Acupuncture Can Help Reduce High FSH & Improve Egg Quality
What is FSH?
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is one of the two “gonadotropins” secreted from the pituitary gland to regulate the function of the ovary (LH or Luteinizing Hormone being the other). FSH stimulates the ovaries’ production of estrogen and promotes development of the follicles. The estradiol produced by the ovaries signals the brain to decrease the production of FSH. Therefore if there is not enough estrogen produced by the ovary, then the brain doesn’t receive the signal and FSH production continues.
What are the causes of High FSH?
The underlying causes of High FSH may include extreme stress, diminished blood flow to the ovaries, or lack of ovarian response to pituitary production of FSH.
What do the numbers mean?
| Less than 9 | A good level and you should expect an adequate response to ovarian stimulation |
| 9-10 | Fair and response is between completely normal and somewhat reduced |
| 10-12 | Reduced ovarian reserve with a reduced response to stimulation and possibly some reduction in egg and embryo quality |
| 12-17 | Marked reduction in response to stimulation and more reduction in egg and embryo quality |
| Over 17 | Very poor response or no response to stimulation |
| Over 30-40 | Menopause suspected and menstrual cycles will tend to stop |
Chinese Medicine Treatment for High FSH:
Chinese medicine does not always view high FSH levels as indicative of the start of menopause. They can be, and this would be a diagnosis of deficiency of yin (which is all the fertile, nourishing energy required to make goods eggs). However there are other aspects of the menstrual cycle, such as the circulation of blood in the uterus or the emotional state of the patient through the link between hypothalamus and pituitary gland with the ovaries that can play a part. This is the reason why FSH levels can seemingly fluctuate so much.
Successful treatment with acupuncture and herbs can reduce FSH or stabilize levels to allow IVF treatment to commence or to increase the chances of a natural pregnancy.
In order to build a healthy, naturally fertile body and balance deeper underlying causes, We highly recommend that our patients commit to at least 3 months of acupuncture and herbal treatment, allowing us to bring your system back to its optimal function. Since follicular development takes three cycles to be mature, and in order to ensure good egg quality, it is better to start treatment at the primary stage. Remember, nature cannot be forcibly rushed into balance, having enough preparation time is essential for the body to adjust and for conception to succeed.
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