Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs for conception.
This past week I received an email from a women facing infertility. She asked “What would you do for me?” and listed her most current blood work – low AMH and high FSH. That’s a very difficult to answer without sitting down with her and understanding how her body is manifesting an imbalance. Her email lead me to realize so many women are looking to understanding how Chinese medicine can help them. There’s very few case studies written by acupuncturists. I decided to ask one of my clients if she would allow me to discuss her case so other women can comprehend the journey to having a baby. I’ve changed the client’s name to protect her identity.
Gloria was 34 yr when she first came to my office. She had became pregnant after getting married but miscarried at 6 weeks. After trying naturally to conceive, she decided to visit her GYN, who referred her to a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE). Blood work indicated AMH was low (.3 – anything under one is considered premature ovarian failure). Gloria had three medicated IUI cycles. The first IUI cycle lead to a ruptured cyst, causing the ovary to twist. She lost half of her ovary.
A year and half later, Gloria did two more IUI’s, each one resulted in large cysts and poor ovarian response. From her history with the RE, Gloria was told her chances of conceiving were limited, donor egg would be the best option. In February 2013, Gloria decided to work with me for 3 months. Within the first month of treatment, she became pregnant. Unfortunately, Gloria miscarriage at week 9.
Gloria and I decided to build our treatment plan: weekly acupuncture and customized Chinese herbs. Each herbal formula was customized to treat her pattern of disharmony and regularly modified to address the layers of physical symptoms. I recommended Inositol and Resveratrol – anti oxidants to improve egg quality. Plus, Gloria was already on a great prenatal vitamin. The symptoms targeted in Gloria’s treatment were: spotting before period, PMS mood swings, migraines, sharp pain with ovulation, clots with period, heavy bleeding and poor sleep. Please Note: Chinese medicine doesn’t treat “low AMH”. It treats your physical symptoms affecting your reproductive system and general wellbeing.
Gloria was willing to take her temperature every day to Base Basal Temperature Chart (BBT). With treatment, her fertile cervical mucus improved, ovulatory cramps decreased and heavy period bleeding normalized. By August 2013, it become apparent that Gloria’s luteal phase (the 14 days following ovulation where progesterone is secreted for implantation and maintaining a pregnancy) was unstable. When Gloria was treated by the RE, he noted her progesterone levels were low and required supplementation. Even after modifying herbal formulas, the luteal phase continued to be unstable.
With Gloria’s approval I spoke with an RE I have a great working relationship with. The RE was willing to assist the client with medications while Gloria continued to take herbs. The RE input was very helpful while monitoring ovulation (ultrasound and blood work). First month – Gloria did have low progesterone. At the start of the 2nd month of monitoring, the RE recommended a small dose of femara (help the follicle mature) and trigger shot followed with progesterone.
Gloria continued with Chinese herbs and weekly acupuncture. From that moment, Gloria’s BBT chart presented with stable temps and a complete luteal phase. In March 2014, Gloria did a medicated IUI with Chinese herb and acupuncture. No pregnancy. In April 2014, Gloria completed IVF. At this time, Chinese herbs were removed from the treatment protocol. At retrieval 6 egg were taken. 3 eggs were mature. All 3 fertilized. All made it to transfer. Gloria become pregnant.
There’s something I want to point out:
1. Low AMH is not indication if you can get pregnant or not. You can get pregnant…it might take time. Chinese medicine is not a quick fix, but is better at approaching infertility cases where Western medicine has given up. As you can see from Gloria’s case, it took time. Each month there was improvement in Gloria physical wellbeing. I believe the treatment helped to prime Gloria’s follicular growth and potentially changed egg quality. You can change your egg quality, but it takes time.
2. Your treatment team should be supporting you. You should have lots of options in your treatment process. Gloria and I did a lot of brain storming during the treatment process. Options provide movement so during the treatment process you don’t get stuck
3. This was a long journey for Gloria. It tested her stamina. There were tough days. When you see the happy successful women who “got pregnant against the odds”….there were a lot of tears, blood and sweat that went into the baby. It’s so important to have a treatment team to root you on and support your dream.
Gloria wants you to know there’s hope. “Gloria” thank you so much for letting me discuss your case and it’s been an honor to be on the journey with you. Can’t wait to meet your muffin. If you have been touched by Gloria’s story please post her well wishes. Are you looking for the best Chinese medicine has to offer to help you conceive? With 11 eleven years of experience treating fertility, I can offer you empowering treatments. In my practice, you are not a number, but multifaceted person who get customized treatments. Come to Ridgefield Acupuncture and experience the difference.
Ladies, do you have questions? Email me with your questions and ideas. I want this blog to be different. I want you to be involved. Email me at: [email protected]