PMS can be a myriad of symptoms like headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, back pain, cravings, weepy, irritable, heavy bleeding and cramping prior to or during bleeding.  If you are a woman suffering from severe PMS, I can assure you that you don’t have to live like that.  I have had many women come into the office who could not go to work when their bleeding.  However, I would say that 100% of them received great relief with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs.   Read the rest of this entry »

Progesterone is very important for a woman’s fertility.  One, Progesterone allows only the release of one egg at a time for a cycle.  Two, it keeps the endometrium (uterine lining) in tact basically preventing the shedding of the endometrium.  Finally, it elevates the body temperature creating a nice warm environment for a potential fertilized egg to thrive in.   Read the rest of this entry »

First, we must understand how Birth Control Pills work.  They basically shut down the natural function of your endocrine/hormonal system.  Because Birth Control Pills are comprised of synthetic estrogen and progesterone, it sends a signal to your master pituitary gland not to work to produce those hormones since you already have them.   Read the rest of this entry »

Studies show that Acupuncture can improve success rates of IVF up to 40%.  In fact, more and more Fertility Clinics are working with Acupuncture clinics or hiring Acupuncturists in their clinic because they know the success of using Acupuncture with ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology).  I have personally seen how Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs have been helpful in increasing the number of follicles and eggs during retrieval.  Many women who just were not Read the rest of this entry »

Although many women can get their period after stopping the pill, a small percentage do experience what is now called post pill amenorrhea.  This diagnosis is based on the lack of a period for 6 months or longer after stopping birth control pills.  Most women have no idea that this can happen and most doctors and pharmaceutical company’s Read the rest of this entry »

I have been a proponent of organic foods or simply natural food from the farm for quite some time.  It just taste better!  Furthermore, it is much more healthy for you.  Think of food as your gasoline.  The better quality gasoline that goes into your car, the better it will perform.  The same is true for your body.  Fertility goes hand in hand with good health and you cannot be healthy eating crappy food. Read the rest of this entry »

Fertility will be much improved when a woman suffering with endometriosis is cleared up.  Endometriosis is common gynecological condition that can be treated effectively with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.  Many women seeking to get pregnant may have difficulty if they have endometriosis.  Western Medicine has theories on the cause of endometriosis, but they are only theories.  Chinese Medicine has a different take on the cause of this condition and how to treat it. Read the rest of this entry »

The true cause of Endometriosis may be something totally different than what has been theorized.  More and more evidence is pointing to inflammation as the culprit for Endometriosis.  This inflammation is due to high levels of “bad prostaglandins”.  There are three types of prostaglandins.   Read the rest of this entry »

Estrogen Dominance is a term coined by the late Dr. John Lee.  There are a number of symptoms/conditions associated with Estrogen Dominance including Endometriosis.  In fact, many OBGYN’s prescribe progestin (synthetic progesterone) to help with the symptoms of Endometriosis.  Basically, when the progesterone levels can be raised, they will balance the excess estrogen Read the rest of this entry »

I honestly feel that women must be educated about their menstrual cycles in order to improve their chances of conception.  A great book to help women understand their cycles is “Taking Charge of Your Fertility” by Toni Weschler, MPH.  I believe every woman should read this book.  I’m just going to highlight key points that I think is important for the lay person to know about the menstrual cycle. Read the rest of this entry »