Effect of Japanese kampo medicine on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian function in women with ovarian insufficiency

Twenty-five women who suffering with either amenorrhea, anovulatory cycle or luteal phase dysfunction were treated with TJ-23 and TJ-106 (Japanese Kampo medicine) orally for 10 to 30 weeks. Blood was taken every two weeks prior to and during treatment and serum levels of LH, FSH, prolactin, E2, progesterone (P) and testosterone were assayed. Premarin test and LH-RH test were examined prior to and during treatment. Of 7 women who were suffering with amenorrhea TJ-23 treatment brought about menstruation in 4 women; 3 were ovulated and TJ-106 brought about menstruation in 3 women; 2 were ovulated. Of 4 women with anovulatory cycle TJ-23 or TJ-106 treatment brought about ovulation in 2 women. Of 10 women with luteal phase dysfunction TJ-23 treatment brought about normal midluteal P levels in 7 women; 4 among them were pregnant, and TJ-106 brought about normal P levels in 6 women; one of them was pregnant. Improvement of hypothalamic-pituitary function was suggested during treatment by Premarin test and LH-RH test. These evidences infer that TJ-23 and TJ-106 may exert their effect on hypothalamic-pituitary area and may activate ovarian function; however, direct effect on ovary and factors except endocrine mechanism may not be excluded.