Acupuncture for Diminished Ovarian Reserve

When your doctor tells you that you have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), it can feel like your fertility dreams are slipping away. DOR means your ovaries contain fewer eggs than expected for your age, and those eggs might not be as healthy as they once were. Conceiving naturally becomes harder. IVF feels more uncertain.

But here’s something many women don’t know: Acupuncture can be a powerful ally in this journey. This cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used for centuries to support reproductive health.

Fertility acupuncture, as offered at City Pulse Acupuncture, is a non-invasive therapy that supports fertility by boosting ovarian function, balancing hormones, and enhancing overall reproductive health.

Acupuncture can play a vital role in improving reproductive health by targeting specific acupoints to enhance circulation to the ovaries and uterus. This improved blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients, which may support healthier follicles and egg development. This improved circulation can help optimize your ovarian reserve function over time. By stimulating the body’s natural hormonal pathways, acupuncture also helps regulate cycles and reduce stress—both critical factors for improving ovarian function.

• Your ovaries get the circulation boost they need
• The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (your hormone control center) starts communicating more clearly
• Cortisol levels drop, which is crucial since stress hormones can sabotage ovulation
• Your nervous system shifts out of constant fight-or-flight mode

Initial Fertility Consultation and Planning

The first session includes a full review of your reproductive history, lifestyle, and lab work such as AMH and antral follicle count (AFC). Your acupuncturist will use this information to create a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your fertility goals, whether you’re preparing for IVF or trying to conceive naturally.

What Happens During a Typical Acupuncture Session

Each session involves the gentle insertion of sterile, single-use needles into points that influence fertility, stress relief, and hormone regulation. The treatment usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes, during which you’ll relax in a quiet space to allow the body to respond to the stimulation. Many patients find the sessions deeply calming and restorative.

How Long Does Fertility Acupuncture Take?

For best results, a typical course of treatment lasts 8 to 12 weeks. Weekly or biweekly sessions are often recommended to cover one or two full menstrual cycles. The number of sessions may increase around ovulation or in the lead-up to IVF procedures to support egg retrieval and implantation.

Acupuncture integrates well with both natural conception and assisted fertility methods. When combined with IVF, acupuncture may enhance ovarian responsiveness, increase uterine receptivity, and reduce anxiety during the process.

Acupuncture Protocols for IVF, Egg Retrieval, and Embryo Transfer

This approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of fertility treatments while supporting the body’s natural reproductive function.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve, primary ovarian insufficiency, low AMH, or elevated FSH, acupuncture might be exactly what you need. It’s particularly valuable if you’re preparing for IVF, trying to conceive in your late 30s or 40s, or looking for natural ways to support your reproductive health. Women with poor ovarian response to fertility medications often find that acupuncture helps their bodies become more receptive to treatment. 

The best part? Acupuncture is safe and works beautifully alongside whatever other treatments you’re considering.

• Eat a balanced diet with antioxidant-rich foods

• Avoid processed sugars, excessive caffeine, and alcohol

• Manage stress with regular exercise, meditation, or breathwork

• Get consistent sleep and maintain a healthy BMI

• Re-test hormone levels like AMH every few months to track changes

Making these changes can enhance your overall reproductive wellness and complement the benefits of acupuncture. Together, they form a proactive approach to supporting ovarian reserve and improving fertility outcomes.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve or are struggling to conceive, acupuncture may be the supportive, holistic tool your fertility journey needs. By improving blood flow, regulating hormones, and easing emotional stress, it can help create a more receptive environment for conception. Schedule a consultation with City Pulse Acupuncture to explore a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals—whether you’re preparing for IVF or trying to conceive without medical intervention.

What is diminished ovarian reserve and how is it diagnosed?

DOR means the ovaries have fewer or lower-quality eggs than normal, often diagnosed with blood tests for AMH, FSH, and ultrasound assessments of follicle count. This decline in ovarian reserve happens naturally with age but can occur earlier in some people.

Can acupuncture help improve AMH or egg quality?

Acupuncture may help by increasing blood flow to the ovaries and regulating hormones, potentially improving AMH and egg development in some patients.

How often should I do acupuncture for fertility and DOR?

Weekly sessions for at least 8–12 weeks are typically recommended, especially before and during IVF or timed conception cycles.

Is acupuncture safe during IVF treatment?

Yes, acupuncture is safe when performed by a trained practitioner and may support better IVF outcomes and emotional wellbeing.

What other lifestyle changes help improve ovarian reserve?

Nutrient-rich diets, reducing stress, avoiding toxins, and getting regular exercise all contribute to better ovarian function when paired with acupuncture.