Changes in serum cortisol and prolactin associated with acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women undergoi

CONCLUSION(S): In this study, there appears to be a beneficial regulation of Cortisol and Prolactin in the Acupuncture group during the medication phase of the IVF treatment with a trend toward more normal fertile cycle dynamics. 

Magarelli PC, Cridennda DK, Cohen M. Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Centers, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA.

OBJECTIVE:
To determine whether changes in serum cortisol (CORT) and PRL are
affected by acupuncture (Ac) in Ac-treated IVF patients. DESIGN:
Prospective cohort clinical study. SETTING: Private practice
reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic and private practice
acupuncture consortium. PATIENT(S): Sixty-seven reproductive-age
infertile women undergoing IVF. INTERVENTION(S): Blood samples were
obtained from all consenting new infertility patients and serum CORT
and serum PRL were obtained prospectively. Patients were grouped as
controls (IVF with no Ac) and treated (IVF with Ac) according to
acupuncture protocols derived from randomized controlled trials. MAIN
OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Serum levels of CORT and PRL were measured and
synchronized with medication stimulation days of the IVF cycle (e.g.,
day 2 of stimulation, day 3, etc.). Reproductive outcomes were
collected according to Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology
protocols, and results were compared between controls and those
patients treated with Ac.

RESULT(S): CORT levels in Ac group were
significantly higher on IVF medication days 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13
compared with controls. PRL levels in the Ac group were significantly
higher on IVF medication days 5, 6, 7, and 8 compared with controls.