Diagnosis and Treatment of Decreased Ovarian Reserve Function

  Decreased Ovarian Reserve (DOR) refers to the diminished ability of the ovaries to produce eggs and a decrease in oocyte quality. It often manifests clinically as shortened menstrual cycles, reduced menstrual flow or menstrual cessation before the age of 40, and even causes menopausal symptoms such as infertility and hot sweating. The decline of ovarian reserve function is a gradual process, and the early stage may only show premenstruation and reduced menstrual volume.  The etiology of DOR and POF is not clear in Western medicine. Current studies suggest that the decline of ovarian reserve function is closely related to age, lifestyle, surgery, infections, emotions, radiotherapy and endometriosis. Clinically, the diagnosis is mainly based on the patient’s symptoms and laboratory tests. Laboratory tests are now widely used to determine serum hormone levels on day 3 of menstruation and the number of sinus follicles under ultrasound and ovarian volume measurement.  For the treatment of DOR and POF, Western medicine mainly uses hormone replacement therapy, and for patients with fertility requirements, “IVF” technique is used to help conception. However, the success rate is low and the long-term outcome is poor. Over-stimulation of the ovaries often aggravates the decline of their reserve function. There are also contraindications such as liver and gallbladder disease, thromboembolism, immediate side effects such as uterine bleeding and weight gain, and long-term side effects and risks such as endometrial cancer.  According to Chinese medicine, the kidney stores essence and is the master of reproduction. The onset of menstruation and conception in women are closely related to the kidney, so the treatment is based on tonifying the kidney, and on this basis, it is combined with treatment to invigorate blood circulation and eliminate blood stasis, dredge the liver and regulate qi, and calm the mind and tranquilize the spirit. On the one hand, it can effectively improve the clinical symptoms such as baking heat and sweating, irritability, etc. On the other hand, it can bring into play the inner potential of the body and actively harmonize Yin and Yang to become calm, and if Yin and Yang are in order, menstruation will come on schedule. The “mobilization” therapy is active and endogenous, which is different from the exogenous and passive hormone “replacement” therapy. It has certain advantages in terms of safety and long-term efficacy, but patients need to take the medication for a longer period of time, usually more than 3-6 months, so it is recommended that these patients be treated with herbal medicine as early as possible when their menstruation first starts to appear abnormally.