Acupuncturist at Shen Medicine resting her hands on a patient's abdomen to support letrozole treatment
Nov 13

Taking Letrozole? A New Trial Looked at Adding Acupuncture

Your doctor just handed you a prescription for letrozole, and you’re feeling hopeful, nervous and full of questions all at once. Let’s talk about it.

Letrozole is one of the most common first steps in fertility treatment, especially for people with PCOS. And a brand-new study looked at what happens when you add acupuncture to the mix. The results were really exciting. Here’s what letrozole does, what the new trial found, and how acupuncture can fit into your plan.

What is letrozole, and why is it used for fertility?

Letrozole is an oral medication that helps trigger ovulation. It works by briefly lowering estrogen, which prompts your brain to release more of the hormone that tells your ovaries to mature an egg. It’s usually taken for five days early in your cycle, and your doctor may track things with ultrasound or ovulation tests.

For people with PCOS (now called PMOS, which we wrote about in PCOS has a new name), letrozole is often the first medication doctors reach for when ovulation is irregular or missing.

What if letrozole isn’t working?

Everyone responds a little differently. Some people ovulate on the first round, and others need a few cycles or a dose adjustment. If you’re feeling discouraged, know that this is a common part of the process, and your doctor has options. Many people also look for ways to support their bodies alongside the medication, which is where the new research comes in.

What the new 2026 trial found

Researchers published a randomized, sham-controlled pilot trial in Frontiers in Endocrinology in 2026. It included 60 women ages 20 to 35 with PCOS-related infertility and a BMI of 25 or higher.

Half received real acupuncture two to three times a week for three months before starting letrozole, and they continued acupuncture while taking it. The other half received sham acupuncture with non-penetrating needles on the same schedule. Both groups got the same diet and exercise guidance.

Among the women who completed the study:

  • 51.9% in the acupuncture group had a live birth
  • 21.4% in the sham group had a live birth

That’s more than double. The researchers also saw improvements in metabolic and endometrial markers in the acupuncture group. They described their findings as preliminary, since this was a small pilot study, and they’re calling for larger multicenter trials to confirm the results. We’ll be watching closely, because this is a really promising start.

Why would acupuncture help with letrozole?

From a Western lens, PCOS is closely tied to insulin and metabolism, and those can affect how well you ovulate. The trial found metabolic improvements alongside better outcomes, which may be part of the story. Acupuncture also supports blood flow to the ovaries and uterus and help calm the stress response.

From a Chinese medicine lens, PCOS often shows up as a pattern called Phlegm-Damp, where the body’s fluids and energy get sluggish, along with Spleen and Kidney weakness. Several of the points used in this study, like Fenglong (ST40) and Sanyinjiao (SP6), are classic points we use to resolve Damp and support the reproductive system.

When should I start acupuncture before letrozole?

The study started acupuncture three months before letrozole and continued it through treatment. If you have that runway, it’s a great template. If you’re already mid-cycle, it’s still worth starting now. We’ll meet you wherever you are.

Supporting your body while taking letrozole

  • Move every day. Both groups in the study had exercise guidance, and it’s helpful for insulin balance.
  • Build balanced meals. Pair carbs with protein and healthy fats to keep blood sugar steady.
  • Go easy on cold, raw and greasy foods. In Chinese medicine, these add to Dampness.
  • Track your cycle. Ovulation tests and your clinic’s monitoring help you and your doctor know what’s working.
  • Be kind to yourself. Letrozole can bring hot flashes, headaches and mood changes for some people. It’s okay to rest.

How we help at Shen Medicine in Nashville

At Shen Medicine, fertility and women’s health are the heart of what we do. We work alongside your OB or reproductive endocrinologist, not instead of them, and build a plan around your letrozole cycles.

For patients on letrozole, that usually means regular visits in the months before and during treatment, with a focus on supporting ovulation, cycle regularity and stress. You can learn more about our fertility care and women’s health care, or book a visit whenever you’re ready.

Quick FAQ

Can I get acupuncture while taking letrozole?
Yes. In the 2026 trial, women continued acupuncture throughout their letrozole cycles. We always recommend keeping your doctor in the loop.

How long before letrozole should I start acupuncture?
The study used three months before starting letrozole, but starting anytime can still be helpful.

Does acupuncture help with ovulation if I have PCOS?
That’s one of the main things we focus on for PCOS. In the new trial, women with PCOS who added acupuncture to letrozole had more than double the live birth rate of the sham group.

Where can I find fertility acupuncture in Nashville?
Shen Medicine is at 2505 21st Ave S, Suite 400, in Nashville. We specialize in fertility and women’s health.

With love (and very fine needles),
The Shen Medicine Team

Sources

This post is for education only and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.