Diagnosis and Treatment for Infertility in Advanced Maternal Age
Presenter: Xiaoxiong Shen, PhD, LAc
Original Date: April 12, 2026
The decline in women’s fertility is closely associated with advanced maternal age (AMA), generally defined as older than 35 years. AMA is characterized by reduced ovarian reserve and decreased oocyte competence. Ovarian reserve refers to the remaining reproductive potential within a woman’s ovaries, determined by both the number and quality of available oocytes. Diminished ovarian reserve indicates a loss of normal reproductive potential due to a reduced quantity or compromised quality of the remaining eggs.
This lecture will explore the etiology, pathogenesis, and diagnostic approaches to infertility in women of advanced maternal age from the perspective of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Drawing upon the classical Chinese medical book Fu Qingzhu’s Gynecology, we will introduce the traditional Chinese medicine differentiation methods and discuss targeted TCM treatments tailored to the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Through the analysis of clinical cases, the lecture will highlight the unique advantages of TCM in enhancing ovarian reserve function and improving the natural pregnancy rate among women of advanced maternal age.
Bio: Dr. Shen, is an exceptional professional in the field of Gynecology, integrating both Eastern and Western medical expertise with over 40 years of clinical experience. He received his master’s degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) from Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. Dr. Shen subsequently served on the faculty of Nanjing University in the Department of Ob/Gyn, where he was part of the gynecologic infertility team involved in clinical care, teaching, and research. He later earned his Ph.D. in Ob/Gyn from Mie University School of Medicine in Japan. His advanced training included a doctoral fellowship in the Department of Gynecology at the University of Tokyo and a post-doctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Tennessee. Dr. Shen also served as a full professor and clinic director at South Baylo University’s School of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in California.
Academically, Dr. Shen is highly distinguished, with more than 50 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, American Journal of Physiology, and Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has also contributed significantly to more than six scientific books. Dr. Shen has been invited to lecture internationally, including in Japan, China, Singapore, Canada, various European countries, and the United States
NUNM is accredited by the North American Naturopathic Continuing Education Council (NANCEAC). This activity qualifies for 1.5 General CEUs Total.