Review
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Abstract
Objective
To assess the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).
Methods
A literature search was conducted in eight electronic databases for randomized controlled trials.
Results
Seventeen randomized controlled trials involving 1174 patients were included. Meta-analysis indicated that TCM was superior to Western medicine (WM) in reducing basal serum FSH level [MD = −1.70, 95% CI (−2.63, −0.77); P = 0.0004] and FSH/LH (MD = −0.43, 95% CI [−0.56, −0.30]; P = 0.0001), and the effect was more obvious two months after the last treatment (MD = −4.60, 95% CI [−6.26, −2.90], P < 0.000 01 and MD = −0.56, 95% CI [−0.85, −0.28], P = 0.0001), and increasing antral follicle count (AFC) (MD = 0.44, 95% CI [0.04−0.83]; P = 0.03). The review also revealed the positive role of CMM as an adjuvant to IVF-ET in improving pregnancy rate (PR = 1.75, 95% CI [1.25, 2.46]; P= 0.001).
Conclusion
TCM, with its unique way of replenishing the kidney, may provide an effective and safe alternative therapy to patients with DOR.
Key words
- meta-analysis;
- ovarian disease;
- randomized controlled trial;
- systematic review;
- traditional Chinese medicine
Copyright © 2014 Tianjin Press of Chinese Herbal Medicines. Published by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.
