Re-Balancing FSH Levels to Enhance Fertility
By Lisa Bernazani M.Ac., Lic.Ac.

Fertility: Another Perspective

Conception and fertility are big, expensive topics. Here in the west it seems that more couples are having trouble conceiving than in the past. There are several factors that contribute to a decline in fertility or-at least a longer wait for conception to occur. The good news is that many of them can be eliminated or at the very least, reduced to enhance fertility levels-- both in women and men. Research shows that treatment with acupuncture can help, used alone or in conjunction with Western fertility procedures. Read on for another perspective.

If a woman/couple is waiting for a long time for conception to occur and there are no existing obstructions (tubal obstructions, fibroids or endometriosis), a saliva or blood test can be done to measure hormone levels. This may also be done before other, more invasive tests are performed.

Many women today are reporting elevated FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels. FSH is the hormone secreted by the pituitary gland which stimulates a woman's ovaries to produce eggs. If the hormone level is elevated, it means that more FSH is needed to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. Even if a woman has a regular menstrual cycle, her FSH level may still be elevated. A regular menstrual cycle is not a reliable indicator that her FSH level is normal and that her ovaries produce eggs easily. (Conversely, if a woman has an irregular cycle or has amenorrhea, it doesn't necessarily mean that she cannot produce eggs). Does this indicate that a woman's ovaries are "old" or not functioning? Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches us that a woman is able to conceive from menarche until menopause provided that there are no blockages and that she is in good health. It is not the ovaries that are the issue. Here's a different perspective:

The 4 Interrelated Factors

When thinking about elevated FSH levels, we have to consider four things and they are all interrelated- the central nervous system (CNS), the endocrine system, hormone levels, and the ovaries.

The CNS governs the endocrine system and the endocrine system is responsible for hormonal balance. Hormonal balance is directly related to the functioning of the ovaries. The pituitary gland is part of the endocrine system and as previously stated, is responsible for the secretion of FSH to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. If the CNS is imbalanced, the endocrine system and the pituitary gland may be so as well. If this is the case, elevated FSH levels may result.

Another factor is the adrenal glands which are also part of the endocrine system. The adrenal glands are responsible for secreting cortisol, a substance that reduces inflammation levels in our bodies when we experience stress. The adrenal glands are also located above our kidneys. In addition, in TCM terms, the kidney system governs the ovaries. The kidney system provides the "foundation" for the rest of our bodies. If the adrenal glands are exhausted, the kidney system and the CNS will also be imbalanced. If this is the case, the ovaries may not be stimulated to produce eggs easily.

What Can Be Done?

Stress, improper/inadequate nutrition, caffeine, nicotine, drugs, overwork, inadequate rest, and too much exercise or activity are all factors that have a negative effect on our central nervous system and our endocrine system (pituitary gland and adrenal glands), and lead to hormonal imbalance and elevated FSH levels. How many modern people use, do, or experience these things regularly? It is not one thing, but all of these things that need to be eliminated or at least reduced for a period of time in order to re- balance and normalize hormonal function. Your body is dynamic, not static. It changes as you change.

Research has shown that acupuncture has a strong effect on the normalization of the central nervous system, the endocrine system, and the pituitary and adrenal glands. Acupuncture treatment will help re- balance and normalize all of these systems (see Acupuncture Research below). On average, it takes 3 cycles to accomplish this. It is also important for each person to create a lifestyle that is steady, balanced, and peaceful.

If you make a commitment to yourself to change your ways, you can impact the re-balancing of all these systems, no matter what age you are. In addition you will provide the foundation your body needs to healthfully carry a baby to term. By re-balancing your life and your body you will also learn how to provide a balanced foundation for your family as a parent.

Acupuncture Research

Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

• reduce anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility
  
  
• normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
  
  
• positively effect the hypothalamic-pituitary- ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility
  
  
• regulate menstrual cycle