Chinese Herbal medicine is a sophisticated herbal practice in which specific herbs are combined into targeted, customized formulas to help support each patient’s health goals. It has a wide applicability, supporting digestive issues, insomnia, headaches, and many more conditions, and has been shown in studies to enhance fertility in multiple ways. The Chinese Pharmacopeia includes hundreds of herbs that are organized into categories according to function, creating an elegant system that makes it easy to create customized, effective formulas. It is important to note that this herbal approach is not a one size fits all. Instead, correct formula creation relies on an accurate Chinese medicine intake and diagnosis. Working with a Licensed Acupuncturist who is also an experienced herbalist is important to ensure you are receiving the most effective formula for you specifically, which can then be modified as your needs change and your body improves. Herbal medicine therapy can be practiced as a stand-alone treatment as well as a complement to acupuncture treatments.
While it is thought to be ideal for a woman to prepare her body with herbs, acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary modifications for several months before trying to conceive or starting Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles, we find that it is beneficial to add these tools to your journey at any point. Why three months? 90 days is about the amount of time it takes for a follicle to mature from a storage follicle to potential ovulation or retrieval, so this is the window during which optimizing body chemistry can have a positive impact on egg quality. A systematic review found that Chinese herbal medicine alone improved pregnancy rates 2x more during a four-month period compared to one cycle of (ART) alone. [1] Like going to the gym, frequency and regularity are key for best results when using herbs and acupuncture. Herbs are typically taken 2-3 times a day, while acupuncture is performed once or twice weekly.
One of the ways Chinese herbal therapy improves fertility is by regulating the menstrual cycle, which balances hormone levels, makes ovulation more rhythmic and obvious, reduces PMS symptoms and cramping, and improves circulation in the uterus. For example, women with PCOS often experience irregular, delayed, or absent ovulation, elevated androgen hormones and deficient progesterone. Studies have shown that Chinese herbs including Cinnamon, Peony, Licorice, and Tribulus terrestris, may have beneficial effects in regulating these conditions. [2] There is also research indicating that Cinnamon and Tribulus terrestris may benefit male factor infertility by improving sperm quality and production. [3][4]
Herbs and IVF
Emerging research shows that combining herbal therapy with ART cycles may improve outcomes. In one study, women receiving Chinese herbal formulas during an IVF cycle showed an increase in endometrial thickness, improved egg quality, and higher pregnancy rates compared to those who did not take herbs. [5] Another study showed that women taking Chinese herbs combined with DHEA for 8 weeks before an IVF cycle had better quality embryos compared to a control group. [6] Since IVF cycles are highly controlled and costly, many Reproductive Endocrinologists (RE) prefer their patients stop any herbs or supplements once they begin taking medications, which is our typical approach unless otherwise arranged with their RE. Using herbal therapy alone or in combination with acupuncture in the months leading up to an IVF or IUI cycle is, however, often supported by REs. The combination of both herbs and ART used simultaneously may become more widely practiced in the future as more research develops and more REs understand the benefits this approach can provide.
While herbal medicine is safe and effective when used appropriately, it important to make sure your herbal supplements are well sourced, high quality products. We recommend working with a qualified practitioner with access to reputable herbal companies that source clean products, free of additives and chemicals like heavy metals and pesticides.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22036524
[2] https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-14-511
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4376985/
[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19781624