Dr. Richard Zeng (Registered Acupuncturist Chinese Medicine Pracitioner Melbourne)
What is Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)?
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), sometimes called premature ovarian failure, affects about 1% of women under the age of 40. It is often diagnosed when periods stop, fertility declines, and blood tests show high FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) with low AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone). For many women, doctors may recommend egg donation with IVF as the only option.
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At Almond Wellness Centre in Melbourne, we often meet women who want to try natural options first. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may help improve hormone balance, regulate the menstrual cycle, and support natural conception.
Case Report: POI Treated with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
A 28-year-old woman from Melbourne came to our clinic in 2016. She had been diagnosed with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency:
- FSH: 135 IU/L (very high)
- AMH: <0.1
- No antral follicles seen on ultrasound
She was told that natural pregnancy was almost impossible and that her only option was egg donor IVF. But she strongly wished to conceive naturally with her own eggs.
Our Treatment Approach
We designed a personalised TCM treatment plan, combining:
Acupuncture – twice weekly sessions, using points to improve blood flow to the ovaries, regulate hormones, and reduce stress.
Chinese Herbal Medicine – stage-specific formulas to:
- Nourish Kidney essence (fertility foundation in TCM)
- Soothe Liver Qi (emotional stress)
- Support ovulation and implantation
Lifestyle Guidance – advice on stress management, diet, and sleep routines.
Results
- October 2016: Her period returned after months of amenorrhea.
- November 2016: Basal Body Temperature (BBT) chart showed ovulation. She had a positive pregnancy test and ultrasound confirmed a healthy intrauterine pregnancy.
- 2017: She gave birth naturally to a healthy baby.
Why This Matters
This case shows how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may support women with POI or high FSH who want to try natural conception. While this is just one case and results vary, research suggests that TCM may:
- Regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis
- Reduce stress and cortisol
- Improve ovarian blood flow
- Support hormone balance and menstrual cycles
Takeaway
For women in Melbourne facing Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), premature ovarian failure, or high FSH, acupuncture and Chinese medicine may offer a natural option. Even when conventional medicine suggests egg donation, some women may still benefit from TCM approaches.
✨ At Almond Wellness Centre (Ringwood & Coburg), we provide acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine for natural fertility care and IVF support.
👉 If you are struggling with infertility or POI, contact us to discuss your options.
More to read
- Women’s 7 Year Life Cycle
- Can You Have a Period Without Ovulating?
- Menopause Acupuncture Melbourne
- Beyond Age: My Insights on the Real Factors Affecting Your Egg Quality
- Menstrual Cycle and Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Amenorrhea Fertility and Chinese Medicine
- Having two periods in one month? You may just have ovulation bleeding
- Is Acupuncture Safe During Your Period?
- Can you have period without ovulating?
Disclaimer: Individual responses to Chinese medicine treatment may vary. Consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner is recommended to determine the most suitable herbs, formulations and acupuncture treatment based on individual health conditions. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.