Thoughts on TCM and herbs?

AmCheri

Hi girls.  

So I've moved past this canceled cycle and I'm looking forward to our next. I'm feeling like we don't have anything to lose and want to be sure we've explored all options.  My acu has always wanted me to try herbs, but I've consistently declined. My RE does not want his patients on herbs, but then again, he thinks the entire TCM effort is futile. 

Have you tried herbs? Any notable concerns and/or possible benefits?  

DebateThis

I haven't done a lot of research on the topic and haven't yet tried any of them myself but my RE fully supports TCM/herb use as long as the acu is working in conjunction with the RE to make sure there aren't interactions, etc.

I'm seriously considering it for my next cycle since there's a place somewhat close that specializes in TCM for infertility/women's health issues.

I'll be interested to see some other responses to your post!

Gregermis

I started taking wheat grass shots... that's about all.  We have a neighbor down the street from when I was growing up that took some herbal stuff and she nearly died.  Herbs aren't regulated by the FDA so you do take a risk (obviously it works out fine for most people, otherwise no one would buy and take them).  Knowing her has made me a little shy about diving into this area too far

BeeBee08

It's a timely question for me, actually.  Yesterday I saw a new acupuncturist and have decided to also start seeing her instead of my old naturopath (who moved further away).  My RE is against all TCM and herbal usage and I expressed this to my ND and she was very happy to do what she can between cycles and leave all the herbs and other remedies out while I'm cycling.  So, I am happily sitting out the next few months while she gets me "back in balance" and pretty much preps me for my next IVF.  Once I start cycling, she plans to resort back to acupuncture. 

I think there are some interesting concepts with TCM and at this point, we'll try anything, right?  If you go, let me know what your doc suggests and we can share lists to see if they're similar!

lynn0926

I used herbs in conjunction with acupuncture prior to starting fertility treatments. OBviously I didn't get KU. I did notice my cycles went from 25 days to 28 days. That was it though. I have given up with the herbs, acu, and supplements because none of it worked for me and I have spent so much money on it all. Didn't mean to be a downer. If you decide to give them a try I hope you have better luck than I did!

Gregermis

very odd bump hiccup

sarahtoledo

I haven't tried either.  From what I've heard, it can be a such major effort with not much (demonstrated) success.  I think it appeals to those of us who want to DO more to try to assert control.  

Mitzi Bishi

I started with my acupuncturist after my first IVF-ICSI failure out of complete desperation.

I took the herbs while cycling through IVF-ICSI #2 including during stims and still continue to, although I'm not sure I buy into any of it. They are not cheap and taste like dirt. Honestly it just feels like one more thing for me to do and for others to make money off the misery of IF. 

It is relaxing and did regulate my cycle. My advice is to really make sure you like the acupuncturist before you get knee deep in it all. I also hope they truly know the issues women with IF are facing without making comments.

It has not helped me get pregnant and at times she's even insinuated I'm doing something wrong or questions us trying, despite my charts and our medical diagnosis. I've only stayed with her because she works with my new RE who we'll be having a FET with in the next few weeks. 

If that's not successful we have one fresh left and I am doubting I will stick with this acupuncturist for a variety of reasons.  

abvernon

Ditto to pp saying it tastes like dirt, b/c it does.

Both DH and I have/are doing herbs and honestly, I feel it is like money wasted for us. For DH, he has to take the herbs 2x a day every day. For me, I take it 2x for CD 3-until I O (whenever that is...)

DH's SA never showed anything better after taking them. As for me, my FSH was in the normal range.

We are going to finish up the herbs and be done with it. I have gone to two different acus who focus on IF and herbs and as you can see it never worked.

Of course every one is different. It never hurts to try it out and see.

jillychris

I did three months of 2x a week acu after my 1st failed IVF. That's when I had my first surprise BFP. AMH went down after that to .47, we decided to do three more months of acu before trying IVF again, and now here I am.

Acu had me on an herbal  formula during from AF to O. There is another formula they can put you on after O, but since I was already on prgoesterone, they didn't give me that one. Leading up to IVF #2, my RE told me herbs were fine up until the day I started stims, but my RE is very pro-acu. Also, once I got this BFP, I was put on another formula to help sustain a pregnancy, meant for women with pervious losses. Again, RE was fine with what they had me on at that point. I am going to an acu clinic that specializes in fertility treatment.

I had no s/e from any of the formulas. Worst part was they were disgusting! I know acu doesn't work for everyone, but for me I feel like it made a Huge difference in my cycles, and after 18 months of nothing, my two BFP's came during the 6 months I was going to acu, so it definitely helped me. 

Maybe talk to your acu about RE's concerns with no herbs during the actual cycle, but see what they would recommend in the meantime.