– Dr. Chong’s Fertility Journey –
Infertility affects approximately 10 to 15% of couples. The causes of Infertility may vary in a wide range, but both male and female infertility has been linked to hormonal dysfunction.
In allopathic or Western medicine, testing levels of hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone, can all assist in identifying imbalances and addressing hormonal dysfunction in women. In TCM, the imbalances of hormones can be linked to the functions of different organs systems in the body: liver, kidneys, Spleen, Stomach, and more. The link between the levels of hormones is related to the health of each of the organ system.
Hormone dysfunction may contribute to changes in ovulation rates or anovulation, and correcting levels of hormones may improve pregnancy success and reduce the probability of miscarriage. Acupuncture and the use of herbal combinations can assist in balancing and correcting some of the imbalances to improve the success and the outcome of ovulation, and to prevent early miscarriage.
A number of factors may contribute to hormonal dysfunction, including environmental disturbances. Research suggests that endocrine disruptors, which may be present in air pollution, are correlated with increased rates of miscarriage, reduced live birth rates, and increased levels of nitrogen dioxide and ozone in populations undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
In addition, hormonal dysfunction is commonly seen in conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Low serum vitamin D in women with PCOS appears to be correlated with endocrine disturbances. Addressing imbalances in hormones, such as androgens, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone, may be beneficial in the treatment of PCOS. Improving the quality and maturation of oocytes also demonstrates promising results in women with or without PCOS undergoing ovulation induction.
In TCM, custom herbs to help reduce androgen levels, improve oocytes and follicle growth, and acupuncture to regulate the cycle can help to prevent the many complications associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Based on the TCM diagnosis of each women’s constitution, specific acupuncture and herbal protocol have demonstrated efficacy in improving a variety of factors associated with female fertility.
Contact us for a consult on how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you in your fertility journey.