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Diminished Ovarian ReserveTN-DORNCT05277948

Effect of Thumbtack Needle (TN) on Ovarian Reserve Function of Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)

A study testing active TN and ETN treatment in people with Diminished Ovarian Reserve, run by Dongmei Huang at 1 site in China.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Using a multi-center, large sample, randomized, patient-assessor blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effect of thumbtack needle (TN) on ovarian function of patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 40 years, women only
Conditions the study is for
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
What is being tested?
active TN and ETN treatment
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
240 participants
Where
1 siteChina
Study dates
18 Oct 2021to 6 Dec 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 40 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Patients with age between 18 and 40 years;
  • Low ovarian reserve: AMH<1.1ng/ml; or AFC<7; or 10 U/L<FSH<25U/L or FSH/LH>3.6; or has a history of poor ovarian response, that is, in the last controlled hyperstimulation cycle, the number of retrieved oocytes<3. Any 2 of the above 4 conditions are met.
  • Sign informed consent voluntarily.

Who cannot join

  • Patient's chromosome is abnormal.
  • Patients with previous ovarian surgery because of such as ovarian teratoma or chocolate cyst and so on.
  • Patients with uncorrected endocrine disease, such as: Simple hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, insulin resistance, diabetes, adrenal diseases, etc.
  • Patients with definitively diagnosed autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipid syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
  • Patients with a history of cancer and has received radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
  • Patients had the treatment of acupuncture or thumbtack needle in recent 3 months.
  • Patients who take Chinese medicine decoction or granule during the treatment;
  • Patients unwilling to sign the informed consent of this study.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

China1 site
  • Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology

    Wuhan, Hubei, 430030

Other trials in China

About this study

Official title: Effect of Thumbtack Needle (TN) on Ovarian Reserve Function of Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Using a multi-center, large sample, randomized, patient-assessor blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effect of thumbtack needle (TN) on ovarian function of patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).

Read the detailed description

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is the precursor state of ovarian failure, and can cause the decline of women's reproductive function. Some studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can improve ovarian reserve function. Thumbtack needle (TN), as a kind of acupuncture, is a form of long-term indwelling intradermal needle therapy. TN has been found effective in treating DOR in our clinic. In this study, a multi-center, large sample, randomized, patient-assessor blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial was used to evaluate the effect of TN on ovarian reserve function of patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).

First, patients will be recruited according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria.

Second, baseline measurements (including ovarian reserve function, blood biochemical index, scores from the self-rating anxiety and depression scale, quality of life, sleep status) will be taken.

Third, each patient will receive the treatment of TN or sham TN for a total of 2 menstrual cycles.

Fourth, the above baseline measurements will be taken again as soon as the treatment is finished and outcome measures will be recorded after the treatment.

Last, Natural pregnancy outcomes includes natural pregnancy rate (including biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate) and miscarriage rate during the treatment period and within 6 months after treatment completion will be followed up. Pregnancy outcome Includes number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, embryo formation rate, blastocyst formation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate during IVF-ET within 6 months after treatment completion will also be followed up.

Being tested
active TN and ETN treatment, sham TN and sham ETN treatment
Keywords
diminished ovarian reserve, thumbtack needle, ovarian reserve function

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • active TN and ETN treatmentOther

    The following 12 acupoints including conception vessel (CV) 4, CV3, bilateral ovary acupoints, bilateral spleen (SP) 6, bilateral stomach (ST) 36, bilateral bladder (BL) 23 and bilateral EX-B7 will be used. Eight acupoints of CV4, CV3, SP6, ST36 and BL23 will be treated by disposable sterile thumbtack needle (TN) for single use (Hangzhou Zhuomai Medical Technology Co., LTD., model: ZM2-6YDL), and four acupoints of bilateral ovary acupoints and bilateral EX-B7 will be treated by disposable sterile electro-thumbtack needle (ETN) (Hangzhou Zhuomai Medical Technology Co., LTD., model: ZM3-ZY) with pulsed electrical stimulation.

    The patients will receive a treatment of 2 menstrual cycles.

  • sham TN and sham ETN treatmentOther

    The acupoints used in the control group are the same as those in the treatment group. Eight points of CV4, CV3, SP6, ST36 and BL23 will be treated by the sterile sham thumbtack needle (TN) for single use (Hangzhou Zhuomai Medical Technology Co., LTD.), and four points of bilateral ovary acupoints and bilateral EX-B7 will be treated by disposable sterile sham electro-thumbtack needle (ETN) (Hangzhou Zhuomai Medical Technology Co., LTD.) with sham pulsed electrical stimulation.

    The sham TN and ETN used in this group are identical in appearance, shape, and color to the active TN and ETN but lack the needle body, thus lacking the needle-penetrating effect. The stimulation method and frequency for the sham ETN are the same as those of the ETN group. The only difference is that the electrode pads used in the sham ETN group are specially designed as insulated controls.

    The patients will receive a treatment of 2 menstrual cycles

Study groups in NCT05277948
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
treatment groupActive comparatorActive thumbtack needle (TN) and electro-thumbtack needle (ETN) will be used in the treatment group
Receives: Other: active TN and ETN treatment
control groupSham comparatorSham thumbtack needle (TN) and sham electro-thumbtack needle (ETN) will be used in the control group
Receives: Other: sham TN and sham ETN treatment

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Evaluating the change of serum AMH level

    Assessing patients' serum level of AMH in ng/ml at baseline (0 week) and immediately (up to 4 weeks) after treatment completion.

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

  2. Evaluating the change of the ovarian antral follicle count (AFC)

    Counting the number of ovarian antral follicle count (AFC) on the second day of menstruation at baseline (0 week) and immediately (up to 4 weeks) after treatment completion.

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

Secondary outcomes (20)
  1. Evaluating the serum levels of sex hormones

    Evaluating the serum levels of sex hormones (FSH, LH, E2, P, T, and PRL) on the second day of menstruation at baseline and immediately (up to 4 weeks) after treatment completion.

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

  2. Natural pregnancy outcomes include natural pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate

    Natural pregnancy outcomes include natural pregnancy rate (including biochemical pregnancy rate, and clinical pregnancy rate) and miscarriage rate during the treatment period and within 6 months after treatment completion.

    Measured: 0 week and within 6 months after treatment completion

  3. Pregnancy outcomes of IVF-ET within 6 Months after Treatment Completion

    Pregnancy outcomes Include number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, embryo formation rate, blastocyst formation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and miscarriage rate during IVF-ET within 6 months after treatment completion.

    Measured: 0 week and within 6 months after treatment completion

  4. Observing the level of transforming growth factor β (TGF β) in follicular fluid

    Observing follicular fluid level of transforming growth factor β (TGF β) when patients undergoing IVF/ICSI

    -ET after the treatment.

    Measured: within 6 months after treatment completion

  5. Observing the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in follicular fluid

    Observing follicular fluid level of TNF-α when patients undergoing IVF/ICSI

    -ET after the treatment.

    Measured: within 6 months after treatment completion

  6. Observing the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in follicular fluid

    Observing follicular fluid level of ROS when patients undergoing IVF/ICSI

    -ET after the treatment.

    Measured: within 6 months after treatment completion

  7. Observing the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in follicular fluid

    Observing follicular fluid level of SOD when patients undergoing IVF/ICSI

    -ET after the treatment.

    Measured: within 6 months after treatment completion

  8. Blood corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) examination

    Observing the level of blood corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) at baseline and immediately after treatment

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

  9. Blood norepinephrine index examination

    Observing the level of blood norepinephrine at baseline and immediately after treatment

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

  10. Blood 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) index examination

    Observing the level of blood 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) at baseline and immediately after treatment

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

  11. Blood beta-aminobutyric acid (GABA) examination

    Observing the level of blood beta-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at baseline and immediately after treatment

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

  12. Blood dopamine (DA) examination

    Observing the level of blood dopamine (DA) at baseline and immediately after treatment

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

  13. Blood neuro-endorphin (β-ET) examination

    Observing the level of blood neuro-endorphin (β-ET) at baseline and immediately after treatment

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

  14. Evaluation of anxiety status

    Anxiety status will be assessed using Zung anxiety self-rating scale (Zung-SAS) at baseline and immediately after treatment.

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

  15. Evaluation of depression status

    Depression status will be assessed using Zung depression self-rating scale (Zung-SDS) at baseline and immediately after treatment.

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

  16. Evaluation of quality of life

    Quality of life will be assessed by SF-36 at baseline and immediately after treatment..

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

  17. Evaluation of sleep state

    Sleep status will be evaluated using Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) at baseline and immediately after treatment.

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

  18. Untargeted metabolomics levels in serum

    Untargeted metabolomics levels in patient serum before and after treatment.

    Measured: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion

  19. Untargeted metabolomics levels in follicular fluid

    Observing untargeted metabolomics levels in follicular fluid collected from patients undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET cycle after treatment completion

    Measured: During IVF-ET within 6 months after study completion

  20. Proteomic analysis of granulosa cells

    Proteomic analysis of granulosa cells collected during IVF-ET cycles after treatment.

    Measured: During IVF-ET within 6 months after study completion

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted14 Mar 2022
  2. Study start18 Oct 2021
  3. Primary completion28 Nov 2025
  4. Study completion6 Dec 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
240 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05277948
Sponsor's protocol ID
Effect of TN on DOR
Acronym
TN-DOR
Status last verified
Feb 2026
First submitted
22 Dec 2021
Last updated
1 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: we use the Clinical Trial Management Public Platform to manage and share our date

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing active TN and ETN treatment in people with Diminished Ovarian Reserve, run by Dongmei Huang at 1 site in China.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Evaluating the change of serum AMH level (time frame: 0 week and up to 4 weeks after treatment completion). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 1 Sep 2026.

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