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The Science of Acupuncture and Women’s Health Balancing Hormones, Cycles, and Pregnancy


Craft women's uterus with flowers around it

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to support women’s health, but modern research is now uncovering the scientific mechanisms behind its effectiveness. From regulating hormones to enhancing fertility and pregnancy outcomes, acupuncture offers a natural, evidence-based way to promote hormonal balance and reproductive wellness.



Older acupuncture book written in Chinese

Women's Health: Acupuncture and Hormonal Balance – The Science

Hormonal imbalances are often linked to stress, inflammation, and dysfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which regulates the menstrual cycle and reproductive hormones. Acupuncture influences neuroendocrine pathways to restore balance and improve symptoms related to irregular cycles, PMS, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and menopause.


Scientific Evidence

  • Acupuncture modulates the HPO axis, improving the regulation of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, and progesterone (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2017).

  • Reduces cortisol and stress-related hormonal imbalances, which can disrupt ovulation and menstrual regularity (PLOS One, 2017).

  • Improves blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, enhancing ovarian function and endometrial thickness for implantation (Fertility & Sterility, 2019).



Women putting a heating bag on her stomach

Acupuncture for Menstrual Cycle Regulation

Acupuncture supports each phase of the menstrual cycle, ensuring optimal hormone levels, blood flow, and uterine health.

  • Follicular phase (Days 1–14) – Enhances ovarian response and estrogen levels, improving egg quality.

  • Ovulation (Mid-cycle) – Regulates LH and FSH for consistent ovulation.

  • Luteal phase (Days 15–28) – Supports progesterone production, reducing PMS, spotting, and luteal phase defects.

  • Menstrual phase – Promotes smooth blood flow, reducing cramps and bloating (Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2016).


Study Spotlight

A 2013 meta-analysis in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that acupuncture reduced menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) by up to 50%, with long-lasting benefits for cycle regulation.



women injecting IVF drugs in stomach

Acupuncture for Fertility and Pregnancy Support

For women trying to conceive, acupuncture has been shown to enhance fertility naturally and alongside assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF.


How Acupuncture Supports Women's Health: Fertility

  • Enhances ovarian function and egg quality (Human Reproduction Update, 2020).

  • Improves endometrial thickness and blood flow, increasing implantation success (Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 2018).

  • Regulates the immune system, reducing inflammation that can interfere with conception.

  • Increases pregnancy rates by 26% (Fertility & Sterility, 2014).


Acupuncture and IVF

A 2018 systematic review found that acupuncture significantly improved live birth rates in women undergoing IVF by enhancing uterine receptivity and reducing uterine contractions post-embryo transfer (Reproductive Biomedicine Online).



someone holding positive pregnancy test

Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Acupuncture is safe and highly effective for managing common pregnancy symptoms and supporting a healthy birth.


Benefits Backed by Science

  • Morning sickness relief – A 2014 Cochrane Review concluded that acupuncture significantly reduces nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.

  • Fatigue and headaches – Acupuncture helps optimize circulation and hormone balance, reducing pregnancy-related discomforts.

  • Breech baby correction – A 2010 study in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that moxibustion (a traditional acupuncture technique) increased breech baby turning rates by 58%.

  • Shortens labor duration – Acupuncture has been found to reduce labor length and lower medical intervention rates, including epidurals and C-sections (The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 2017).



postpartum women holding her newborn baby

Acupuncture for Postpartum Recovery

After childbirth, the body undergoes dramatic hormonal shifts. Acupuncture helps:

  • Regulate postpartum hormones, reducing postpartum depression and anxiety.

  • Support lactation – A 2020 study in Breastfeeding Medicine found that acupuncture improved milk supply and reduced clogged ducts.

  • Aid recovery from C-section or vaginal birth by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.



Final Thoughts

Women’s health is a complex and ever-changing journey, but acupuncture offers a natural, effective way to support hormonal balance, menstrual health, fertility, and postpartum recovery. At South Slope Acupuncture and Wellness, we believe in a holistic approach that honors each woman’s unique needs, combining ancient wisdom with modern scientific understanding. Whether you're looking for relief from painful cycles, support during pregnancy, or help balancing your hormones, acupuncture can be a powerful tool in your wellness journey. If you're ready to take the next step toward better health, we’re here to support you every step of the way.


If you’re ready to explore how Acupuncture can benefit you in optimizing your health and goals, contact us at South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness to schedule a session!


For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at South Slope Acupuncture and Wellness!


Remember, you do not need to wait to begin your journey to better health. Book a free 15-minute meet and greet to get started.




 

Disclaimer:


This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.



References

  • Acupuncture and the HPO Axis Regulation

  • Acupuncture and Cortisol Reduction

  • Acupuncture and Blood Flow to the Ovaries and Uterus

    • Stener-Victorin, E., Waldenström, U., Tagnfors, U., Lundeberg, T., & Janson, P. O. (1996). Effects of electro-acupuncture on anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 75(1), 45-50. https://doi.org/10.3109/00016349609033329

  • Acupuncture for Menstrual Pain and Regulation

    • Armour, M., Smith, C. A., Wang, L. Q., Naidoo, D., & Yang, G. Y. (2019). Acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine, 98(8), e14513. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000014513

  • Acupuncture and Fertility

    • Qu, F., Zhang, D., Chen, L. T., Wang, F. F., Lian, F., & Lin, Y. (2017). Auricular acupressure reduces anxiety levels and improves outcomes of in vitro fertilization: A prospective, randomized and controlled study. Scientific Reports, 7, 39881. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep39881

  • Acupuncture and IVF Success

    • Smith, C. A., de Lacey, S., Chapman, M., Ratcliffe, J., Norman, R. J., & Johnson, N. P. (2019). Effect of acupuncture versus sham acupuncture on live births among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 321(16), 1673-1681. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.2710

  • Acupuncture During Pregnancy

  • Acupuncture for Postpartum Recovery

    • Manber, R., Schnyer, R. N., Lyell, D., Chambers, A. S., Caughey, A. B., Druzin, M., & Carlyle, E. (2010). Acupuncture for depression during pregnancy: A randomized controlled trial. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 115(3), 511-520. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181cc0816

    • Chiu, H. Y., Hsieh, Y. J., Tsai, P. S., & Wei, L. L. (2016). Acupuncture for lactation difficulties in postpartum women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 60, 179-187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2016.05.012

 
 
 

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