The Effect of Acupoint Sticking Therapy on Serum Estrogen Levels and Endometrial Polyp Tissue Receptor Expression in Postmenopausal Patients With Endometrial Polyps

Postmenopausal women with endometrial polyps (EPs) often experience hormonal imbalances. Acupoint application, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approach, shows the potential to influence hormonal levels. This study investigated the impact of acupoint application on hormone levels and receptors in postmenopausal women with EP, comparing its efficacy and safety to surgery. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 170 postmenopausal patients with EP. Eighty-four patients received surgery alone, while 86 received surgery combined with acupoint application. Hormone levels, hormone receptor expression, TCM symptom scores, and adverse effects were compared between the two groups. The acupoint application group demonstrated a significantly higher total effective rate than the control group (p < 0.05). After treatment, the acupoint application group exhibited a significantly greater reduction in serum progesterone levels and vaginal pH compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the acupoint application group showed a significant increase in endometrial estrogen receptor expression after treatment (p < 0.05). TCM symptom scores related to vaginal bleeding volume, duration, facial complexion, dry mouth, and thirst significantly improved in the acupoint application group post-treatment (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the acupoint application group demonstrated a notably lower incidence of adverse effects (including nausea, headache, breast tenderness, and dizziness) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Our study suggests acupoint application, alongside surgery, enhances clinical outcomes, hormonal balance, and symptom relief in postmenopausal women with EPs, compared to surgery alone. Its safety and sustained benefits support its use as a complementary treatment.