Women's Reproductive Health and the effects of Acupuncture with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Written by Meg Rector, TCM & Reg. Acupuncturist & Nelin Krull Reg. Physiotherapist.

Women’s reproductive health is so important to the overall health of women, yet it is often overlooked until a serious issue comes to light. Many women experience this as Infertility, Fibroids or debilitating Period Pain. Your body may have already been sending you some warning signals that you haven’t paid much attention to, but let’s be clear, your cycles are not meant to be a source of distress!

Learn more about the role Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can play with Reproductive Health in the various stages of life that women may experience:

MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine can help regulate the menstrual cycle by balancing levels of estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH and androgens, treating ovulatory dysfunctions and improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus.

They can also help regulate emotions such as stress, anxiety and depression that can also play a role in irregularities in the menstrual cycle by decreasing cortisol levels.

Which helps treat conditions such as:

·       Irregular Menstruation

·       Amenorrhea (3+ missed periods)

·       Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)

·       PMS (cramps, breast tenderness, bloating, changes in emotions, etc.)

·       Menstrual Migraines

·       Hormonal Acne & Hair Loss

·       Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

·       PCOS

·       Endometriosis

·       Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

·       Uterine Fibroids

FERTILITY

Once the menstrual cycle is regulated and the body is ready to conceive, acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine can be used to optimize each phase of the cycle.

Menstrual Phase

The goal of this phase is to promote the complete discharge of the endometrium & menstrual blood, to allow a smooth surface for the next endometrial lining to form.

Follicular Phase

In this phase new follicles, containing eggs, grow and the new endometrial lining forms. Balancing hormones, especially estrogen, and promoting blood flow to the uterus and ovaries are most important during this phase. Decreasing cortisol levels to manage stress levels is also key to optimize ovulation.

Ovulatory Phase

When the main egg follicle is large enough, the luteinizing hormone surge occurs to prompt ovulation. Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine can help make sure ovulation occurs at the correct time within the cycle and helps promote the transition to the luteal phase.

Luteal Phase

During this phase, the egg has been released and it travels to meet with the sperm in the fallopian tube. Once fertilized, the egg will travel to the uterus for implantation. Progesterone is the key hormone that is balance during this phase, to promote proper implantation in the endometrial lining. As was with the follicular phase, managing cortisol levels is also important during the luteal phase.

PREGNANCY

First Trimester

Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine during the first trimester are typically more frequent and focused on holding the baby in the uterus, boosting energy and keeping the mind calm.

Treating symptoms such as:

• Habitual Miscarriages

• Stress & Anxiety

• Morning Sickness

• Spotting or Bleeding

• Fatigue

• Hormonal Headaches

Second Trimester

Moving into the second trimester, women tend to start feeling better physically. The focus of this trimester is more symptom based with less frequent visits, depending on the symptoms.

Treating symptoms such as:

• Stress & Anxiety

• Insomnia

• Fatigue

• Back Pain

• Headaches

• Carpal Tunnel

• Swelling

• Constipation

• Incontinence

• Heartburn

Third Trimester

Along with treating any of the continuing symptoms from the second trimester, acupuncture and at home acupressure/ moxibustion can help prepare the body for labour.

Labour Preparation:

·       Reduce Stress & Anxiety

·       Ease Low Back & Pelvic Pain

·       Improve Fetal Positioning

·       Promote Release of Oxytocin

·       Stimulate Contractions

·       Dilate & Ripen Cervix

·       Pain Relief During Labour

·       Labour Induction

Postpartum

The postpartum phase is all about helping the mother recover and heal from childbirth. Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine are great options to boost energy & blood to help restore balance within the body.

Treating symptoms such as:

·       Postpartum Anxiety & Depression

·       Fatigue

·       Difficulty Breastfeeding

·       After Birth Pains

·       C-Section Recovery

·       Urinary Incontinence

MENOPAUSE

Menopause is caused by estrogen levels dropping, leading to an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormone imbalance impacts the body's ability of cooling, calming and moistening. Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine can help regulate the changes in hormone levels, which helps restore some balance within the body as it goes through these major changes.

This help relieve symptoms such as:

·     Irregular Menstrual Cycle

·     Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

·     Insomnia

·     Fatigue

·     Irritability & Mood Changes

·     Poor Memory & Difficulty Concentrating

·     Skin & Hair Changes

·     Vaginal Dryness

·     Weight Gain

·     Joint Pain

Ready to get your reproductive health on the right track? Click here to book in with Meg Rector, Registered Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner.