Turning Back the Clock:

New Science, Old Wisdom and Chinese Medicine

May 15, 2007 - Tuesday
12:32 PM to (EST)
Guest Speakers: Randine Lewis
The Fertile Soul

Categories
Acupuncture • Complementary Medicine • Donor Egg • Endometriosis • Fertility • IUI • IVF • PCOS • Pregnancy • Pregnancy Loss

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Corey_Whelan	Welcome everyone to tonight's AFA chat. I am Corey Whelan, your chat moderator and The AFA's Director of Development. Tonight we are very lucky to have Randine Lewis, MSOM, Lac, Ph.D. as our guest speaker. Dr. Lewis is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist who has studied both Western and Eastern medicine, with a specialty in infertility. Dr. Lewis has herself experienced fertility related issues, so she speaks from both a personal and professional perspective.
Corey_Whelan	Hi Rosslake, we will officially begin in around five minutes.
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Corey_Whelan	ditto, Stephanie, welcome
stephanie0628	Thanks, I'm looking forward to the discussion. I found her book very informative.
rosslake	Hi Corey Whelan. I have never participated in a chat here. What is the format? May I ask Dr. Lewis questions? I am an acupuncturist also, and may have some specific case-study questions. Thanks
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Corey_Whelan	Rosslake, you can ask Dr. Lewis questions, but please do keep in mind that this is a chat focused on patient concerns.
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Corey_Whelan	Welcome Dr. Lewis and Dinam and Tina. We can begin. Please feel free to type in your questions and we will get started, one question at a time.
DrRandine	Thank you, Corey. Welcome everybody.
tina13669	I have heard that Acupuncture increases fertility… I myself am in the process of IVF round #2 and this time I am using acupuncture as well. I have a DX of PCOS, endometrial polyp and anovulation. How can acupuncture work to increase the chances of success?
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Corey_Whelan	tina, while Dr. Lewis is answering, I just want to add that as a pcos'er you should be low carb in order to support your fertility efforts.
DrRandine	Hi Tina, the main thing acupuncture could do for you prior to IVF is to increase blood flow to your ovaries and uterus. Using electroacupuncture to the low back can double your blood flow and response to meds. Also, acupuncture prior to transfer can increase rates of implantation.
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dmalderman	Dr. Randine,
Corey_Whelan	welcome katia and bride
tina13669	I am doing pre/post transfer acupuncture
stephanie0628	I have gone through 3 ivf attempts. All poor response to the meds. My FSH is somewhat elevated. I tried accupuncture in the last attempt, it did seem to increase my cervical mucus but it threw my FSH way off. Is this possible? When is the best time to do accupuncture within an ivf cycle?
DrRandine	With PCOS, oftentimes the sympathetic nervous system is in control of the ovaries, and acupuncture can reduce their control, restoring a state of receptivity.
DrRandine	Hi Stephanie,
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dinam	hi dr randine, i have been reading your book, im confused on how many herbs and what type of protocol i should do for my my diagnosis is low ovarian reserve, poor quality eggs due to endometriosis.
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dmalderman	Sorry - hit enter by mistake... do you have any recommendations/suggestions for someone who has experienced multiple blighted ovums, with the last one resulting after an IVF cycle.
Corey_Whelan	guys, let Dr. Lewis catch up.
DrRandine	Acupuncture, per se, cannot disrupt the FSH. FSH responds to the cues your body is giving it. The best time to do acupuncture is prior to the beginning of your meds, and going until transfer.
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DrRandine	Dinam, as you will see in the book, you must have a TCM diagnosis before you can institute a treatment plan, not a Western diagnosis. You would have to find out if you have blood stasis and kidney yang deficiency, for example, to be able to institute the treatment recommendations in the book. Good luck.
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bride03	We have unexplained infertility. Have been doing acupuncture for three months two medicated cycles. How long would you suggest accupuncture until trying a new treatment
dinam	i saw that i have three different diagnosis according to your book.
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Stacie	I have had 6 miscarriages, 2 after natural trying, 1 IUI, 3 IVF's. I have tried acupuncture/ herbs in the past. I have elevated FSH (11.6 day 3, 12.3 day 10) and slight APA. I am considering donor eggs but do not want to give up on my body if I shouldn't. What do you think?
DrRandine	DMalderman, I'm so sorry about the blighted ovums. To me it means that the eggs have not had adequate health established during their growth phase, which begins about 90 days prior to their being ovulated. Increase blood flow, nutritional status and hormonal health by getting a complete and thorough diagnosis by a TCM practitioner first, and following through with 3 months of acupuncture, herbs, and a sound dietary plan, with stress reduction should help. Good luck.
Stacie	Just to add, I've been trying for over 3 years and I am 34, no children
stephanie0628	After 3 failed IVF due to poor response my RE has suggested donor eggs. i am 38... it time to move on or would you suggest TCM and try with my own eggs. I did have one positive 2 years ago but it ended in miscarriage. can TCM help with egg queality?
DrRandine	Hello Bride, I suggest three months if you can. Good luck.
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tina13669	Have you completed a literature review? If so, what would you recommend as far as statistics that support acupuncture increases the success of IVF? What type of research have you completed? Was there an analysis of this research to determine the validity?
DrRandine	Stacie, with 6 miscarriages I would make sure you were on a regimen of OPC, fish oil, wobenzym, and nattokinase before you attempt pregnancy again. It sounds to me like you may be reactive to the pregnancies. This may or may not be enough to take care of the reaction, but I would suggest you implement it before trying another cycle with your own eggs or donor. Good luck.
shaymer01	Hello Dr. What is your opinion on DHEA?
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rosslake	Dr. Lewis, I am currently treating a 43 year old woman who has a 60 year old partner. How important is it that he have a sperm test? Would you suggest that I treat him even if his sperm test is okay. Also, what is OPC and wobenzym
DrRandine	Tina, yes. TCM can help with egg quality. Undergoing treatment long before the eggs are ovulated can help egg quality if poor egg quality is due to lack of blood flow, or stress. TCM addresses all patterns of imbalance that interrupt the body's attention being provided to the reproductive system. Good luck!
moesbaby	Hi Dr. Lewis~LOVE your books! I had an operation 4 years ago to remove a dermoid cyst on my right ovary. Since doing fertility treatments these past 2 years I noticed that everytime Dr. does a sonogram my right ovary is inactive. Last month was the first time I had a VERY small folicille. Do you think acupuncture would help bring back activity?
DrRandine	Hi Shaymer, DHEA can be helpful (when due to Kidney Yang deficiency), but stress reduction increases the release of DHEA from the adrenal glands as it reduces cortisol release. I far recommend treating the source of the problem rather than supplementing. Good luck.
dmalderman	Dr. Randine, I am new to an area. How do you suggest finding a good, knowledgeable TCM expert??
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DrRandine	Tina, there is much, much research being done throughout the world on acupuncture and IVF. And yes, I have been kept informed on them. I would suggest you review the ASRM journal, Fertility and Sterility, where most of them are published.
stephanie0628	I have read your book cover to cover. I had a failed IVF 1.5 months ago. How long should I wait to try again (IUI since my RE has given up on me). Does it take 3 months for new and better eggs (not affected by IVF meds)?
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tina13669	Thank you for the referral to the ASRM
DrRandine	Rosslake, I would always suggest the male partner have a sperm test. OPC is oligomeric proanthocyanidin - a superantioxidant. Wobenzym is an enzymatic supplement that reduces internal inflammation. Good luck with them.
katia	Hi Dr. Randine, I have been following your advice in "The Infertiity Cure." I have had 3 miscarriages and PCOS. After following your diet and doing TCM, I have lost 30 lbs. and I am ovulating on my own. My testosterone level has dropped from 81 to 66. My RE says it is still too high, and that it is wrecking my egg quality. If I keep up the diet and TCM, do you think the testosterone levels will come down until they are in an acceptable ranges? Thanks so much!!!
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DrRandine	Hi Moesbaby, absolutely! I would encourage electroacupuncture to restore function to the ovary that is slow to respond. Increasing the blood flow can help dramatically. Also try the femoral massage that is listed in my book, which can also dramatically increase blood flow and response. Good luck!
MNgirl	Thank you for your time Dr Randine. The topic title includes "New science", what can you tell us about this?
bride03	Dr. Randine, one friend told me her husband also went to accupuncture and it helped. Do you suggest this when there are no known male factors? Thanks.
opal	My acupuncturist reccomends a combination of chiropractic adjustments along with TCM. What is your opinion on this?
tina13669	what is electroacupuncture as opposed to acupuncture alone?
mb	my husband has low county, low motility and poor morphology. What would you suggest to improve these? Also I ovulate early during ivf cycle and am wondering if there is anything that I can do naturally to prevent this?
DrRandine	Hi Stephanie, I would wait until you feel ready again - emotionally and mentally, and perhaps have a practitioner assist you in detoxing from the meds and getting your essence back up. 3 months is a good guideline, but we can't always follow the rules. I'm sorry your IVF was not successful. Good luck.
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DrRandine	Yes, Katia, I think that continued carb reduction will likely help your ovaries respond better, and produce less androgens and more estrogen, improving egg quality. I would also recommend getting a TCM evaluation perhaps for acupuncture and herbal assistance. Good luck.
trishwalla	dr randine. your book was a god send for me and i've been following your program for 8 months. how long do you find the average patient follows your plan before fully restoring fertility?
tina13669	Dr. You stated, "continued carb reduction will likely help..." Would phase 2 of the South Beach be considered healthly regarding this reduction?
DrRandine	MN girl, the new science is that the quality of the eggs is determined during the follicular growth phase, which begins approximately 90 days before the egg is ovulated, and goes until the selection phase when the dominant follicle is chosen. This approximate 70 day growth phase is when nutritional status, hormonal status, emotional status, blood flow and oxygenation impact the health of the oocytes growing within the follicle. TCM has known this is true for thousands of years; Western science is just validating it now. Thanks for your question.
stephanie0628	How can I detox from the meds? I go to an therapist for accupuncture who was recommende by my RE for ovulation issues. I don't think I have ovulation issues. How can I be sure that they are hitting the right points? What can I do on my own to get in better shape for conception? How important is diet along with accupuncture?
rcl29	Dr.Randine, I have an elevated FSH, highest day3 is 14, after clomid challenge test was 21. Despite this I did get pregnant on my first IVF last summer, but had a stillbirth at 27 w gestation...no known cause. REcently had a canceled IVF due to uneven follicle growth...one runaway follicle. Had IUI...didn't work. I started going to an acupunturist, but he did not have much exp. with fertility so Ijust switched to someone else. Do you have any specific suggstions for someone who is advanced maternal age (39) with diminished ovarian reserve?
DrRandine	Tina, electroacupuncture to the low back reduces the sympathetic control at the level of innervation of the reproductive organs, thereby increasing blood flow to the ovaries and uterus.
moesbaby	Taking a month off from fertility treatments & I was going to detoxify my body next month. Do you think using the brand Dual-Action Cleanse is a good or bad idea? Is herbal blend. If bad idea any suggestions.
katia	Thank you so much for your reply and sharing your wisdom with us. I do go for acupuncture weekly, and my LAc has prescribed Chinese herbs. The acupuncture, herbs, diet, and other recommendations in your book have helped tremendously! Thanks so much again!!!
DrRandine	Trishwalla, it is hard to say. The entire program, which also includes dramatic internal work, going to the root cause of the imbalance, is usually accomplished at our retreats. Most women do about 3 retreats in 4 months time. The pregnancies can come anytime after that. Sometimes it takes up to a year. The timing is hard to predict. Being 'ready' does not mean it will happen. That is up to the universe. Good luck.
stephanie0628	DO you do retreats in Canada?
DrRandine	Sorry, Tina, I haven't read the Southbeach diet.
MNgirl	Thank you Dr. Regarding dietary changes (no sugar, wheat, dairy, etc) when can they be reintroduced? Or should they be reintroduced? After ER, ET, pos beta, or other???
DrRandine	Stephanie, doing the recommendations for liver qi stagnation will help detox the body. Milk thistle tea will help, and eating an all organic diet primarily with fresh fruits and vegetables will help your body detox.
DrRandine	RCL, your diagnosis sounds like most of the women who show up at our retreats. I can't give specific recommendations based on your history, but I would imagine there is a tremendous amount of grief involved where I would start. I'm so sorry. Work on blood flow. Journal about your feelings, and keep on, my dear.
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DrRandine	Moesbaby, I am not familiar with that one. I recommend natural detoxes just using what nature provides. Sorry I can't be more on top of the one you are looking at.
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rcl29	Thanks Dr.Randine
dmalderman	Dr. Randine, Never having done TCM, how do you find a good specialist????
DrRandine	Thank you, Katia. Good luck and remain hopeful. Oh, yes, and breathe - deeply!
trishwalla	have you ever worked with a patient who has uterine didelphys? i seem to implantation issues (2 failed IVF's, 2 failed frozen transfers) - all prior to following your plan though. just wondering if there's anything related to the uterine anomoly that can be addressed thru TCM. anything to support the inside of the uterus.
dinam	do you have any suggestions on improve egg quality?
DrRandine	MN girl - I don't recommend strict adherence to the dietary recommendations or else they are too limiting. This can't be a program of deprivation. I say cut down on them, so that when you are pregnant, you can resume slowly without it disrupting your system too much. We use the 80%/20% rule, and eat for your soul. USe the diet as a guideline only. Good luck.
stephanie0628	I find reading your book that I have alot of symptoms for various things. how do I nail down what I should be doing?
opal	Dr. Randine, any opinions on adding chiropractic care along with TCM?
rimona	Dr. Randine, I have your book but I don't know how to treat myself because I don't quite fit any of the categories. For example, for Ki Yi deficiency I have one of the symptoms. For Ki Yan deficiency I also have one of the symptoms. For Sp I have about three (but the checklist is longer). For BI I have one (maybe two)...well I guess you get the idea. I really want to try your program but my symptoms seem to be so scattered, I don't know which instructions to follow! And although I only have a few of the symptoms, they are not mild ones: ongoing hairloss, midcycle ovary pain & spotting before period...etc. etc. Thank you so much - I got your book recently and can't believe I actually have the opportunity to ask you my question directly!
DrRandine	Dear Trishwalla, Most uterine anomalies are better tended to with deep abdominal massage (internal massage can help, too), and some herbalists will prescribe herbal douches for local application to the pelvic organs. It is amazing how potent the right Chinese herbs can be, but would ensure it is an extremely knowledgeable practitioner. And, I can't definitely say that it will help your case, but might be worth a try. Good luck.
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DrRandine	Dear Stephanie, you should not try to nail things down. You should loosen things up. Start with what is most glaring, and add to it based on what you are able to. MOst people have multiple diagnoses.
opal	I am also just reading your book.
DrRandine	Opal, yes, I think chiropractic care can help open up the lower back and pelvis, as can qi gong, yoga, and postural adjustments.
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bride03	Dr. Radine, do you suggest the male partner undergo acupuncture if there are no known male issues?
DrRandine	Dinam, our whole program is based on improving egg quality. If the reproductive system is not balanced, the quality of the eggs can't be, either.
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stephanie0628	Have you ever found that there is a time to move on to other options i.e donor eggs? Is there only so much we can do with our own systems? I really would like to try with my own but I understand to that there is a time to move on...
opal	Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to chat with us this evening.
opal	What is Qi Gong?
trishwalla	dr randine do you still practice or do you only do the retreats? if so, what city and how can we contact you?
DrRandine	Hi Rimona, I'm sorry you don't fit into one category well, but that tells me that your imbalance is mild. Sometimes those with the most minor imbalances become more distressed because there doesn't seem to be an "answer", and the stress compounds the scenario. I would do what you can do reduce stress, cut down on environmental and dietary toxins, and do the exercises to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs. Good luck.
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DrRandine	Bride, if he is wanting to do acupuncture. It helps with stress reduction, strengthening the immune system, and can be helpful in other ways. If he finds it helpful to be undergoing treatment as well, go for it. I would advise you not to force it, though, if he isn't open to it.
moesbaby	Thank you Dr. for taking the time to answer all my questions. I was so excited to speak with you.
DrRandine	Yes, Stephanie, eventually there comes a time when other options should be called upon. But I usually don't exhaust my effort until there is no more menstruation and ovulation. You know, in countries where they haven't been told age is an issue, it isn't!
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DrRandine	Opal, Qi gong is an ancient Chinese meditative movement exercise that opens up the lower body, and pelvic organs in particular, through breathing, calming the mind, and doing slight movements that open the meridians throughout the body.
shaymer01	Dr., what types of exercise do you feel are ok to do when pursuing pregnancy? Any differences if in an active IVF cycle?
DrRandine	Trishwalla, I only do retreats anymore, and during the summer they are presently held in Asheville, NC. You may find out more at www.thefertilesoul.com.
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DrRandine	Shaymer, I like exercises that reduce stress without putting too much of the body's emphasis on the musculoskeletal system and away from the reproductive organs. Cycling, fast walking, slow walking, swimming, light weights and the like. Exercising in nature is extremely beneficial. I also love qi gong and yoga for their restorative benefits.
stephanie0628	So you think because menstruate regularly and I know I ovulate (I take my temp)...even if I have had such a poor responce to meds even with accupuncture i should not give up on myself yet? What more can I dO?
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DrRandine	You're welcome, Moesbaby. Good luck to you.
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mwoodard	Dr Randine, I just turned 36 and my fsh has been 18-21 since I started testing it 2 years ago. I had one low stim ivf, which produced 1 immmature egg and a high stim ivf that produced 12 terrible quality eggs. I'm afraid that my egg quality may be too far gone. I want to try TCM consistently, are the capsule forms of herbs as effective as the tea formulas? My son was born when I was 31, I conceived him easily, but had a very difficult delivery, which I suspect may have damaged my ovaries, although I have never had a laporascopy to prove it. If this is the case, can TCM help with ovarian adhesions? Thanks.
DrRandine	Stephanie, there is always hope if you are ovulating and menstruating. That doesn't mean that there isn't an imbalance preventing the reproductive system from functioning optimally. No matter what the condition, there is hope. Blood flow, stress reduction, and lifestyle balancing can get you into the place where miracles occur. You, your doctor, nor I can force life.
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rimona	Dr. Randine thank you - I have two more quick questions. Do you think that TCM can make the antral follicle count increase? I was told my number was a bit on the low side.
molotia	Hi Dr Lewis, my husband and I are married for over 20 years, but have not been able to attempt to TTC (except 2 times) because he is HIV+ (I am Negative). We found a clinic that will do the special sperm wash and IUI, and we
DrRandine	Mwoodard, you may not respond well to meds once your FSH has started to elevate, but that does not mean you can't do it on your own. FSH values are not so meaningful when you are trying to improve your status naturally. We helped a woman with an FSH of 108 (yes, 108) become pregnant naturally with her own eggs. And have a healthy live birth. The more attention you pay to your FSH, the more problematic it seems to become. TCM can help with adhesions, so can deep tissue abdominal massage with castor oil. Good luck.
trishwalla	can TCM improve egg quality? we just did an IVF cycle where i produced 16 eggs, 13 fertilized and 2 were perfect blasts after doing PDG testing. we were thrilled with 2 perfect blasts for for 16 eggs the number seems low.
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DrRandine	Rimona, any procedure that can improve blood flow to the ovaries can increase their response, even the antral follicle count. However, some women (who are very fertile) still have low antral follicle counts.
stephanie0628	Thanks you. I really enjoyed your book and I am trying to institute all the suggested changes in my lifestyle...I'm at the end of my rope looking for answers or maybe just hope.
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DrRandine	Trishwalla, yes, the right program that will get your entire body in balance can improve the hormonal status, blood flow, and resulting egg quality.
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mb	Dr.Randine Is there a treatment that would improve my dh count, motility and morphology? Also I ovulate early during ivf cycle just wondering if there is anything I can do naturally to prevent this? Thank you for taking the time to answer questions.
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DrRandine	Stephanie, don't lose hope. Try to keep the hope very, very close. Not hope that is out there depending upon your next IVF or next cycle, but the deep hope within where you know you are fertile.
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molotia	Sorry, I hit the enter button. Iwas the one with the HIV+ husband. I also have mild PCOS, and 39 years old. My question is do you think we should just go for the IUI or do TCM first in order to avoid too many tries -(exposures)?
DrRandine	Most count, motility and morphology issues can be improved with an antioxidant regimen, L-carnitine, L-arginine, ginseng, OPC, and fish oil.
colleen	Dr. Randine, I have an ovarian cyst on my left ovary. I have had it for about 3 years. It is on the same side that I had an ectopic. Could that be a reason that my periods have not resumed since my m/c 15 months ago?
Corey_Whelan	Folks, I want to let you know we're at the 15 minute mark.
moesbaby	Do you think fresh juiced wheatgrass helps? What about juicing fresh veggie & fruits?
DrRandine	Molitia, I think you would do well addressing your issue with TCM in conjunction with the wash and IUI. Your PCOS should be addressed with blood flow exercises, low carb diet, and acupuncture and herbs can help tremendously as well. Good luck to you both.
bubbles828	DrRandine,I am 43 with an FSH of 11.3 I think that is hopeful?
opal	Thank you Dr. Randine for your time tonight. Thank you for the hope.
Barbara	When you say keep the hope close and all of that - do you believe that "hope" has a physical effect?
molotia	Thank You soo much!
DrRandine	Colleen, it certainly could be. Sometimes the trauma of a miscarriage can have lasting impacts - physically and emotionally. Occasionally the body just shuts off blood supply after the perceived trauma, and it must be gradually allowed to be flow again.
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DrRandine	Yes, Moesbaby, I think that fresh wheatgrass can improve the health and status tremendously. I recommend 2 oz. per day. For those who can't access fresh wheatgrass, there are frozen options available now at most healthfood stores.
dschroeck	Can acupuncture and herbal treatments work for a natural pregnancy, or are they more effective with Western medicine treatment? We have tried 7 IUIs and had 1 failed IVF. I was a very low responder to the stim but responded well to clomid. However, my lining was always too thin with the clomid. Doctors have not been able to find any issues other than that I am 38. My fsh level was around 10. I'm trying to decide if I should try naturally or try Western medicine again in conjuction. Thanks
karen76	Do you advocate the use of flaxseed oil?
Barbara	What about herbs that are estrogenic? Can't they throw off bloodwork at times?
colleen	Thank you. Do you think Stress can raise your fsh level or is could it increase because of lack of periods since the m/c?
cosmiclobster	Hi Dr Lewis My wife is from Shanghai and we have been TTC for 2 years. We both tried accupuncture and she didn't feel anything whereas I had twinges up and down both arms and legs. Should she have felt something? Should we try another practicioner? Also, can you recommend a tea or blend of teas that will have an overall beneficial effect on us? Thanks!!
stephanie0628	What should my accupuncturist be looking for? She takes my pulse, but she always seems to put the needles in the same points. My back (mid way on both sides), my abdomem, and my inner shins and ancles. does this seem right?
Corey_Whelan	guys, please let Dr. Lewis catch up, no more questions for a few minutes, please
DrRandine	Bubbles, no reproductive endocrinologist will give you much hope with your age and FSH, which is why women usually come to see me in that type of scenario. There is still hope. Don't focus so much on your age or FSH, only restoring balance. Good luck.
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DrRandine	Dschroeck, I think TCM is best as a stand alone treatment, but can also help improve the response to IVF and IUI. The body responds better to nature. Period.
DrRandine	Yes, Karen, I like flaxseed oil, and krill oil, and fish oil, and all omega 3 fatty acids.
molotia	Do you know how long does the effect of chasteberry on cycle take to wear off ??
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Barbara	"guys?" I bet most people here are women.
bubbles828	Thank you. Anything else I can do besides accupuncture?
DrRandine	Cosmiclobster - everyone responds differently to acupuncture. It does not mean that she didn't have an internal response just because she didn't feel anything. Unfortunately, the teas must be specifically prescribed based on what the underlying imbalance is. Many herbalists should be able to point you in the right direction.
mwoodard	Dr Randine, are the herbs in pill forms less effective then in tea form.
cosmiclobster	O.K. Thanks Dr!!
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stephanie0628	All I have avilable to me is wheatgrass pills? Are they ok?
DrRandine	Stephanie, many acupuncturists get into treating the same thing over and over again. Acupuncture can become just a technical tool. Real TCM will treat you each time based upon how you are feeling, where you are in your cycle, and what is going on in your life.
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DrRandine	Barbara, I say guys, too. I think it's a northern thing.
DrRandine	Wheatgrass pills are okay, but fresh is always better. Do what you can, though. Your body will still benefit.
PC	Dr. Lewis, I have recently had discovered your website and book. I am 29 years old. I have been trying to conceive for 11 years and have a history of 5 IVF failures. I am a poor responder and doctors are trying to convince me of DE. Do I have hope with herbs and how much time should i give myself? Western doctors are telling me I am hitting menopause.
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DrRandine	Yes, bubbles, acupuncture, herbs, diet, stress reduction exercises, support groups, yoga, qi gong, and deep breathing most of all!
rosslake	Dr Randine,
bubbles828	Thank you. I am going to buy your book tomorrow.
DrRandine	PC, I would not try Western treatments if you are going into premature ovarian failure. They can only help if you do donor. I would definitely go natural with acupuncture, herbs, diet, stress reduction, and a program to find out what the root cause of the problem is.
rosslake	Dr Randine, any seminar presenters you can recommend to learn more about TCM herb treatment for inertility? Thanks so much for spending time with us!
DrRandine	Molotia, the effects of Chasteberry should be able to be cleared from your system in a month or so. This herb is SO overused!!! Try milkthistle tea to help.
Corey_Whelan	Guys, we're at the five minute mark.
stephanie0628	So with DOR would you also not try Western treatments?
rimona	Dr. Randine, thank you again, that's very encouraging. The second question I meant to include was, so would it hurt to use a herbal preparation from your book if we are not suffering from many of those particular symptoms? Are there herbal preparations you recommend for health in general?
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Barbara	Can you answer my question about estrogenic herbs and their potential for skewing bloodwork results?
steph.	Hi Dr. Lewis. I have had a m/c before and after my 4 ds and a poor responder for my ivf that didn't make it to transfer.Re said i have DOR. There are no accupuncturist around me. i am 33...do you have any suggestions? ps..i bought your book today!
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DrRandine	Rosslake, there are many more practitioners who are giving CEU courses for fertility enhancement now. I do one with Eastern Harmony Clinic occasionally, also Mike Berkley, Bob Flaws, that's all I can think of.
Corey_Whelan	Dr. Lewis, Barbara posted twice
molotia	I've been doing sort of a cleanse and including milk thistle for the liver -what does it do for fertility?
PC	Which program would you suggest? Where can i find these success rates? Dropping western medicine is hard since I know I'm in a race against time.
DrRandine	Barbara, I wouldn't advocate taking estrogenic herbs while one is undergoing testing. Yet, the mild, mild effects of most estrogenic herbs is miniscule compared to the body's own estrogen levels.
Corey_Whelan	folks, I think we are pretty much closed to questions now.
DrRandine	The herbal preparations are used only once a diagnosis is achieved, not for a particular impact.
DrRandine	Thank you all, and thank you, Corey, for moderating. Good luck, all.
DrRandine	Keep your hope close. And breathe deeply!!
tina13669	thank you for your time
shaymer01	Thank you for your time and knowledge!
Corey_Whelan	Thank you so much for taking your time tonight Dr. Randine. And best of luck to all of you.
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mwoodard	Thank you so much!!!
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stephanie0628	Thank You!
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Corey_Whelan	Our chat is officially over. Good night and sweet dreams, all!
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molotia	Thank you so much for your time.
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rimona	Thank you so much! I always read how much your book helps people.
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cosmiclobster	Thanks again - I'll have to go back and read the transcripts to see what I missed!
rosslake	Thank you Dr Randine and the AFA too
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moesbaby	thank you!
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