Low AMH - It is important to understand that the AMH (Anti-Mullarian Hormone) was developed as a guide for doctors on the correct drug protocol and dosage for IVF. It's 'discovery' meant that the first round of IVF is no longer experimental - using AMH as a guideline the doctors already have an idea of a woman's expected response to the follicle-stimulating drugs used. Unfortunately most couples get very hung up on the figure they're given and sometimes the communication around AMH is purely medical without much background explanation, so causes a lot of upset. A low AMH does not mean that you cannot conceive, what it means is that your predicted response to stimulating drugs will be lower that 'normal' for your age.
It is also important to understand that different clinics, worldwide, use different grading systems for AMH and that AMH levels can change, though usually not dramatically. If your AHM is very low then you probably have more chance of conceiving naturally than through IVF unless there is a physical blockage or other major issues. If you are trying IVF then I support you before, during and after in order to boost chances of success.
It is also important to understand that different clinics, worldwide, use different grading systems for AMH and that AMH levels can change, though usually not dramatically. If your AHM is very low then you probably have more chance of conceiving naturally than through IVF unless there is a physical blockage or other major issues. If you are trying IVF then I support you before, during and after in order to boost chances of success.
Endometriosis - this is known as 'blood stagnation' in Chinese medicine - acupuncture as well as nutrition are important in treating the symptoms of endometriosis. It is vital to keep body fat levels down as there are links between high oestrogen levels (stored in body fat) and endometriosis. Acupuncture has, in my experience, been amazingly successful in changing women's lives for the better by reducing or eliminating pain. There have been no clinical trials as yet to show whether or not acupuncture actually decreases the endometrial deposits but my patients regularly report a substantial decrease in pain.
PCOS - I use acupuncture to try to stimulate ovulation and then regulate your cycle. This is often very successful on its own but nutrition plays a big part in regulating hormones. PCOS can affect overweight and underweight women so getting nutrition right is vital as is getting the right kind of exercise. Over 4 menstrual cycles I would hope to see a shortening of cycle length and increased signs of regular ovulation.
Lack of periods/Establishing Menstrual Cycle Post-Contraception - many of my patients find that once they discontinue the Pill or other hormonal contraception, their menstrual cycle either does not return or only returns sporadically. I can help to re-establish a cycle, helping you then to identify your fertile time and bring about healthy, pain-free periods.
Painful periods/heavy periods – this is similar to endometriosis (except without a diagnosis) and is often a problem with younger girls just starting their cycles. I encourage girls to come in as early as possible if they are having painful or irregular periods so that they can avoid using the pill for these symptoms. Specific acupuncture points are used on the abdomen as well as heat, which relaxes muscle tissue and increases blood flow (therefore reducing clots and pain). Nutrition is also important for young girls as they are often concerned about eating too much at a time when they need optimum nourishment.
Irregular periods - Acupuncture is also very useful for this and I concentrate on regulating each half of the cycle (pre-ovulation and pre-period). Fertility coaching is important so that you can recognise fertile times if you are trying to conceive.
Uterine Fibroids & Cysts - These need to be assessed through laparoscopy or hysteroscopy to determine their exact nature, size and position. In terms of fertility you need to know whether they will impede conception and/or pregnancy. Acupuncture can be used to try and reduce the size of the fibroids, any associated pain or gynaecological issues.
Menopause can be treated in a multitude of ways but while hormone treatments are popular, not every woman wants to take a prescription medication. Instead, some women will look to alternative treatments to improve women's health. One such treatment is acupuncture, which can help many different health issues, including menopause. If you are looking for a natural treatment that has a low propensity for side-effects, then acupuncture might be worth consideration.
Acupuncture has long been known for its pain-relieving characteristics. It can, however, also treat hormonal problems at virtually every stage in a woman's life. For women who are experiencing the menopausal transition, this is welcome news. Not only can acupuncture handle their menstrual problems and pregnancy challenges during their younger years, but it can later provide relief from menopause symptoms. While the research around acupuncture is not conclusive and is still somewhat controversial in terms of the effectiveness of acupuncture, many people and professionals in medicine support the use of acupuncture.
Some women find an improved sense of well-being after an acupuncture treatment. Others feel quite sleepy and find that acupuncture helps to ease their insomnia that has been occurring as part of their menopause symptoms. Still other women notice that their hot flushes are improved. Although the idea of needles can be intimidating, most women will find the treatment to be relaxing rather than painful or distressing.
Acupuncture has long been known for its pain-relieving characteristics. It can, however, also treat hormonal problems at virtually every stage in a woman's life. For women who are experiencing the menopausal transition, this is welcome news. Not only can acupuncture handle their menstrual problems and pregnancy challenges during their younger years, but it can later provide relief from menopause symptoms. While the research around acupuncture is not conclusive and is still somewhat controversial in terms of the effectiveness of acupuncture, many people and professionals in medicine support the use of acupuncture.
Some women find an improved sense of well-being after an acupuncture treatment. Others feel quite sleepy and find that acupuncture helps to ease their insomnia that has been occurring as part of their menopause symptoms. Still other women notice that their hot flushes are improved. Although the idea of needles can be intimidating, most women will find the treatment to be relaxing rather than painful or distressing.
Secondary infertility (SI) is – without doubt – one of the last taboos of motherhood, under researched and rarely discussed. For those of who suffer – and there is a growing number – it is a very real and devastating condition. Treatment of secondary infertility is similar in approach to that of primary infertility. The goal is to increase the blood flow to the reproductive organs which improves the quality of the eggs and the thickness of the uterine lining. It helps to regulate the hormones which play a critical role in the proper functioning and timing of the reproductive process.
In addition to addressing the physical issues, I will support you emotionally as well. Although each of your stories is unique they also share a thread of similarity. My experience allows me to help guide and support you through this process.
In addition to addressing the physical issues, I will support you emotionally as well. Although each of your stories is unique they also share a thread of similarity. My experience allows me to help guide and support you through this process.
"I first saw Cheryl back in the spring of 2012. I was experiencing intense anxiety as a result of menopause. According to recent blood tests, my hormone levels had plummeted and I was as jumpy as a flea! Suddenly, my lifelong claustrophobic tendencies overtook my daily life and my days (and nights!) seemed filled with "incidents" of claustrophobia. I have never liked needles at any stage of life so trying acupuncture attests to the low point at which I had arrived!
In Cheryl I found a very professional, calm, and caring individual. She is a good listener and had useful, constructive suggestions, even beyond acupuncture. When it came to the needles, on the first day, Cheryl had to mop the sweat from the palms of my hands! But from that first session onwards (my initial course was 6 sessions) I began to feel some sort of balance return to my life. A sense of calm and a sense of control were restored. My sleep improved quite dramatically too. I am greatly indebted to Cheryl, and so is my family!"
Ann...Blackburn
In Cheryl I found a very professional, calm, and caring individual. She is a good listener and had useful, constructive suggestions, even beyond acupuncture. When it came to the needles, on the first day, Cheryl had to mop the sweat from the palms of my hands! But from that first session onwards (my initial course was 6 sessions) I began to feel some sort of balance return to my life. A sense of calm and a sense of control were restored. My sleep improved quite dramatically too. I am greatly indebted to Cheryl, and so is my family!"
Ann...Blackburn