Acupuncture for Irregular Cycles or Rebalancing Hormones
If we feel hormonally imbalanced, perhaps experiencing irregular cycles, no cycles (amenorrhoea), mood swings, anxiety, loss of libido or If a pregnancy has not been achieved after a few months of trying to conceive, women may visit a GP to get some blood tests taken. These hormonal blood tests are usually taken on day 3 and day 21 of our cycles (if we know when those days are occurring):
Day 3 Blood Test
Estradiol (E2, Estrogen) - the most prevalent form of Estrogen in the body. Excess levels are associated with breast pain, weight gain, moodiness and low libido. Low levels are associated with hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety and dry, thinning tissue.
Luteinising Hormone (LH) - a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, LH works with FSH to prepare for fertilisation and implantation of the egg.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - required for normal follicular growth and for the timing and number of follicles reaching maturity. Levels can be high in older women and in women with PCOS, which can obstruct ovulation.
Prolactin - a lactation hormone released by the pituitary gland that is often elevated in women during times of stress. High levels can obstruct ovulation.
Day 21 Blood Test
This measures progesterone - a hormone produced by the corpus luteum of the egg after ovulation. Adequate levels are necessary for the development of the uterine lining so a fertilised egg can implant, or to keep our periods regular. It is called the ‘Day 21’ blood test because it needs to be taken 7 days after ovulation, which typically occurs on day 14. However, when our hormones are out of balance, ovulation may happen earlier or later than day 14 (typically later), so the test should ideally be taken 7 days after confirmed or suspected ovulation (which can be confirmed with a Basal Body Temperature rise) or suspected based on ovulation pain or fertile fluid.
AMH Blood Test
In addition to the day 3 and day 21 blood tests, if a woman is struggling to conceive, many GPs and Fertility Clinics are now measuring AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) as it is considered to be a predictor of a woman’s ovarian reserve and in particular, a predictor of IVF outcome. This blood test can be taken at any time in the month. I want to be clear here; AMH levels do NOT predict the chance of conceiving naturally, so even women with low AMH levels can absolutely conceive naturally.
Acupuncture rebalances hormone levels
The most important message that I can give you is that (contrary to the impression you may have been given by your GP or your Fertility Clinic) these hormone levels are entirely changeable with a few months of regular treatment with acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. This includes AMH levels.
Hormonal levels (of FSH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone, Prolactin or AMH) which fall outside normal ranges (even if they are quite a way outside the normal range) can usually be brought back into the normal range.
Acupuncture and herbs optimise the entire hormonal environment, usually within 3-6 months, and this can be proven by re-taking the hormonal blood tests, as well as seeing the improvement in your periods and Basal Body Temperature (BBT) charts (if you are trying to conceive).
Other factors that will be improved over this time-frame include a reduction or complete cessation of PMT symptoms, the timing and strength of ovulation and the thickness and receptivity of the endometrial lining.
How can I find out more about how Acupuncture Hassocks can help with Irregular Cycles or Hormonal Imbalance?
To find out more about how Katie at Acupuncture Hassocks can help with irregular cycles or correcting hormonal imbalances call or text Katie on 07854 987806 or email acupuncturehassocks@gmail.com.
All treatments are carried out at Acupuncture Hassocks Clinic based in Hassocks, West Sussex. The clinic is near to Hassocks train station, so is easily reachable from Brighton, Burgess Hill or Haywards Heath. If you are travelling by car from Hurstpierpoint, Ditchling or surrounding areas, there is free on road parking.