Gateway to Women’s Health and Fertility: Diminished Ovarian Reserve
“Biological clock is ticking”
Session 4 of the “Gateway to Women’s Health & Fertility” series builds on the essential foundation provided in Session 1, with a focus on Ovulation Disorders, especially on PCOS.
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Distinguish diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) from premature menopause, explaining why Jing cannot be restored but its expression can be optimized.
- Diagnose complex DOR presentations, and recognize their overlapping patterns.
- Apply phase-specific treatment protocols using acupuncture (extraordinary vessels, back-shu sequences and many more), herbal formula modifications and moxibustion to support follicular development and egg quality.
- Support IVF patients through stimulation, retrieval, and transfer phases by understanding medication energetics and integrating tailored TCM strategies at each stage.
- Prescribe targeted interventions including evidence-based supplementation (CoQ10, vitamin D, omega-3), nutrition for post-Heaven Jing support, and individualized lifestyle adjustments.
- Navigate the emotional landscape of age-related fertility decline by communicating sensitively, maintaining hope while being realistic, and supporting patients through the 6–12+ month treatment timeline.
Course Overview
Understanding DOR: Beyond “Running Out of Time”
This fourth and final session of the Gateway to Women’s Health & Fertility series confronts one of modern practice’s most challenging presentations – Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) in women aged 35-44. This is not premature menopause, but an ongoing process of Jing reduction that requires a fundamentally different approach: we cannot restore what’s gone, but we can optimize what remains. One good egg is all it takes.
The Jing Framework and Lower Jiao Dynamics
Building directly on Session 1’s menstrual cycle foundations, you’ll master how Kidney Yin/Yang, Blood, and Jing interact in declining ovarian function. Learn to recognize early warning signs often dismissed as “hormonal imbalance,” interpret FSH/AMH/AFC testing through a TCM lens, and understand the critical gap between egg quantity (which declines naturally) and egg quality (which you can influence).
Clinical Tools You’ll Master
This session provides concrete, immediately applicable strategies:
- Pattern differentiation for complex DOR presentations: Kidney Yin/Yang deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, Blood stasis, Dampness-Phlegm obstruction, and the often-missed pattern of misplaced Ministerial Fire
- Phase-specific acupuncture protocols including extraordinary vessel work, back shu points, and techniques to support follicular development and strengthen luteal function
- Herbal formula modification—adapting Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, You Gui YIN, and Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan with strategic additions for Blood movement, Heat clearing, or stagnation resolution
- IVF support strategies for each protocol stage: ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval recovery, embryo transfer preparation, and managing hormonal medication side effects
- Evidence-based supplementation (CoQ10 dosing for egg quality, Vitamin D, Omega-3) and nutrition guidelines that support post-Heaven Jing without overburdening digestion
From Theory to Reality: The Year-Long Case Study
An extensive case study demonstrates how systematic treatment, patience, and clinical faith achieved natural pregnancy despite discouraging Western prognosis. You’ll learn to navigate setbacks, adjust strategies, support patients through emotional challenges including grief and disappointment, and maintain hope without false promises.
The Long Game: What This Work Requires
Treating DOR demands sustained commitment—typically 6-12+ months of consistent work. This session develops the clinical mindset to support patients through extended treatment while managing the emotional complexity of age-related fertility decline and helping women take ownership of their health journey.
Prerequisite: Why You Must Complete Session 1
Completion of Session 1: Achieving the Optimal Conditions for Conception is mandatory. Without mastery of the healthy menstrual cycle’s Yin-Yang-Qi-Blood dynamics, the pathophysiology and treatment strategies for DOR cannot be effectively understood or applied.
Common Questions About This Session
Is Session 1 really required, or can I start here?
Session 1 is mandatory. DOR treatment relies entirely on understanding the healthy menstrual cycle’s Yin-Yang-Qi-Blood dynamics covered there. Without that foundation, the pathophysiology and protocols in this session won’t make clinical sense. You are a grown up – you can decide.
How long does treating DOR typically take?
Real results require 6-12+ months of consistent treatment. This isn’t a quick-fix course—it prepares you for the long-term commitment DOR patients need.
Does this cover IVF support or just natural conception?
Both. You’ll learn to support patients through all IVF protocol stages (stimulation, retrieval, transfer) as well as natural conception attempts, understanding when each approach is appropriate.
What’s different about treating DOR versus other fertility issues?
DOR requires understanding that you cannot restore Jing—only optimize its remaining expression. This philosophical shift changes everything about diagnosis and treatment strategy.
Will I learn specific herbal formulas and modifications?
Yes. The session covers Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, You Gui Yin, and Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan with detailed modifications for individual pattern presentations (Blood stasis, Heat, Dampness, etc.).
This course is approved for CEUs by:
Disclaimer | Before You Purchase
Accessing Your Course
After the checkout, the course will be automatically added to your account, and unless otherwise specified, you can start learning immediately.
The course is always available for you if you have an internet connection.
To watch your course, log in. You can reach your courses from your account or the course page.
An easy way to find it is under “My Academy” => “My Courses” on the top bar.
NCCAOM PDA Course Participant Attestation
By registering for this course, I agree to abide by the NCCAOM PDA Course Participant Attestation.
I understand that the information in this course presented by the Provider and/or Instructor(s) is for educational purposes only and should only be applied with appropriate clinical judgment and used by a trained and licensed
practitioner. Governmental laws and regulations vary from region to region and the contents of this course vary in permissible usage. The participant is required to check their local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding the practice requirements and scope of practice issues and the use of the information of this course including, but not limited to, theory, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. I acknowledge that NCCAOM does not endorse any specific treatment regimens of any kind. Furthermore, if I use any modalities or treatments taught in this course, I agree to waive, release, indemnify, discharge, and covenant not to sue NCCAOM from and against any liability, claims, demands, or causes of action whatsoever, arising out of any injury, loss, or damage that a person may sustain related to the use of the information in this course. I understand that this Release is governed by the laws of District of Columbia, U.S.A. and shall survive the termination or expiration of this course.
Unlimited Access
Once purchased, we grant you a lifetime access license. See more on our Terms of Use page.
We encourage you to return to courses as learning continues; in each view, we learn and understand new things.
CEU/CPD/PDA
Unless otherwise stated, CEU/PDA/CPD requirements must be completed within 1 year of the purchase. You are advised to print and save your certificate for your records and under your association requirements.
Dimploamtes of NCCAOM & Floridas members need to fill in a form after completing their courses for us to submit the points. CAB & Fachverband members need to write to us an email upon completing their courses to get the required documents. Look for our email after the completion of the course.
About the Teacher
