Using TCM to regulate my cycle
Fri, 2008-08-15 12:51
Sorry I wasn't sure if I posted my questions in the correct forum. Please see below:
Using TCM to treat irregular cycles
I am 30 years old and have been trying to conceive for ~ 10 months. I suspected problems with my menstral cycle for quite some time due to spotting in between periods. About 17 months ago , I saw a Ob/gyn who noted an abnormal pap ( some inflammation...CN1) but the colcoscopy results was negative and the only suggestion was for f/u at 6 mths. My 6mth f/u pap test showed the same result ( i.e. inflammation but "better" than CN1). But I've been given the green light to continue to try and conceive.
After the second pap test . I decided to try TCM with a Chinese Medicine Doctor ( CMD) which entailed herbs and acupuncture once a week for the last 4-5 months. Here is a description of my spotting pattern before and after starting TCM
BEFORE TCM: 2-6 days after my period, I would start spotting. This spotting typically lasts for 5-10 days but would generally stop after I ovulated ( my cycles are typically 30-35 days in length).
AFTER starting TCM: 2-6 days after my period I woould start spotting for 5-10 days but the spotting seemed less severe. Perhsps because during the last couple of cycles, I would notify the TCM practioner as soon as I noted the spotting and she would adjust the herbs to stop the spotting.I noticed the spotting stopped after ovulation. Cycle length has generally remained between 29-35 days ( only on one cycle did my period only last for 23 days).
My questions are:
1) Do you think I have a lutueal phase problem? I've heard that spotting is usually indicative of a lutueal phase problem ( my lutueal phase typically range from 9-11 days, probably averaging 10 days). but I don't typically spot after I ovulate. I should also mention I have a hypothyroid ( it was hyper but I took the Iodine and now take supplements.
2) Is sweating at night a indication of imbalance/a poor reaction to the herbs? I typically sweat during the lutueal phase ( usually 1-2 times within the 10 days) and during the begining of my cycle when I have my period. Though there has been an odd occasion when I sweat mid cycle as well ( these night sweats usually wake me during sleep).
3) Unfortunately the waiting list for fertility clinics/fertility work ups are lengthy so I probably won't get one for at least another 4-6 mths. I'm assuming you would recommend a western medical work-up at this point. A lot of Fertility clinics do not recommend the patients take chinese herbs while going to the clinic. How long do you think it would take once I stop the Chinese Herbs for the herbs to be cleared from my system so as to not bias any blood test that may be taken?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
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My questions are:
1) Do you think I have a lutueal phase problem? I've heard that spotting is
usually indicative of a lutueal phase problem ( my lutueal phase typically
range from 9-11 days, probably averaging 10 days). but I don't typically spot
after I ovulate. I should also mention I have a hypothyroid ( it was hyper but
I took the Iodine and now take supplements.
In Chinese medicine we do not
like bleeding out side your normal menstrual bleeding time. Your question is timely as I just returned
from a Chinese medicine gynecology workshop and we discusses mid cycle bleeding
and how it can negatively impact fertility (not always but can). I am not sure what your MD will label your
bleeding. I can say in Chinese medicine it
is a clear sign of an imbalance that we would treat. I do see this in my own clinical practice (help many but not all), so I can let you
know if some of the tips I picked up recently will help with even some of my more
stubborn cases.
.
2) Is sweating at night a indication of
imbalance/a poor reaction to the herbs? I typically sweat during the lutueal
phase ( usually 1-2 times within the 10 days) and during the begining of my
cycle when I have my period. Though there has been an odd occasion when I sweat
mid cycle as well ( these night sweats usually wake me during sleep).
Yes it is.
Sweating at night and sweating before your menses is a “disease category”
in Chinese medicine. It is something that would be part of your diagnosis and
the herbs would be addressing.
3) Unfortunately the waiting list for
fertility clinics/fertility work ups are lengthy so I probably won't get one
for at least another 4-6 mths. I'm assuming you would recommend a western
medical work-up at this point. A lot of Fertility clinics do not recommend the
patients take chinese herbs while going to the clinic. How long do you think it
would take once I stop the Chinese Herbs for the herbs to be cleared from my
system so as to not bias any blood test that may be taken?
You know it depends on the clinic. I can only
speak for the IVF clinics in the Vancouver
area. Some say no herbs at all, some say
stop 3 months before and some change their minds weekly or depends on the doc
or nurse. I know Genesis has been
consistent he past 6 months. We stop
herbs one month before a fare protocol or on day one of your bleed for a cycle
that you would start your down regulating on day 21/22.
You have had some progress. You do need a western work up, especially
since some of the tests have detected some red flags. Please keep in mind that is normal for your Chinese
herbs to change and some months will be better than others. If you think you are not making progress or
you have stalled, just ask your practitioner to spend a little more time on
your file and see if they can think of anything else to add to or modify to your
formula to help stop the bleeding and night sweats .
I hope this is helpful. It is the best I can do over a forum. Here is another post similar to yours...http://www.acubalance.ca/content/low-progesterone#comment-458
Lorne Brown, Dr. TCM, FABORM
Acubalance Wellness Centre Founder & Clinical Director
Vancouver and Langley