Chinese Herbal Medicine for premature ovarian failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

YanWu Lu-TingChen FanQu Irfan S.Sheikh Yan-TingWu

 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2014.01.008

Abstract

Introduction

Premature ovarian failure (POF), loss of normal ovarian function before the age of 40 commonly results in infertility. This systematic review/meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of Chinese herbal treatments on POF.

Results

This meta-analysis includes 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 888 patients in comparing CHM with HRT for the treatment of POF. The pooled data showed an improvement in symptoms in the CHM group compared to that of the HRT group (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.49–4.18, P < 0.001). FSH levels were significantly lower in patients treated with CHM compared to that of patients treated with HRT (≥6 M: WMD = −8.34, 95% CI: −11.96, P < 0.001, −4.71; <6 M: WMD = −5.23, 95% CI: −8.68, −1.78, P = 0.003). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) observed in E2 and LH levels when CHM and HRT were compared.

Conclusion

CHM may relieve symptoms of POF partly through decreasing serum FSH levels, this may provide guidance for future studies.