagnostic criteria include age younger than 40, oligo/amenorrhea for at least 4 months, and FSH levels higher than 25 mIU/ml on two occasions separated by at least 4 weeks. While the exact causes of POI remain unclear, they may...

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced in the brain that plays a crucial role in the development of follicles in the ovaries, leading to the production of estrogen and progesterone. When the ovaries are not functioning optimally, they fail to respond to the stimulation provided by FSH. In such cases, the brain compensates by increasing the production of FSH, thereby urging the ovaries to work harder. Consequently, the level of FSH in the body becomes elevated. For women who desire to conceive, it is essential that their ovaries are functioning properly and producing eggs. A normal range of FSH levels indicates healthy ovarian function. Conversely, if FSH levels are low within the normal range, it signifies that the ovaries are functioning effectively. Research suggests that acupuncture can be beneficial in improving ovarian function and reducing FSH levels. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the existing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on ...