It's been over a month since The Diagnosis and I am still researching any and all ideas that may help in my quest to reverse my condition. In my search, I've come across a few articles about fertility massage and sought out someone in my area who offers it.
** The Mayan Abdominal Massage technique is a slow, deep abdominal massage that realigns the uterus, reproductive and abdominal organs. This massage also affects the structural alignment of the mid to lower spine focusing in the sacral, lumbar and thoracic areas. It works to balance the flow of fluids, such as the blood and lymph, through the reproductive organs and the rest of the body. In the process, the muscles are relaxed, proper nerve connections are restored, and the bones are properly aligned. Additionally, this technique is geared toward simply balancing the function of all of the body’s systems, which is necessary for conception to take place and for a pregnancy to reach full term.**
Surprisingly, I found ONE person and I live in a pretty decent sized city! Talk about cornering the market! So I called and explained my situation and set an appointment. The initial intake was very thorough. I explained my situation all the way down to the fertility Dr. telling me I have a one in ten million chance of getting pregnant. She seemed very surprised and immediately said she suspected it was from being on birth control for so many years; that it could take up to two years to get my period back. (Something I've been hearing a LOT lately from various people). She told me she felt positive that I would get my period back in time.
When it was time for the massage I laid down on a table on my back, naked with a sheet over me. She told me she would be using Almond Oil (you can get it in a Whole Foods type of place in the cooking oil section) because it is natural so it's best not to use anything with chemicals or fragrance since it gets absorbed into the bloodstream. She began by getting a feel for my reproductive organs by running her hands above my pubic bone. In a matter of a minute she said, "oh there you are!" My eyes shifted to look around for an unexpected guest. But she was apparently talking about my uterus. Oddly enough the spot she was pushing on was the very same section I was just pointing out to my hubs a few days earlier saying it felt different on one side. Well whattaya know! It was my uterus. Which evidentially uterus' are only like 3 inches! Whaaaay? I had no idea! Feeling a bit silly for not knowing the size of my own organs, I went a head and added insult to injury when I told her I had been trying to massage my ovaries on my own. As I pointed to the triangle reproductive area she looked at me quizzically and said, "you're ovaries are more toward the back." D'oh! *smacks head* The more you know!
As she proceeded kneading my pelvic region, which from what she explained, is to shift my organs into their proper position. This allows for better circulation of blood, lymphatic and secretion of hormones. All I know is it was relaxing as all get out! In fact, when she moved up and was massaging my abdomen, I fell asleep! Only for a second though... She didn't notice and when she started talking I jumped, which made HER jump, and she seemed surprised I fell asleep. Hell, I was too! After a while she had me flip and she massaged my back. Part of the massage process was to provide all around relaxation to relieve stress, which I sure needed.
At the end of the visit she showed me how to do the massage myself. That I could do it every day (since I don't have a cycle... You aren't supposed to do it when Aunt Flo is town). It was relatively easy so I'll have no problem doing it at home. She said with Mayan Massage you only have to go 3-5 times total in a 3 month span. That's good that it isn't an indefinite thing like my acupuncture because I couldn't afford both all the time. (The session cost $150 for initial visit and will be $85 for each one after).
Feeling relaxed, I left after the session and went right to the store to get Almond Oil (I didn't even know that was a thing!) and am ready to start Mayan Massaging myself every day!
February 15- Natural Supplements
After going to the TCM Dr. for a few weeks, I wanted to up the ante and throw into the mix whatever other natural remedies were out there. In sort of a "take no prisoners" attitude, I searched relentlessly to find anything and everything that would fight with me in my battle to reverse POF. Intently digging through every kind of site, from discussion forums to clinical trials, and came up with a steady daily regimen.
Below is a list of everything I take in a day. I have added info for each item taken from multiple sources on the web: (all were approved by both the fertility Dr I saw and my Chinese Medicine Dr, as they are all natural supplements)
ROYAL JELLY (2 tsp- 2x per day)-
Shown to help balance hormones. This makes it beneficial to those individuals that suffer from a hormonal imbalance, as it helps to provide support to the endocrine system. It can also help with problems that are related to hormonal imbalance, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or irregular menstrual cycles. Some studies have shown that Royal Jelly has the propensity to mimic human estrogen, which can help those that suffer from low estrogen levels. Royal Jelly is rich in amino acids, lipids, sugars, vitamins, and most importantly, proteins. It contains high levels of vitamins D and E, and also has ample levels of iron and calcium. As all of these are essential to proper health and organ function.
L-ARGANINE (1 capsule- 3x per day)-
L-Arginine is an essential amino acid that supports healthy circulation; and often called the miracle molecule by researchers, L-Arginine has shown to offer some supportive fertility benefits to both men and women. More than 10,000 medical citations have been written by researchers investigating the effects of L-Arginine on human fertility. L-Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, an important molecule that promotes vasodilation (relaxation of the blood vessels), which is important for healthy blood flow.
CoQ10 (4- 200mg capsules per day)-
Coenzyme Q10 is safe to take and may improve the availability of mitochondrial energy production for the maturing oocyte and developing embryo, thereby reducing the rate of chromosomal nondisjunction and improving implantation in older infertile patients.
DHEA (75 mg per day)-
Improve egg quality/increase ovarian response.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art17793.asp
PREGNITUDE (1 packet AM/1 in PM)
Pregnitude is a natural dietary supplement that contains 2 grams of myo-inositol, as well as 200 mcg of folic acid. It helps support ovulatory function, menstrual cyclicity and quality of eggs for women.
MELATONIN (3 mg in dropper before bed)
Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland. It regulates our sleep/wake cycle as well as other hormones, in particular the hormones of the female reproductive cycle. New studies like the one above suggest that melatonin supplementation at a level of 3 mg per day may help to improve egg quality when taken with MI for several months prior to IVF.
Separate tinctures I mix together (according to suggested dose on bottles) with water and my Chinese Herb prescription:
MACA-
In women, maca works by controlling estrogen in the body. Maca helps to stimulate and nourish the pituitary gland, acting as a tonic for the hormone system. When the pituitary gland functions optimally, the entire endocrine system becomes balanced, because the pituitary gland controls the hormone output of the other three glands.
SHATAVARI-
Shatavari is a Indian herb that is traditionally Ayurvedic. Its main constituent is steroidal saponins, giving rise to the conclusion that Shatavari’s has the ability as an estrogen modulator and may help regulate the menstrual cycle. This herb has adaptogenic and immuno-modulating properties. This means it may be very helpful with women who have stress related or immune-mediated fertility issues. Autoimmune fertility issues may be helped and the proper immnological function supported by Shatavari.
CHASTE TREE (VITEX)-
Vitex supports hormonal balance in the body by having an effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (hormonal feedback loop), correcting the problem at the source. Vitex, also known as chaste tree berry, is usually the first line of defense in a woman who is experiencing irregular periods, helping to regulate the function of the entire communication of the reproductive system.
LICORICE ROOT-
Licorice root may help restore regular ovulation in women who have irregular periods. Licorice root has effects similar to estrogen and progesterone, which may correct hormone imbalances to allow for conception to occur. Only use licorice root in the first half of your menstrual cycle, prior to ovulation. (If you have a menstrual cycle)
RED CLOVER-
Red clover aids in fertility is that it acts similar to estrogen, an essential hormone in the female reproductive process. When red clover is ingested correctly, it contains isoflavones, plant-derived chemicals that seem to produce effects on the body that are similar to the effects of estrogen. Fertility experts say that an estrogen surge causes follicles to get ready for ovulation, until one egg bursts through and ovulation occurs.
BLACK COHOSH-
Black cohosh contains active compounds that have a chemical structure similar to cimicifugoside and actein. Both these compounds are known to have estrogenic activity, making them ideal for females suffering from infertility. Black cohosh also contains resins like cimicifugin, isoferulic acid and caffeic acid that are commonly found in premium health supplements recommended for boosting female reproductive health.
--------------
RED RASPBERRY TEA-
I also drink a cup of red raspberry tea at night which is supposed to help with regulating menstrual cycles. I've seen others post they drink up to 3 cups per day.
WHEAT GRASS-
I so one shot a day in powder form that I get from Whole Foods. I mix it with one of my tincture drinks. It's pretty harsh but I know the phytonutrients are good for me so I tough it out.
Wheatgrass can do everything from lowering FSH to facilitating conception. Wheatgrass is high in magnesium and it is a natural anti-inflamatory. All of these things can help you get pregnant naturally.
I also drink Green Smoothies every morning to start my day and get lots of fruits and green leafy veggies in. But I was doing that anyway. Great site for recipes:
www.incrediblesmoothies.com
Lastly, lately I've been trying to eliminate low-fat dairy as possible, which is not easy considering I've been a vegetarian all my life!
What I've read about it: Failure to ovulate is a common cause of infertility. The Harvard-affiliated study that yielded this stat found this condition strikingly high in women who consumed two or more daily servings of low-fat dairy products.
Studies DO say, however, that whole milk dairy is ok. Just watch for added hormones and go organic.
So... I will continue with this daily regimen in hopes to improve egg quality on the few suckers I have left and to get my ovaries working again!
Below is a list of everything I take in a day. I have added info for each item taken from multiple sources on the web: (all were approved by both the fertility Dr I saw and my Chinese Medicine Dr, as they are all natural supplements)
ROYAL JELLY (2 tsp- 2x per day)-
Shown to help balance hormones. This makes it beneficial to those individuals that suffer from a hormonal imbalance, as it helps to provide support to the endocrine system. It can also help with problems that are related to hormonal imbalance, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or irregular menstrual cycles. Some studies have shown that Royal Jelly has the propensity to mimic human estrogen, which can help those that suffer from low estrogen levels. Royal Jelly is rich in amino acids, lipids, sugars, vitamins, and most importantly, proteins. It contains high levels of vitamins D and E, and also has ample levels of iron and calcium. As all of these are essential to proper health and organ function.
L-ARGANINE (1 capsule- 3x per day)-
L-Arginine is an essential amino acid that supports healthy circulation; and often called the miracle molecule by researchers, L-Arginine has shown to offer some supportive fertility benefits to both men and women. More than 10,000 medical citations have been written by researchers investigating the effects of L-Arginine on human fertility. L-Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, an important molecule that promotes vasodilation (relaxation of the blood vessels), which is important for healthy blood flow.
CoQ10 (4- 200mg capsules per day)-
Coenzyme Q10 is safe to take and may improve the availability of mitochondrial energy production for the maturing oocyte and developing embryo, thereby reducing the rate of chromosomal nondisjunction and improving implantation in older infertile patients.
DHEA (75 mg per day)-
Improve egg quality/increase ovarian response.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art17793.asp
PREGNITUDE (1 packet AM/1 in PM)
Pregnitude is a natural dietary supplement that contains 2 grams of myo-inositol, as well as 200 mcg of folic acid. It helps support ovulatory function, menstrual cyclicity and quality of eggs for women.
MELATONIN (3 mg in dropper before bed)
Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland. It regulates our sleep/wake cycle as well as other hormones, in particular the hormones of the female reproductive cycle. New studies like the one above suggest that melatonin supplementation at a level of 3 mg per day may help to improve egg quality when taken with MI for several months prior to IVF.
Separate tinctures I mix together (according to suggested dose on bottles) with water and my Chinese Herb prescription:
MACA-
In women, maca works by controlling estrogen in the body. Maca helps to stimulate and nourish the pituitary gland, acting as a tonic for the hormone system. When the pituitary gland functions optimally, the entire endocrine system becomes balanced, because the pituitary gland controls the hormone output of the other three glands.
SHATAVARI-
Shatavari is a Indian herb that is traditionally Ayurvedic. Its main constituent is steroidal saponins, giving rise to the conclusion that Shatavari’s has the ability as an estrogen modulator and may help regulate the menstrual cycle. This herb has adaptogenic and immuno-modulating properties. This means it may be very helpful with women who have stress related or immune-mediated fertility issues. Autoimmune fertility issues may be helped and the proper immnological function supported by Shatavari.
CHASTE TREE (VITEX)-
Vitex supports hormonal balance in the body by having an effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (hormonal feedback loop), correcting the problem at the source. Vitex, also known as chaste tree berry, is usually the first line of defense in a woman who is experiencing irregular periods, helping to regulate the function of the entire communication of the reproductive system.
LICORICE ROOT-
Licorice root may help restore regular ovulation in women who have irregular periods. Licorice root has effects similar to estrogen and progesterone, which may correct hormone imbalances to allow for conception to occur. Only use licorice root in the first half of your menstrual cycle, prior to ovulation. (If you have a menstrual cycle)
RED CLOVER-
Red clover aids in fertility is that it acts similar to estrogen, an essential hormone in the female reproductive process. When red clover is ingested correctly, it contains isoflavones, plant-derived chemicals that seem to produce effects on the body that are similar to the effects of estrogen. Fertility experts say that an estrogen surge causes follicles to get ready for ovulation, until one egg bursts through and ovulation occurs.
BLACK COHOSH-
Black cohosh contains active compounds that have a chemical structure similar to cimicifugoside and actein. Both these compounds are known to have estrogenic activity, making them ideal for females suffering from infertility. Black cohosh also contains resins like cimicifugin, isoferulic acid and caffeic acid that are commonly found in premium health supplements recommended for boosting female reproductive health.
--------------
RED RASPBERRY TEA-
I also drink a cup of red raspberry tea at night which is supposed to help with regulating menstrual cycles. I've seen others post they drink up to 3 cups per day.
WHEAT GRASS-
I so one shot a day in powder form that I get from Whole Foods. I mix it with one of my tincture drinks. It's pretty harsh but I know the phytonutrients are good for me so I tough it out.
Wheatgrass can do everything from lowering FSH to facilitating conception. Wheatgrass is high in magnesium and it is a natural anti-inflamatory. All of these things can help you get pregnant naturally.
I also drink Green Smoothies every morning to start my day and get lots of fruits and green leafy veggies in. But I was doing that anyway. Great site for recipes:
www.incrediblesmoothies.com
Lastly, lately I've been trying to eliminate low-fat dairy as possible, which is not easy considering I've been a vegetarian all my life!
What I've read about it: Failure to ovulate is a common cause of infertility. The Harvard-affiliated study that yielded this stat found this condition strikingly high in women who consumed two or more daily servings of low-fat dairy products.
Studies DO say, however, that whole milk dairy is ok. Just watch for added hormones and go organic.
So... I will continue with this daily regimen in hopes to improve egg quality on the few suckers I have left and to get my ovaries working again!
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