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Case Study: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for High FSH and Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

Fertility

Acupuncture for High FSH and Premature Ovarian Failure in Melbourne

Author: Dr. Richard Zeng

Can Acupuncture Help High FSH and Low Ovarian Reserve?

A 38-year-old woman came to our Melbourne acupuncture clinic after being diagnosed with premature ovarian failure (POF). Her doctors advised her that IVF with a donor egg was her only option for pregnancy. However, she wanted to conceive using her own eggs and sought an alternative approach.

I designed a personalised treatment plan incorporating fertility acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and dietary adjustments to:

  • Regulate her menstrual cycle
  • Improve ovarian function
  • Lower FSH and enhance hormone balance
  • Reduce stress and anxiety

After several months of treatment, her hormone levels improved significantly, and she conceived naturally. This case highlights how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can support reproductive health, even in cases of high FSH and low ovarian reserve.

Case Overview: Acupuncture for High FSH and Low AMH

A 28-year-old woman presented with:

  • Extremely high Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels (135 IU/L)
  • Low Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
  • No antral follicles detected on ultrasound, indicating a very low ovarian reserve

She had not yet tried to conceive but wanted to optimise her fertility. Stress from her father’s battle with cancer had also impacted her hormonal balance.

Medical History

  • Menstrual Irregularities: Regular periods on the contraceptive pill for 10 years. After stopping, her cycles were irregular, and by July 2016, her periods stopped completely.
  • Symptoms: Despite high FSH, she had no menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes). She felt mildly anxious but otherwise stable. Her digestion was good, and she had minor sleep disturbances.
  • Ultrasound Findings: No antral follicles visible in either ovary, suggesting inactive ovaries.

Acupuncture and Herbal Treatment Plan

  • Acupuncture to regulate hormones, improve ovarian function, and reduce stress
  • Chinese herbal medicine (including Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Shan Yao, Shu Di) to nourish the blood, strengthen the kidneys, and regulate the liver
  • Lifestyle and dietary modifications to support overall reproductive health

Treatment Progress and Results

August 2016: Early Improvements

  • Increased energy levels and reduced stress
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Mild abdominal twinges, possibly indicating ovarian activity
  • FSH dropped to 28 IU/L and estrogen increased to over 1000 pmol/L

September 2016: Hormonal Shifts

  • Continued acupuncture and herbal medicine
  • BBT fluctuations suggested potential ovulation

October 2016: Signs of Ovulation

  • Noticed egg-white cervical mucus, an indicator of fertility
  • Adjusted treatment to support ovulation

November 2016: Natural Conception Confirmed

  • Pregnancy test was positive
  • Ultrasound confirmed embryo development
  • Acupuncture continued to support early pregnancy

December 2016: Healthy Pregnancy

  • 9-week scan showed normal fetal development
  • Acupuncture continued to maintain well-being

Discussion: Can Acupuncture Help High FSH and Premature Ovarian Failure?

This case study shows that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may help her through:

  • Regulate hormone levels (lower FSH, increase estrogen)
  • Support ovarian function, even with low AMH and no antral follicles
  • Reduce stress and improve menstrual cycles
  • Increase the chances of natural conception

For women struggling with high FSH, premature ovarian failure (POF), or low ovarian reserve, acupuncture and Chinese medicine may provide a natural, non-invasive treatment option.

Find Expert Acupuncture for Fertility in Melbourne

If you have been diagnosed with high FSH, low AMH, or premature ovarian failure, and wonder if acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine can offer natural solutions, please contact us today to learn how acupuncture and TCM can support your fertility journey.

📍 Locations: Coburg & Ringwood, Melbourne
🌐 Website: www.oztcm.com.au
📞 03 8802 1519

Book a Consultation today!

Disclaimer: This case study is for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.

Luteal Phase Defect (LPD): Understanding Its Impact on Fertility

Fertility

If you’re trying to get pregnant, knowing about your menstrual cycle is super important. One thing that can mess with fertility is called Luteal Phase Defect (LPD). It happens when the luteal phase (the time between ovulation and your period) is shorter than 10 days. This can throw off your menstrual cycle and make it hard for your uterus to get ready for pregnancy. LPD is pretty common, affecting up to 10% of women who are having trouble getting pregnant.

In this blog, we’ll dive into:

  • What LPD is and how it affects fertility.
  • The causes and symptoms of LPD.
  • How LPD is diagnosed.
  • Natural ways to treat LPD, like acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

What is Luteal Phase Defect (LPD)?

The luteal phase is the second half of your menstrual cycle, after ovulation and before menstruation. During this phase, the body makes progesterone, a hormone that helps thicken the uterine lining and supports early pregnancy.

In Luteal Phase Defect (LPD), the luteal phase is too short (less than 10 days) and progesterone levels may be low. This can prevent the uterine lining from developing properly, making it hard for an embryo to implant and grow.

How Does LPD Affect Fertility?

LPD can make it hard for you to get pregnant. Here’s how:

1. Poor Uterine Lining Development

Progesterone is important for thickening the uterine lining. With LPD, low progesterone levels can result in a thin or underdeveloped lining, making it harder for an embryo to implant.

2. Hormonal Imbalance

LPD messes up the balance of hormones needed for conception and early pregnancy support. Low progesterone levels can also lead to early miscarriage.

3. Irregular Ovulation

LPD can cause ovulation problems, like delayed or poor-quality egg release, which further reduces the chances of conception.

4. Recognisable Symptoms

Women with LPD may experience:

  • Shorter menstrual cycles (less than 21 days).
  • Spotting before menstruation.
  • Low basal body temperature.
  • Breast tenderness and fatigue.

If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional about your fertility.

What Causes LPD?

LPD is often caused by low progesterone levels in the ovaries. This hormonal imbalance can be caused by:

  • Stress or poor lifestyle habits
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Excessive exercise or weight loss
  • Aging, as progesterone levels naturally decline with age.

How is LPD Diagnosed?

If you think you have LPD, your healthcare provider may recommend the following tests:

  • Tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) can show a shorter luteal phase (less than 10 days).
  • A blood test during the luteal phase can measure progesterone levels. Levels below 10 ng/mL may indicate LPD.
  • An endometrial biopsy can check if the uterine lining is ready for implantation.

Natural Ways to Address LPD

If you’ve been diagnosed with LPD, there are several natural ways to support your fertility:

  • Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Foods like avocados, nuts, and seeds can help with hormone production.
  • Do regular exercise, but avoid excessive exercise, which can disrupt your cycle.
  • Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress and support hormonal balance.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for LPD

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can also be helpful for managing LPD symptoms.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are natural remedies that can work wonders for fertility treatments. Here’s how they can help:

1. Balancing Hormones

Acupuncture targets specific points to boost progesterone production, which is essential for thickening the uterine lining.

2. Nourishing the Uterus

These therapies improve blood flow to the uterus, creating a healthy environment for the embryo to implant.

3. Reducing Stress

Acupuncture helps calm the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.

Combining acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine with conventional treatments can significantly improve outcomes for women with LPD. This holistic approach addresses underlying hormonal imbalances and increases the chances of successful conception.

If you’re struggling with LPD or other fertility challenges, Almond Wellness Centre is here to help. Our experienced practitioners have the knowledge and skills in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, offering personalised care to support your fertility journey.

Are you ready to take the next step?

We’re here to help you make your dream of starting or growing your family a reality. Reach out to us today to book a consultation or send us a message using the form below. We can’t wait to work with you!

FAQs About LPD

Can LPD be treated naturally?

Yes, lifestyle changes, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine can help address LPD by improving hormone balance and uterine health.

How long does it take to see results with acupuncture?

Many women notice improvements within 3-6 months of regular acupuncture sessions, but results vary depending on individual circumstances.

Is acupuncture safe for fertility?

Yes, acupuncture is generally safe  when performed by a qualified practitioner. It can be used alongside conventional fertility treatments.

Conclusion

Luteal Phase Defect (LPD) can be a tough condition, but with the right support, you can overcome fertility challenges. By addressing hormonal imbalances, improving uterine health, and reducing stress, you can increase your chances of conception.

At Almond Wellness Centre, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your fertility goals with acupuncture  Chinese medicine and other natural approaches. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support your journey.

Embryo Implantation- How Long Does It Take?

Fertility

 

embryo implantation timing

The Journey Begins

The journey from fertilisation to embryo implantation is truly amazing:

1. Fertilisation: First, during ovulation, a healthy egg meets a healthy sperm, creating a single-cell embryo.

2. Traveling to the Uterus: Next, the embryo begins its journey towards the uterus. While traveling, it divides into more cells, gradually moving through the fallopian tube. This phase lasts about 4 to 5 days.

Key Milestone

Once the embryo reaches the uterus, it starts the implantation process. This crucial step takes about 2 to 3 days.

Successful implantation means the embryo has attached to the uterine lining. This step is essential for pregnancy. After implantation, the placenta begins to form and produces hCG, the pregnancy hormone.

About 10 days after fertilisation, hCG can be detected in the blood. However, since home pregnancy tests measure hCG in urine, it may take a little longer for them to show a positive result.

Signs of Implantation

During this stage, some women may notice mild symptoms like lower abdominal pain, tingling, bloating, or slight vaginal bleeding. These are normal signs of implantation.

About 20 to 30 days after implantation, or 35 to 40 days after the last menstrual period, an ultrasound can detect a gestational sac, confirming pregnancy.

A Miraculous Journey

In summary, the entire process from fertilisation to implantation takes around 6 to 10 days. Therefore, about 10 days after intercourse, women can check for pregnancy using hCG tests. This marks the beginning of a miraculous journey of life, filled with hope and vitality.

 

References

  1. Blesa D, Ruiz-Alonso M, Simon C. Clinical management of endometrial receptivity. Semin Reprod Med. 2014;32:410–413.
  2. Donaghay M, Lessey BA. Uterine receptivity: alterations associated with benign gynecological disease. Semin Reprod Med. 2007;25:461–475.
  3. Psychoyos A. Hormonal control of ovoimplantation. Vitam Horm. 1973;31:201–256.

Can you have period without ovulating?

Fertility

Can you have period without ovulating?

Well, let’s break it down.

In a typical menstrual cycle, ovulation is crucial. It happens every cycle for most women. First, an egg is released from the ovary. Then, hormone levels change—estrogen drops, then rises again. At the same time, progesterone levels go up and stay high. About two weeks later, these hormone levels drop, and menstruation starts. Usually, your period comes about two weeks after ovulation, unless you’re pregnant.

But What if You Get Your Period Without Ovulating? Is That Possible?

Yes.

Sometimes, the ovaries develop follicles, but they don’t release mature eggs. Without a mature egg, there’s no corpus luteum formation. This situation is called anovulatory bleeding, anovulatory menstruation, or anovulatory cycle.

What are the causes and symptoms?

Many things can cause this, like delayed development, hormonal imbalances, stress, thyroid disorders, or certain medications. These issues can disrupt ovulation and cause abnormal bleeding.

Symptoms of anovulatory menstruation include irregular bleeding, varying amounts of blood, prolonged cycles, or repeated irregular vaginal bleeding. Some people may think their periods are normal, but tests like ultrasound or basal body temperature tracking can show otherwise.

Diagnosis

Anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding might mean months without periods followed by heavy bleeding. This can last for days or weeks and may lead to anaemia.

Doctors diagnose anovulatory menstruation through exams, checking endometrium thickness, observing vaginal discharge, or using imaging tests like ultrasound. Blood tests may also be done to check hormone levels.

Impact on Fertility

Anovulatory cycles can affect fertility. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often cause them, making conception harder by disrupting hormone balance and preventing egg release.

Without ovulation, the uterine lining may keep growing, leading to heavier or prolonged periods. This affects fertility because conception needs ovulation.

How to Manage and Treat

If you’re trying to conceive, knowing if you are ovulating is crucial.  Firstly, You can check ovulation at home. However, If still not sure, it is wise to see your healthcare professionals. They may give more accurate diagnosis and management plans.

Can Chinese Medicine Help?

Some find combining traditional Chinese medicine like acupuncture with conventional treatments helpful, particularly for managing anovulatory bleeding and hormonal imbalances.

At Almond Wellness Centre, our Chinese medicine practitioners offer fertility acupuncture and Chinese medicine remedies alongside conventional therapies for a holistic approach to reproductive health.

More to Read

Women’s 7 year lift cycle

Menstrual Cycle and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Amenorrhea Fertility and Chinese Medicine

Having two periods in one month? You may just have ovulation bleeding 一个月来两次月经？你也许只是排卵期出血

Is Acupuncture Safe During Your Period?

When’s the Best Time to Conceive? Let’s Bust Some Myths!

Fertility

pregnancy acupuncture joyTrying to conceive can feel like a mix of excitement, hope, and maybe a little bit of confusion. With so much information (and misinformation) out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. When is the best time to conceive? Does it have to be on the day of ovulation? And how long do sperm actually survive? Let’s clear up the confusion and give you the facts you need to boost your chances of getting pregnant.

The Best Time to Conceive: It’s Not What You Think

You might have heard that the day of ovulation is the golden window for conception. But here’s the surprising truth: the highest chance of conception actually happens 1-2 days before ovulation. Here’s the breakdown:

  • 1-2 days before ovulation: 30-35% chance of conception (the best odds!).
  • On the day of ovulation: Slightly lower, around 25%.
  • 3-5 days before ovulation: Successively lower chances (15%, 9%, and 3%).
  • 1 day after ovulation: Unfortunately, the chance drops to 0%.

Why? It all comes down to the lifespan of sperm and eggs. While an egg only survives for about 24 hours after it’s released, sperm can hang out in the female reproductive system for 48-72 hours (or even longer!). So, having sex a day or two before ovulation gives the sperm time to “wait” for the egg, increasing the odds of a successful meet-up.

How to Track Your Ovulation

Knowing when you’re ovulating is key to timing things right. Here are some ways to track your ovulation:

  • Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Your body temperature rises slightly after ovulation. Tracking BBT correctly can help you spot patterns.
  • Cervical Mucus Changes: Around ovulation, your cervical mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and egg-white-like. Here is how to check cervical mucus changes.
  • Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): These kits detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which happens 24-36 hours before ovulation.

Keep in mind, these methods give you an estimate of your ovulation window, not an exact science. But they’re a great starting point!

Why Timing Isn’t Everything

While timing is important, it’s not the only factor that affects your chances of getting pregnant. Other things to consider include:

  • Sperm Quality: Healthy, motile sperm are essential for conception.
  • Overall Health: Stress, diet, and lifestyle can all impact fertility.
  • Age: Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35.
  • Underlying health conditions
  • Lifestyle factors like stress and diet

The good news? Regular sexual activity throughout your cycle (not just around ovulation) can help increase your chances. Plus, it takes the pressure off trying to “hit the perfect day.”

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

If you think conception might have happened, you’re probably eager to take a pregnancy test. Here’s what you need to know:

  • After fertilisation, the fertilized egg starts producing hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), the hormone detected by pregnancy tests.
  • You can take a test as early as 8 days after intercourse, but for the most accurate results, wait until 3 weeks after.

Pro Tip: Always follow the instructions on your pregnancy test kit. Using it correctly (and not too early!) will help avoid false results.

How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Can Help

If you’re trying to conceive, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture can be powerful allies. Here’s how:

  • Balances Hormones: Acupuncture helps regulate your menstrual cycle and improve ovulation timing.
  • Improves Blood Flow: Better circulation to the uterus and ovaries supports a healthy reproductive system.
  • Reduces Stress: Stress can mess with your hormones, and acupuncture’s calming effects can help you feel more relaxed and balanced.

At Almond Wellness Centre in Coburg and Ringwood, Melbourne, we provide professional natural support for fertility. Our fully qualified practitioners will:

  • Assess your unique needs and health history.
  • Create a personalised treatment plan to optimise your fertility.
  • Support you every step of the way on your journey to parenthood.

Ready to Boost Your Fertility?

If you’re trying to conceive and want to explore natural ways to improve your chances, we’re here to help. Contact Almond Wellness Centre today to book a consultation and take the first step toward growing your family.

References

  1. American Pregnancy Association. Understanding Ovulation.
  2. Mayo Clinic. How to Track Your Ovulation.
  3. Cochrane Review. Acupuncture for Fertility Support.