Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a naturally occurring metabolic cofactor in mammals that declines with age. Evidence suggests boosting NAD+ levels could improve egg quality and ovarian function (1,2,3,4). NAD+ is a large molecule and poorly absorbed through digestion, so injections or IV infusions are a preferred way to increase levels. Our team at Lily + Horn has collaborated with Reproductive Endocrinologists in New York City as well as experienced physicians who have been using NAD+ for years to create a dosage and protocol targeting ovarian function and egg quality
For a pregnancy to occur, an embryo must burrow into a woman’s healthy, receptive uterine lining and connect to the blood supply. Her immune system must allow this invasion, and the blood flow to the developing fetus must flow well enough to sustain its development.
While awareness of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) is widespread, most do not fully understand the condition. The undesirable physical and psychological symptoms that women of reproductive age may experience during their luteal phase, around ten to fourteen days before their period, are attributed to PMS.
Patients undergoing a cycle of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) have the option of screening embryos using a process called Preimplantation Genetic Screening. PGS testing involves analyzing the number of chromosomes in a few cells of an embryo to determine if it contains the correct number of chromosomes (normal or “euploid”) or the wrong number (abnormal or “aneuploid”).
According to the American Pregnancy Association, around 25 percent of pregnancies result in a miscarriage. With this high rate—one in four—one would suspect women are miscarrying everywhere, and it would be more normalized, but most couples suffer in silence, and it is not uncommon for women to feel shame on top of the grief that goes along with it.
Struggling to conceive can sometimes be the toughest challenge a couple goes through. Having the right support from friends and family can make a difference in quality of life during the journey. The following blog was written by Mary for the national blog MindBodyGreen.
When it comes to enhancing fertility with herbs, the claims and possibilities seem endless. It can be frustrating and sometimes difficult to figure out which herbs might be most appropriate and people often end up taking expensive supplements that may or may not be helpful. If possible, it’s wise to work with a qualified practitioner such as an Acupuncturist, Naturopath, or Functional Medicine Doctor to help you discover which herbs are ideal for your case.
For a pregnancy to occur, there are many factors in a woman’s body that must be balanced and healthy. Men must also have normal strong sperm, which can be affected by diet, lifestyle and overall health. When we are young, we are typically naturally more fertile and resilient, but as we age and are exposed to…you know, life (stress, environmental toxins, poor dietary and lifestyle choices, the progression of disease processes, the natural decline of cellular quality), it can become more challenging.
It may seem somewhat strange, but acupuncture and particularly a technique called Moxibustion, has been used for thousands of years to help a breech baby find the right position for birth. In fact, a recent meta-analysis showed that it is not only helpful to correct a breech baby’s position, but may also reduce the need for pitocin during labor.
A Reproductive Endocrinologist recently contacted me asking what the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis of “weak kidneys” meant. She was reviewing a scientific study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility that explored the effect of Chinese herbs administered in the three months leading up to and during an IVF on pregnancy rates.
Heighted stress and anxiety is a common hardship for couples finding it difficult to conceive. It can be a daunting process as they understand the reason for their infertility and navigate therapy options. As patients begin this process, it is important for them to find ways to cope as their physiological and psychological well-being directly influences the quality of their life and treatment outcomes during the patient journey.
I often get questions about acupuncture during pregnancy and whether or not it is safe to receive treatments during all three trimesters. In Chinese medical theory, our training teaches us that there are certain acupuncture points and areas of the body that should not be needled during most of the pregnancy.
“Mary Sabo is my miracle worker! It’s really incredible to think that I get to see my eastern doctor every week and have her really listen and do things that help. She is so warm and I feel like because of her, I can achieve my goals. I am not sure if this is the case for others, but my cycles have since gone from 60+ days to 35 days the first month, 30 the second and we’re on track for a 28 day cycle!!”
— T.S
I adore Mary. I have been seeing her for 4 years through a tough miscarriage, a roller coaster pregnancy, and every issue and ailment (fertility and other) along the way. She is so knowledgeable in both eastern and western medicine. I always leave her office feeling amazing, both physically and emotionally. She is kind, caring, patient, and seems to know everything about everything. Her skill in acupuncture is unparalleled - this is evident not only through my own experience, but also the doctors who work with her, the panels she's so often asked to speak on, and the incredibly successful business she so quickly grew. My visits with Mary are the highlight of my week. I cannot recommend her enough.
— M.J.
“Jessica immediately made me feel seen, respected, heard and cared for through active listening, asking varied questions, getting my pronouns correct immediately after my first request, sending email follow-ups to keep the healing going, and her clearly in-depth understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine. As someone with chronic mental and physical pain who has dealt with my fair share sub-par bedside manner, I’m incredibly grateful to have Jessica on my team.”
— Ray
