A Review of Acupuncture’s Effect on Reproductive Hormones and the Uterus

Here at Mitchell Family Acupuncture, we have no doubts about the efficacy of our treatments as we’ve seen firsthand how acupuncture has changed the lives of our patients over the years.

Still, as enthusiastic as we are, we recognize the science of acupuncture has its skeptics, so we are always excited by real studies and proof that what we do does get results, particularly when it comes to women’s health.

Our very own Dr. Hana Lurie, L.Ac., DAOM shares in this journal entry a paper published in The Journal of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine.

Here’s an excerpt from the paper

Acupuncture is used to treat a vast array of reproductive and gynecological conditions. Though acupuncture seems to be effective in treating these conditions, often its mechanism of action is unclear. This begs the question: what is acupuncture’s direct effect on our reproductive physiology? In reviewing current research, it is clear that acupuncture regulates the reproductive system via hormone pathways, as well as directly affecting the uterus. 

Some of acupuncture’s direct actions on the uterus are structural, such as angiogenesis and endometrial thickness, while others are on a functional level such as strength and intervals of uterine contractions. Hormonally, acupuncture has been shown to alter levels of progesterone and prolactin serum levels, FSH, LH, estradiol levels, testosterone, and more. Perhaps as a result of regulating a patient’s hormone levels, mood and mental-emotional status also appear to improve with acupuncture.

Read the full document here:

A Review of Acupuncture’s Effect on Reproductive Hormones and the Uterus