About the Author
Lau Suat Hoon
TCM Practitioner
Supporting Ovulation in a 39 Year Old Woman with Low AMH Through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Many believed that low AMH and age nearing 40 mean natural pregnancy is no longer possible. However, fertility is not determined by a single number alone.
This case study shows how Traditional Chinese Medicine helped support ovulation, regulate the menstrual cycle, and create a healthier environment for conception, even in a 39-year-old woman with reduced ovarian reserve.
Case Study: Patient Background
Ms. Soo Li May (39 years old) had been married for two years and trying to conceive naturally without success. At consultation, both partners faced significant fertility-related challenges affecting ovulation quality, egg reserve, and sperm parameters.
Ms. Soo’s findings:
Vitamin D deficiency
Reduced ovarian reserve
Low AMH: 10.15 pmol/L
Inconsistent ovulation
Husband findings (39 years old):
Thalassemia
Low sperm motility
Abnormal sperm morphology: 2% (normal >4%)
Despite regular attempts, pregnancy did not occur. The couple sought consultation with Ms. Lau Suat Hoon in January 2024.
In April 2024, after approximately three months of consistent TCM support, the couple achieved a natural pregnancy. This case highlights how TCM can play a supportive role in promoting ovulation, regulating cycles, and supporting fertility naturally, even in complex situations.
How TCM Helped Support Ovulation and Men’s Fertility Through Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
TCM supports fertility most effectively when both acupuncture and herbal medicine are used together, addressing ovulation, sperm quality, hormonal balance, and emotional wellbeing as a unified system.
Acupuncture
Regular acupuncture sessions aimed to promote pelvic blood circulation, reduce stress-related hormonal disruption and support timely and stable ovulation.
Herbal Prescription
Herbal prescriptions were adjusted according to each phase of the menstrual cycle, ensuring targeted support during follicular development, ovulation, and the luteal phase.
Rather than targeting ovulation or sperm quality in isolation, Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches fertility by improving overall balance, circulation, and reproductive vitality.
Why Ovulation Support Matters?
Ovulation is a key requirement for natural conception.
Even when menstruation is present, ovulation may be weak, delayed, or inconsistent, especially in women with: (1) Low AMH, (2) Hormonal imbalance, (3) High stress, (4) Reduced ovarian responsiveness.
TCM focuses on supporting ovulation by improving the body’s internal balance, rather than stimulating ovulation directly.
Key Takeaways for Women Trying to Conceive
- Cycle-based TCM care aligns treatment with the menstrual phases, supporting ovulation, luteal function, and implantation readiness.
- Regulating Qi and Blood circulation helps improve ovarian and uterine support, which is essential for healthy ovulation.
- Emotional wellbeing is an integral part of fertility care in TCM, particularly during ovulation and early pregnancy stages.
- Acupuncture plays a supportive role in hormonal regulation and stress reduction, both of which influence ovulation quality.