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 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.