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Fertility Supplements: A Guide for Couples Trying to Conceive

There is so much information online about what supplements may or may not be helpful for fertility. It seems that almost everyone has an opinion and, if you search long enough, you’ll find story after story that goes like this “I took x for only one cycle and was pregnant after x months!” While these can feel encouraging, supplements typically aren’t the magic bullet for a single cycle. Some can even cause cycle irregularity if used in cases where they are not indicated (I’m looking at you vitex!). The truth is that achieving pregnancy is, like most other things, a journey that involves a healthy diet and lifestyle, appropriate supplements, and possibly treatment from a reproductive endocrinologist in conjunction with other providers as needed.

So, what supplements are helpful? We wanted to break down our most commonly recommended supplements and why they might be helpful so you can talk with your fertility team about what is best for you.

This list of supplements comes from Theralogix and we chose this particular company because of their high standards and focus on researched backed supplements. All of their supplements are dye free, dairy and gluten free. They have clean labeling, so you’ll never get an ingredient you aren’t expecting. And they are third party certified by NSF International.

Links to product pages below include our PRC discount code (137923) for Theralogix so you can be sure you are receiving the best pricing. The PRC code (137923) can also be entered at checkout to receive the discounted price. We do receive some compensation for sales generated through these links.

Prenatal Vitamins

I’m sure you expected this one, but a good prenatal is always recommended for all women trying to conceive. Prenatal vitamins contain nutrients like folic acid, iron, and others that work to make sure your body’s nutrient profile is optimized for pregnancy which can help support fertility as well as help your body be ready when you finally find success.

Getting a good quality prenatal vitamin is essential. We recommend Theralogix brand prenatal vitamins and they have a full lineup of choices from a preconception specific vitamin to their most comprehensive prenatal, Theranatal Complete. Choose one you will take daily, some contain multiple softgels/pills per day which can be hard for some women especially in early pregnancy.

Their line-up includes Theranatal Complete, Theranatal One, and Theranatal Core, a preconception focused prenatal. For breastfeeding mothers, they also offer Theranatal Lactation Complete to make sure you’re getting the nutrients specific for nourishing your baby.

Vitamin D

If we had to name an underdog in the fertility world we’d give it, hands down, to good ol’ vitamin D. A 2017 study showed that women with lower vitamin d levels had a harder time conceiving on their own. Low levels are also associated with poorer outcomes in ART (assisted reproductive technologies). There is even some evidence that lower vitamin D levels are associated with higher rates of preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Men also benefit from good levels of vitamin d. Studies show that healthy vitamin D levels may improve testosterone levels as well as sperm motility.

It is always a good idea to ask your doctor to test your vitamin D levels, as very low levels require a prescription dose and follow up with testing after supplementing for awhile to make sure your levels stay in a healthy range.

Most good quality prenatal vitamins and even Conception XR will have adequate levels of vitamin D, but it might be worth an additional supplement if your prenatal has less than 1000IUs per dose. If you need an additional supplement due to a diagnosed deficiency or your prenatal is lacking, Theralogix has a great stand-alone vitamin d supplement. Please check the FAQ section for possible drug interactions.

CoQ10

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that may improve egg quality and help support optimal chromosomal division during fertilization. CoQ10 helps to improve how the egg cells create energy which can improve cell division and overall egg health. Cells’ ability to create energy becomes less efficient as we age. It may also improve response to ovarian stimulation for some women with poor ovarian reserve.

We recommend this supplement to anyone concerned about ovarian reserve. It is usually very well tolerated. It is not known to be beneficial during pregnancy, so you can stop taking it once you find out your cycle was a success.

There is also evidence that CoQ10 may be beneficial for male fertility as well.

Theralogix makes a highly absorbable CoQ10 supplement that is one of our most popular supplements. Please read the FAQs for possible drug interactions.

Fish Oil

Fish oil, omega three fatty acids and DHA, are found in seafood and have an important role in cells throughout the body. They are an important part of cell walls and membranes and support the receptors, including those that regulate genetic function, in these walls to allow good communication between the cells in the body. They also are the starting point for hormones that regulate inflammation and contractions of artery walls.

For supporting fertility, there is evidence that fish oil can support pregnancy rates for those trying naturally and that it may play a role in reducing miscarriage. It may also increase uterine blood flow and help to regulate the immune system. There is also evidence that fish oil can improve male fertility as well.

Some prenatal vitamins will contain DHA and omega-3 fatty acids, but here is a link to a great standalone supplement from Theralogix.

Fish oil can act as a blood thinner, so please read the FAQs for possible contraindications as well as recommendations around surgical procedures.

Melatonin

This powerful antioxidant is most known for its use in treating circadian rhythm disorders or occasional insomnia, but more and more research is coming out showing that melatonin may be a key player in the development of healthy eggs and embryos.

Research shows that melatonin can help increase the number of mature oocytes (eggs) retrieved, improve fertilization rates, and improve embryo quality for those undergoing IVF. Additionally, pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates improve with melatonin.

3mg Melatonin should be taken about 30 minutes before bedtime and we recommend stopping it once you are pregnant. It is also not recommended for women trying naturally, as it can impact ovulation. There are some medications (see FAQs) that are possibly contraindicated with melatonin, so please talk with your doctor before starting supplementation.

Ovasitol

Ovasitol contains 2 forms of inositol which provide 4,000 mg of myo-inositol and 100 mg of D-chiro-inositol, in the body’s naturally occurring ratio of 40:1. Inositol is a nutrient found in fruits, beans, grains, and nuts and is also made by the body.

Research shows inositol can balance hormones leading to more regular, ovulatory menstrual cycles. It also promotes healthy ovarian function, lipid levels, reduce insulin sensitivity, and may support better egg quality. In ART, it has been shown to support oocyte development and maturation and improve pregnancy rates.

Ovasitol is recommended for those that have been diagnosed with PCOS. It comes as a tasteless powder that is mixed into the beverage of your choice twice daily. Most of our patients report that it is actually is, in fact, tasteless. If you are taking a thyroid medication, please review the FAQ’s for details on timing Ovasitol.

Male Prenatal

Obisouly, most of this post has focused on supplements for women, but we all know that it takes a healthy sperm and egg to create a healthy embryo. Fortunately, there is a supplement designed just for men. Theralogix Conception XR Reproductive Health Formula is formulate with fertility specific nutrients and powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium, designed to support sperm health. We consider this a “male prenatal” and recommend it anyone trying to conceive or going through IVF, where motility is not a concern.

If there are concerns about motility, we’d recommend the other product in Theralogix’s male fertility line, Conception XR Motility Support Formula. While more expensive, it contains and additional ingredient, L-carnitine, to help support motility. This is a great choice for those with motility issues or anyone trying to conceive naturally, with a medicated cycle, or through IUI.

Please review the FAQs on each page for drug interactions.

While both of these contain vitamin D, they do not contain Fish oil or CoQ10, so we’d add those on to the recommendation for male fertility.

Contraindications

With any medication, supplement, or herb, there is always the possibility of a drug interaction. Please review the FAQ page for each supplement for an overview of drug interactions and other contraindications and always talk with your doctor before starting any new supplement. It also a good idea to review supplements with your team prior to starting a new cycle as well.

References:

https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(17)30420-X/fulltext

https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-017-1408-3

https://www.ccrmivf.com/blog/how-vitamin-d-may-impact-your-fertility/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5870379/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6516448/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21154195/

https://www.ccrmivf.com/blog/fertility-benefits-omega3-fatty-acids/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fsn3.3464

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221007848#:~:text=Melatonin%20plays%20an%20important%20role,assisted%20reproductive%20technology%20(ART).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5097808/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8226917/

Theralogix Supplements: Online Store Now Available

Check out Theralogix’s new online store with our provider discount already applied!

Theralogix sells excellent quality prenatal vitamins, CoQ10, our favorite inositol for PCOS, and many other supplements including our recommended male “prenatal” vitamin, Conception XR RHF.


We wanted to share a link to their online store with our provider discount already factored in so you can order your supplements from the comfort of your own home and not have to hassle with in-office ordering. Or, if you’d prefer to use the code directly with your order, our Provider Reference Code is 137923.

Click below to be taken right to the site!

 

Please see your provider for specific supplement recommendations or with any questions and always check with your physician before starting any supplements. 

Can you combine acupuncture with fertility treatments?

Acupuncture can be added to any type of fertility cycle.

Short answer, yes. It is safe and effective to combine acupuncture with any type of fertility treatment including medicated cycles, IUI, IVF, FET, donor IVF, etc. We have worked closely with all of the Knoxville fertility doctors and clinics and even clinics from out of state and have the experience needed to support you throughout whatever cycle your doctor is recommending.

Long answer, there are quite a few reasons why you might consider combining acupuncture with any type of fertility treatment cycle.

 

1. Increase your chances of success: Acupuncture has been shown in many research studies to increase chances of ovulation, conception, clinical pregnancy, and live birth when combined with fertility treatment.

  • In IUI cycles, a study showed pregnancy rates for those using acupuncture with their treatment was 65.5% vs 39.9% for those doing just an IUI cycle.
  • In IVF cycles, women combining acupuncture with their whole cycle have pregnancy rates around 60% in our clinic.  
  • Doing acupuncture only before and after embryo transfer leads to a 42.5% pregnancy rate vs 26.3% in women who did not use acupuncture.
  • In women doing clomid, femara, injectable or other medicated cycles, one study showed rates of ovulation of 67.8% vs 51.9% and a conception rate of 51.9% for the acupuncture and treatment group, vs 30.4% for the treatment only group.

 

2. Reduce overall cost of fertility treatment: While there is a cost to receiving acupuncture treatments, adding acupuncture to your fertility treatment plan can reduce the number of cycles needed to achieve pregnancy, thereby significantly reducing costs.

 

3. Decrease side effects of treatment: Acupuncture is often used symptomatically during a treatment cycle to decrease side effects such as:

  • Hot Flashes
  • Mood Swings
  • Help increase cervical mucous production
  • Stress
  • Cramping or pain during cycle

 

4. Support throughout the cycle: We’ve been working with patients going through fertility treatments for a long time and know the how tough the emotional rollercoaster can be. We also know that it isn’t often a topic discussed with friends and family. So we strive to support you and help answer any questions along the way.

 

5. Acupuncture can be used to support your doctor’s treatment for conditions such as:

 

6. Decrease Side effects of treatment: Acupuncture is often used symptomatically during a treatment cycle to decrease side effects such as:

  • Hot Flashes
  • Mood Swings
  • Help increase cervical mucous production
  • Stress
  • Cramping or pain during cycle

 


When should I begin treatment? In an ideal world, we would see our patients 3 months before the begin any fertility treatment. We refer to this treatment phase as “Preconception.” During these three months, we work to regulate the menstrual cycle, correct any hormone imbalances, and increase blood flow to help your body give the best chance for a good response to treatment.

However, we don’t always live in an ideal world. Often we see our patients at the beginning of their cycle. Of course, we can start treatment at any time throughout your cycle, so it is never too late to receive benefit from acupuncture.

We are always available for questions via phone or email and encourage you to reach out and discuss your situation so we can find an acupuncture treatment plan that is right for you!

 


References:
http://americanpregnancy.org/infertility/acupuncture/
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-01-traditional-chinese-medicine-fertility-treatments.html
https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(01)03273-3/pdf
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1817-acupuncture-enhances-fertility-treatment-lowers-adverse-effects

Preconception Tips to Help Ensure Your Cycle is a Success: A 90 Day Plan

Help your cycle become a success with these preconception tips!

Many of our patients have been told they have poor egg quality or diminished ovarian reserve, or even poor embryo quality and this is the reason why they are having trouble conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. While it is true that your egg health diminishes over time, it is not true that there is nothing that can be done to help support your egg health.

Even if you don’t have any specific ovarian or egg quality issues, helping support good egg health will help increase the chances your cycle will be a success!

The total time it takes for one egg to fully mature is about 90 days. It is during this window of time that we are able to have the biggest impact on egg health. So, we recommend that all of our patients looking to plan a treatment cycle take advantage of this time to prepare and consider acupuncture, supplements, diet, and lifestyle changes to help support their egg health.

Some of the main factors affecting egg health are:

  • Diet and Nutrition
  • Blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
  • Oxygenation of your blood
  • Stress
  • Hormone balance

Our three favorite ways to improve all of these factors affecting egg health are acupuncture (of course!), diet and exercise, and specific supplements.

1. Preconception Acupuncture:

Each of our treatment protocols (IUI, IVF, and medicated cycles) begins with the recommendation of preconception acupuncture. Preconception acupuncture is treatments given weekly in the 1-3 months prior to any fertility cycle specifically designed to support egg health and hormone balance.

By now, you probably know that acupuncture done alongside a fertility cycle can improve the chances of pregnancy for that cycle. What you may not know, is that acupuncture’s effect is cumulative, much like exercise. Each treatment and treatment cycle builds on the previous. Research done on fertility acupuncture supports this idea. Generally, the more acupuncture one receives, the better the pregnancy rates.

The reasons why acupuncture done in the months prior to a fertility cycle can have an impact on your egg health and the overall success of your cycle are:

  • Dramatically improved blood flow to the uterus and ovaries: This increases the   delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and facilities waste product removal, improving overall egg health.
  • Hormone regulation: Many women notice changes in their cycles during preconception acupuncture: less  pain, more regular ovulation, and normalization of menstrual flow.
  • Reduced stress: Help your body and mind get ready for the upcoming cycle.

2.  Diet, Exercise and Lifestyle:

Diet: A healthy diet can dramatically affect one’s fertility (and overall health!). Taking the preconception time period to focus on eating a clean, whole-food, plant-based diet can help improve egg health. Our favorite general fertility diet comes from a Harvard Medical School research study, but many diagnoses related to infertility, such as endometriosis or PCOS, call for some specialized nutrition.

Overall, the basics of a healthy fertility diet include:

  • Low amounts of saturated fat: Choose plant based fats such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and healthy fats like those found in salmon and other fish.
  • Local, grass fed, organic meats whenever possible
  • Fresh fruits and veggies: We suggest eating foods from every color of the rainbow and making sure at least half of your plate is filled with veggies as an easy way to maximize your fruit and vegetable intake
  • Vegetable protein sources: Try to replace one serving of meat per day with a vegetarian protein source like beans or tofu.
  • Lots of fresh water: Try to avoid water bottled in plastic and stick to filtered when possible.
  • Whole grains: brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread and pasta, etc instead of simple, white carbs,
  • Iron rich plants: spinach, pumpkins, beans, tomatoes, and beets.
  • Full fat dairy instead of low fat varieties.
  • Minimal (or no) sugar intake: be sure to watch added sugars and high fructose corn syrup as they can hide in many unsuspecting foods as well as sugary drinks and desserts.

For women who have endometriosis, we recommend following an anti-inflammatory diet. For those with PCOS, a low-glycemic index diet is best.

Exercise: Regular aerobic exercise improves the oxygenation of blood and increased blood flow throughout the body. It is also a great stress reliever and helps maintain a healthy BMI, which is associated with higher pregnancy rates. Yoga is also a great way to strengthen your core and help reduce stress.

The preconception time is perfect for implementing a consistent exercise routine as exercise is commonly limited by your doctor during a fertility treatment cycle.

Lifestyle: There are many lifestyle habits that can have an effect on egg health. Our top suggestions are the following:

  • Stop smoking
  • Allow personal ‘down-time’ to meditate, read, or just relax.
  • Listen to fertility meditations via Circle Bloom to help de-stress and foster a healthy body/mind connection
  • Work to reduce stress and overwork as much as possible
  • Seek counseling or a support group if you feel it is necessary.

3. Supplements and herbs: In addition to a good quality prenatal vitamin, there are some supplements that you can take that will help support egg quality and overall fertility. One supplement that has some evidence showing it’s efficacy is CoQ-10.

CoQ-10 is a vitamin-like substance (meaning our bodies can make some on their own) that functions within the energy production centers, called mitochondria, present in each cell. As we age, the efficiency of the mitochondria declines. The idea is that by supplementing CoQ-10, we can help support this energy production, which is especially needed for high-energy processes like the cellular division involved in egg production and embryo development. There is some preliminary research showing an egg-health benefit in mice and we await further research. CoQ-10 is generally regarded as very safe to take while trying to conceive and most experience no side effects. It also shows some promise in helping support male fertility as well.

Other supplements that we typically recommend are:

  • Fish Oil: high in omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation in the body
  • Probiotics: to support good digestion and absorption of nutrients.

There are also specific supplements and herbs available for other fertility related conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, luteal phase defect, male factor infertility, etc and will be recommended as needed.

Please call 865-315-3845 or contact us, we are more than happy to answer your questions or set you up for preconception acupuncture! Good luck with your cycle!

5 Reasons to Try Acupuncture for Fertility

5 reasons why you should consider adding acupuncture to your fertility treatment.

Are you currently trying to get pregnant or planning to try in the next few months? Have you considered adding fertility acupuncture to your IVF, IUI, or medicated cycle?

You’ve probably read or heard a little about acupuncture for fertility, but maybe don’t know much about how it can help you. Here are our top five reasons why you should book an acupuncture treatment with your next cycle!

  1. Increases Chances of a Take Home Baby: Research shows that acupuncture not only improves pregnancy rates (up to 60%!), but can reduce miscarriages leading to an overall increase in the chances of a take home baby! After all, this is what everyone facing infertility really wants! This research is typically done on IVF cycles, but the same mechanisms of action can help improve an IUI, medicated, or natural cycle in much the same way.
  2. Improves Blood Flow:  Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow to the uterus. This improved blood flow is associated with a better chance of embryo implantation in IVF cycles. It can also facilitate better nutrient delivery and waste product removal to potentially increase the the quality of your follicles and endometrial lining.
  3. Hormone Regulation: Over the course of 1-3 months, acupuncture can help to regulate your reproductive hormones. For example, women with PCOS often begin ovulating after treatment with acupuncture. Subtle cycle changes also occur as hormones become more balanced. Changes often noticed during the course of treatment include: increased fertile cervical mucous, a longer luteal phase, reduced PMS symptoms, and even changes in your basal body temperature chart.
  4. Reduced Stress: We all know struggling with infertility is stressful. Acupuncture can help you cope with this stress so you can relax and feel normal while going through treatment cycles. It causes a release of ‘feel-good’ chemical called endorphins in your brain that will…. well, help you feel good! You may also notice that you sleep better or have better digestion after treatment as well.
  5. Treatment of Side effects: Often when we are treating patients during their cycles, we use points to reduce headaches, nausea, bloating, irritability, insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, constipation, anxiety…. you name it! Making you feel comfortable during treatment is a huge part of what we do. The way we see it is that, for many couples, success can be a matter of time. Time finding the right medication combination that works with your body and time waiting for the right follicle to develop. If we can make that wait easier, you’re more likely to try an additional cycle or two and increase your chances of success! Additionally, we all know you can’t push the pause button on life while you undergo fertility treatment, so we work to help keep you at your best so you can continue to be a wife, co-worker, student, mother, sister, friend, and/or superwoman!

As you can see, combining acupuncture to your fertility treatment plan is a great way to, not only, increase your chances of pregnancy, but to feel more comfortable, relaxed and get a more regulated cycle!

We work with both men and women to find a treatment protocol that works with the timing of their cycles to give you the maximum benefit of acupuncture. Please give us a call or contact us online and we’ll walk you through what is best for your situation. Or, if you’re ready, you can schedule an appointment online now! 

Preventing Miscarriage with Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be helpful in preventing miscarriage from certain causes.
Acupuncture can be helpful in preventing miscarriage from certain causes.

Finally seeing those two lines on a pregnancy test is a long-awaited, and rightfully celebrated, moment for all of my patients! This joy can quickly become sadness if the pregnancy is not viable. Miscarriage is a very common occurrence with 10-25% of all pregnancies ending in miscarriage. The most common cause of miscarriage is genetic abnormalities that cause the embryo to be non-viable. Other causes of miscarriage can include:

  • Hormonal abnormalities: PCOS, low progesterone, diabetes, etc
  • Lifestyle issues: smoking, excessive alcohol use, excessive caffeine, drug use,exposure to toxic substances, etc
  • Maternal age: the prevalence of genetic abnormalities increase with age
  • Thin or low quality endometrial lining
  • Immune system issues
  • Trauma: generally only very severe trauma leads to miscarriage
  • Structural abnormalities in the uterus: adhesions, polyps, septum, etc
  • Blood clotting: anti-phospholipid syndrome

For less than 1% women, miscarriages can become recurrent. This is typically diagnosed after having 3 miscarriages. A thorough workup is done to try and find out the cause and determine what treatment is appropriate. Fortunately, many causes of recurrent miscarriage are treatable. Even in the case of genetic abnormalities, like chromosome translocation, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can be utilized in combination with IVF to help decrease the chance of miscarriage.

What can I do to prevent miscarriage?

There is a lot you can do on your own to help prevent miscarriage. Much of this work involves managing chronic illness or hormonal imbalances and modifying complicating lifestyle factors. For example:

  • Quit smoking as soon as possible in your conception journey
  • Limit coffee and tea to 1-2 cups daily
  • Maintain a healthy BMI
  • Seek the help of your physician in managing diabetes, PCOS, or other health problems
  • Eat a healthy whole-foods diet high in fruits, veggies, and protein and low in sugar and processed foods
  • Limit exposure to toxic chemicals or environments
  • Avoid dangerous situations or activities where severe trauma may occur.

How Can Acupuncture Help?

Acupuncture can be a very useful for assisting in the prevention of miscarriage when not related to chromosomal abnormalities by treating many of the common causes of miscarriage. Acupuncture can be helpful in the following ways:

  • Increasing the thickness and quality of the endometrial lining
  • Helping regulate hormones
  • Helping to treat PCOS 
  • Reducing uterine contractions in early pregnancy
  • Improving uterine blood flow to help prevent blood clots
  • Regulating the immune system
  • Stress reduction

What does the research say?

Research on acupuncture and miscarriage is very promising. One recent study on acupuncture done along with IVF showed a 50% decrease in the miscarriage rate.

Another study suggests acupuncture may even be a potential supportive treatment for threatened or recurrent miscarriages due to its beneficial effects on serum cortisol and prolactin levels during IVF.

Acupuncture’s known effects on stress are also a possible mechanism by which miscarriage rates could be reduced. According this same study, it is possible that stress in very early pregnancy may cause overactivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis leading to reduced progesterone levels. In reducing this stress, progesterone levels may stay higher.

When should I start acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be started at any point along your journey. Some basic recommendations are here:

  • If you are pregnant: We recommend acupuncture weekly through the first trimester to support blood flow to the uterus, reduce stress, and support progesterone levels before the placenta is fully developed.
  • If you are trying to conceive: Generally, it is recommended to begin acupuncture 3 months prior to conception for most causes of recurrent miscarriage. This allows the treatments to affect overall cycle health, hormone balance, and egg quality as it takes 90 days for an egg to prepare for ovulation. However, the effects of acupuncture are beneficial at any stage of your journey, and accumulate over time. We see many women while they are actively trying to conceive naturally or with fertility treatment. We have protocols for IVF, IUI, medicated cycles and couples trying naturally.

Please give our office a call to discuss your specific situation or to schedule an appointment. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. We wish you the best of luck!!

References:

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/jacquelinehurst/acupuncture-to-support-fe_b_5958722.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342918/

http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/miscarriage/

http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq100.pdf

http://natural-fertility-info.com/increase-egg-health

http://eastwindsacupuncture.com/acupuncture-in-ivf-linked-to-lower-miscarriage-and-ectopic-rates/

Treating PCOS with Acupuncture, Inositol, and Diet

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common diagnosis that affects approximately 7 million women, although it is thought that less than half of all cases are properly diagnosed. Many women with PCOS will experience some degree of difficulty in getting pregnant and many will use fertility treatments to conceive.

Symptoms associated with PCOS are:

  • Irregular periods or having very long cycles
  • Weight gain (or having a hard time losing weight)
  • Unusual hair loss
  • Hair growth on face or body (hirsutism)
  • Acne
  • Dark Patches of Skin
  • Anovulation (not ovulating)

PCOS is a complex diagnosis and women will not necessarily have all of the above symptoms. Insulin resistance is a common factor in the disease and can lead to the development of type-2 diabetes. Other factors include the presence of multiple ovarian cysts, high testosterone levels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high triglycerides. A combination of these factors leads to reduced egg quality, irregular cycles, and infertility.

As you can see, the early detection and treatment of PCOS is extremely important! Luckily, PCOS is generally a treatable condition and responds well to many different types of treatment including fertility treatments. Many, many women with PCOS will go on to have healthy babies.

TREATING PCOS:

ACUPUNCTURE: Treatment with acupuncture has been shown to promote ovulation and, over time, regulate FSH/LH levels back to normal. In one study, a single acupuncture treatment was shown to work as well as an injection of HCG in inducing ovulation. Studies on longer courses of acupuncture treatment have shown a normalization of hormone levels, cycle length, and ovulation. These results could still be seen 3 months after finishing acupuncture treatment. In our clinic, we have seen great results in treating PCOS both for women trying naturally or using some form of fertility treatment.

SUPPLEMENTS: Supplementation with inositol has been shown to promote menstrual regularity and normal ovarian function in women. Additionally, it will reduce insulin resistance, and improve hormone levels. Inositol is a nutrient found in fruits, beans, grains, and nuts. It is also produced by the body. There are a couple of different types of inositol commonly available: D-chiro inositol and myo-inositol. Recent research has shown the greatest benefit from supplements containing a 40:1 of myo to D-chiro inositol. We recommend a supplement with this ratio called Ovasitol by Theralogix for our PCOS patients. It is recommended to take this for at least three consecutive months to see an improvement in hormone levels and menstrual cycles. And continued use will ensure these results continue. As always, please consult with your physician before starting any supplements. Ovasitol can be purchased with our provider discount in the office, through this link. If you need our PRC discount code it is: 137923. 

Ovasitol can help improve fertility in women with PCOS.
Ovasitol can help improve fertility in women with PCOS.

LIFESTYLE/DIET: For many women, diet and lifestyle changes are enough to promote regular cycles. Regular exercise combined with a low-glycemic index diet can help to reduce insulin resistance and regulate the menstrual cycle. Working to maintain a healthy BMI is also helpful with studies showing an improvement of insulin and testosterone levels with just a 5% reduction in body weight. Some women can eliminate any signs of PCOS by working to improve their diet and lifestyle.

A quick guide to low glycemic index diets
A quick guide to low glycemic index diets

So, as you can see, PCOS, while a very frustrating diagnosis, is usually very treatable with very good outcomes using integrative care. Most of our PCOS patients go on to have healthy, pregnancies and healthy babies.

Please call us with any questions. We are very happy to help!

Sources:

http://www.acam.org/blogpost/1092863/185770/Acupuncture-for-Ovulation-Disorders-and-PCOS

http://www.advancedfertility.com/pcos.htm

http://www.theralogix.com/sp/theralogix-ovasitol/