To Sue and all: Infertility and Pregnancy

November 7, 2004

Greetings,

My first infertility patient recently got pregnant, which is very

exciting. Sue had recommended Jane Lyttleton's book on the treatment

of infertility, and I have found it very useful and enjoyable to

read. Now that my patient is pregnant I have some questions though.

She is a vegetarian and her yin deficiency showed up in a big way

pretty quickly after getting pregnant. She is also having

hyperemesis, so herbs have been out of the question but I have been

supporting her with acupucture. If possible, I would like to hear

some feedback about what to expect as she progresses, and treatment

ideas if there are any general things to keep in mind. For one thing

I am wondering if I should continue to treat her all the way through

her pregnancy. Given that she is so yin deficient I am tempted to do

Lu 7/K 6 every week, but wonder if there is a reason why this is not

such a good idea. I've been switching back and forth with K 3.

The other related question I have is about labs. I have a new

infertility patient. I have been unable to find clear information

out there regarding what various lab results indicate from a TCM

point of view, and what numbers are considered normal/abnormal. My

new infertility patient is getting the basic labs done---

progesterone, FSH, estrogen, thyroid etc. Does anyone have

information they can share about this?

Feel free to write directly to me, or just respond on the forum:

heylaurag

Thanks!

Laura

November 8, 2004

Hi Laura,

progesterone, FSH, estrogen, thyroid etc. Does anyone have

information they can share about this?

If you are using Jane Lyttleton's book, then she kind of explains all this. Been

a while since I read it, if not directly explains, then definitely implies what

they mean.

progesterone - yang hormone, if insufficient will have short, low (temps), or

slow to start luteal phase

estrogen - yin hormone, cervical mucous, helps build uterine lining,

hypothyroid - yang xu - more common

hyperthyroid - yin xu - less common

You don't need the western lab results to treat, they just help communicate to

the patient what is going on. Using the BBT chart works extremely well. Actually

can give information when lab results don't show any imbalance. Following the

BBT's and Janes method of treatment, you may or may not choose to alter

treatment consistently based on the phase of the cycle, so long you focus on the

underlying imbalance.

It is just fine to treat your patient right through pregnancy. Personally, I

would focus on the nausea and vomiting for the moment, nourish stomach yin and

sedate rebellious qi. Herbs can be used also.

Hope this helps some.

Cheers,

Michael

-

heylaurag

Sunday, November 07, 2004 10:28 PM