Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture on pituitary gonadotropic hormones and ovariogenic hormones in the peripheral blood in healthy women of childbearing age. Methods: 60 questionnaires on basal body temperature were given to 60 females at the age of 22～35 years for observing the variation of basal body temperature and menstrual cycle within 2 menstruation periods

and 28 volunteer females with regular menstruation and basal body temperature presenting typical ovulation were selected as the subjects in this study.Before acupuncture treatment

blood samples were taken and kept in the fridge one day before and on the day of the calculated ovulation. These 28 subjects accepted acupuncture stimulation during the forth menstruation period

beginning from the first 3 days on before ovulation

once daily continuously for 4 days

followed by taking blood samples. Auricular and body acupoints used were G 4 Area (both sides)

Shimen(CV 5) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6

one side). After inserting needles into bilateral G 4

rotated the needles for 1 min

then punctured the body acupoints till obtaining needle sensations

afterwards twisted and thrust the needles for 1 min. Then

Shimen (CV 5) and Sanyinjiao(SP 6) were stimulated electrically for 15 min with an Electroacupuncture Therapeutic Apparatus. Results: Results indicated that before and after acupuncture

the concentration values of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the peripheral blood were 3.90±2.30 IU/L and 11.54±11.73 IU/L

3.38±1.76 IU/L and 8.68±8.15 IU/L respectively

no significant differences were found between pre and post acupuncture ( P >0.05)

meaning no effect of acupuncture on pituitary gonadotropic hormones. Before and after acupuncture

the concentrations of blood estradiol (E 2)

testosterone (T) and pregnendione (P) were 0.54± 0.42 nmol/L

6.84±2.88 nmol/L and 3.86±2.76 ng/L

0.35±0.21 nmol/L

5.03±2.16 nmol/L and 2.97±2.05 ng/mL separately

showing considerable differences between pre and post acupuncture in each index ( P <0.01

0.001 and 0.05). It displays that acupuncture possesses an inhibitory effect on the secretion activities of ovariogenic hormones.Conclusion: Acupuncture stimulation has a suppressing effect on blood E 2

T and P in healthy women of childbearing age.