Fertility
A doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has hundreds of herbs that are valuable in promoting fertility. The herbal formulas developed by Chinese physician through the centuries promote healthy reproductive functions by harmonizing the endocrine system, which regulates the menstrual cycle. The effects of these “fertility” herbs vary. They may act on the ovulatory phase; they may regulate the secretion of cervical mucus; they may stimulate the uterus; or they may assist in the production of adequate progesterone. Many of the ingredients in herbal formulas prescribed for infertility may have little or no direct hormonal actions, but the outcome of the whole formula is a substantial increase in hormone levels and the tissues’ response to them.
If you are undergoing ART procedures (intrauterine insemination or invitro-fertilization) your doctor or RE (reproductive endocrinologist) may advise you against taking any herbs or supplements. Why? The following two reasons are usually given:
- “Herbs lower FSH falsely because they contain phytoestrogens.” This misinformation would only be accurate if the herbs lowered FSH, and the patient’s estrogen levels rose above 65pg/ml. The fact remains that many of our patients have their FSH levels regulated with herbal medicine in the context of an estradiol level which remains between 25pg/ml to 65pg/ml.
- “Herbs can interfere with reproductive medicine.” This is absolutely not the case. Herbs actually work synergistically with reproductive medicine. For example, many patients are poor responders to gonadotropins but, when gonadotropins are used in conjunction with herbs the response is frequently improved.
The main reason that your doctor does not want you to take herbal medicine is because she or he is trying to protect you against what they perceive to be a health hazards which may occur as a result of the herbs. Of course, when these herbs when prescribed by a Board Certified herbalist are completely safe, just as properly prescribed drugs can be life saving.
The TCM application will help the Western reproductive medical protocol succeed in a shorter period of time. Or TCM may be the difference between success and failure in the Western medical setting; remember, IVF has a 30% success rate which means conversely that it has a 70% failure rate. 1
A combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine is the most effective therapy to treat infertility. It is recommended that treatment start a minimum of three months prior to any attempts to conceive naturally or a medicated cycle for IVF. Herbs can be discontinued during the medicated cycle for IVF if that is the patient’s wish and acupuncture can be continued. Herbal therapy is highly recommended for all infertility patients but especially for women 40 or older and women suffering with repeated pregnancy loss.
1-Dr. Mike Berkley, Berkley Reproductive Medicine Center
