High follicle=-stimulating hormone levels, known as FSH, can indicate decreased ovarian reserve, which means you have fewer viable eggs left in your ovaries. Your FSH may rise as you age, making pregnancy less likely. An FSH of more than 11 milli-International Units per millilter indicates decreased ovarian reserve, according to the Advanced Fertility Institute of Chicago. Alternative medicine practitioners often recommend acupuncture, placement of long, thin needles into energy points, to treat infertility. Studies have shown some benefit in treating infertility, but benefits for lowering high FSH have not been proven.
Possible Benefits of Lowering FSH
High FSH is a symptom, not the cause of decreased fertility. But high FSH can prevent normal ovulation because the reproductive cycle depends on a delicate interplay of FSH, estrogen and luteinizing hormones. High FSH interferes with the feedback loop that signals the ovary to begin producing a egg-containing follicle. Lowering the FSH can restart ovulation, a long as you still have enough viable follicles. Acupuncture has its greatest success with musculoskeletal issues, according to author and acupuncturist Dr. Joseph Helms, and less with chronic medical conditions and serious systemic disorders such as HIV infection.
Acupuncture Studies and FSH
Several studies have shown a positive effect in treating infertility with acupuncture, particularly in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization, but studies on the FSH levels are less available. One older Japanese study reported in the winter 1976 issue of the "American Journal of Chinese Medicine" showed no change in FSH levels with acupuncture, but this study was done on normally ovulating women, not women with a high FSH level. Several German and Danish studies have shown improved pregnancy rates when acupuncture was done after ovulation, including a Danish study reported in the May 2006 issue of "Fertility and Sterility," but these studies also did not address changes in FSH levels.
Acupuncture Risks
Acupuncture in the hands of a knowledgeable practitioner has few risks. Infection or penetration of a major organ such as the lung, liver, heart or intestine constitute the main risks of acupuncture. If you become pregnant or could be pregnant, contraindicated acupuncture points include Gallbladder 21, Stomach 12, Large Intestine 4, Spleen 6, Bladder 60, Bladder 67 as well as any other acupuncture points in the lower abdomen or pelvis, the American Pregnancy Association states.
Considerations
Lowering FSH will not rejuvienate eggs or ovaries that are no longer viable. Many medications can artificially lower FSH, including synthetic estrogen known as ethinyl estrodiol. But just lowering FSH does not restore fertility, although it may induce ovulation in some cases. If you decide to use acupuncture or other alternative treatments to lower FSH, consider doing so under the care of a medical practitioner who specializes in infertility. Once your FSH rises, your chances of pregnancy dwindle with each month that passes.
References
- American Pregnancy Association; Treating Infertility Using Acupuncture; Mike Berkley; May 2007
- American Academy of Medical Acupuncture; An Overview Of Medical Acupuncture; Joseph M Helms
- Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago: Day 3 FSH Fertility Testing of Ovarian Reserve
- "American Journal of Chinese Medicine"; The Influence of Acupuncture Stimulation on Plasma Levels of LH, FSH, Progesterone and Estradiol in Normally Ovulating Women; T. Aso, et al.; Winter 1976
- "Fertility and Sterility"; Acupuncture on the Day of Embryo Transfer Significantly Improves the Reproductive Outcome in Infertile Women: A Prospective, Randomized Trial; L. Westergaard, et al.; May 2006
- "Human Reproduction"; Modified Natural Cycle IVF for Poor Responders; Jerome Check, M.D.; September 2005
