horomonal therepy for childless women

Chemical Pregnancy A chemical pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg does not attach itself to the uterine wall. This is also known as a very early miscarriage. According to ACOG, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, chemical pregnancies account for 50-75% of all miscarriages. Unlike miscarriages, which typically occur before the 20 th week of gestation, chemical pregnancies occur just after implantation. In cases where the woman is not expecting to become pregnant, she may not realize she was since menstruation bleeding usually occurs around the same time. If she is expecting and takes a test, it could lead to false positive pregnancy test results.
In the past, sensitive pregnancy tests were administered by doctors via blood tests. Nowadays, there are several over-the-counter products that are able to detect pregnancies almost a week before menstruation is due. This could be why so many women are realizing they are pregnant, only to learn the pregnancy resulted in a chemical pregnancy or early miscarriage. Research has shown up to 70% of all conceptions end in miscarriage. Health care providers do not clinically confirm a pregnancy until it is detected on an ultrasound. First ultrasounds are typically given between the 4 th and 6 th weeks of gestation.
Signs and Symptoms of a Chemical Pregnancy
In most cases, women have no symptoms of a chemical pregnancy. In actuality, most women do not know they were ever pregnant. Some women report mild abdominal cramping and mild spotting a week before their period is due, but there are usually no pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue or nausea, since the fertilized egg did not implant itself to the uterine wall. Vaginal bleeding will occur after a positive pregnancy test and blood tests may reveal low hCG levels that decrease instead of increase. Menstruation cycles are typically on time or a couple days late.
What Causes a Chemical Pregnancy?
Experts have no conclusive evidence stating what causes a chemical pregnancy. However, most experts believe it happens for the same reasons why other miscarriages happen- abnormal chromosomes in the developing embryo. Abnormal chromosomes can be the result of many factors such as poor quality of the sperm or egg, genetic abnormalities of the mother or father, or an abnormal cell division of the fetus. Experts believe half of all chemical pregnancies are due to some form of chromosomal abnormality. Additional potential causes may include the following:
Infections such as toxoplasmosis, chlamydia, genital herpes, or syphilis Systemic illnesses such as untreated thyroid disease Uterine abnormalities (congenital and acquired) Abnormal hormone levels Luteal phase defect Inadequate uterine lining
Treating and Preventing Chemical Pregnancies
Unfortunately, chemical pregnancies can not be prevented, nor is there a specific type of treatment method. Women who experience a chemical pregnancy are encouraged to follow-up with tests to ensure their hCG levels return to normal. There is no evidence suggesting chemical pregnancies will affect future pregnancies, as many women go on to have healthy pregnancies, labors and deliveries. For some couples, treatment may involve treating the emotional side of a chemical pregnancy, especially for those who are hopeful to conceive. Seeking counseling can help you cope with the pregnancy loss. Treatment for recurrent chemical pregnancies may include the following:
Progesterone cream Vitamin B6 (minimum 50mg per day) Baby aspirin Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present Genetic counseling for those who experience several early miscarriages
If you are anxious to ‘try again,’ it is recommended that you wait at least one regular menstrual cycle. Talk with your doctor or midwife about an appropriate treatment plan for you.

polycystic ovary syndrom

If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and worry about your weight, you may be interested in learning some PCOS diet strategies.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive hormone disease among premenopausal women. Women with PCOS often struggle with the following three symptoms:
1. Obesity and trouble losing weight 2. Excessive hair growth and skin problems (acne) 3. Infertility and/or irregular periods
If you have PCOS and are trying to lose weight, we offer you the following helpful PCOS diet tips. PCOS Diet Tip 1: Stop deprivation dieting. What does the word “diet” mean to you? The real definition of “diet” means nourishment or nutrition. This implies health and wellness—not starvation. Yet so many popular diets today are associated with pain and distress. On the contrary, healthy eating can and should be enjoyable.
Visit your local health food store for ideas on how to incorporate delicious natural foods like lentils, vegetables, and local, organic ingredients into your daily meals. Many health food stores offer delis and take-home fresh food items that can make your PCOS diet food preparations easier.
PCOS Diet Tip 2: Control your blood sugar. Weight gain with PCOS can be linked to abnormalities in insulin and glucose metabolism. Insulin’s main job is to control your blood sugar. But insulin also signals your body to store fat. High levels of insulin increase the production of androgens, which can worsen PCOS symptoms.
With insulin resistance (IR), your blood sugar levels rise in spite of high levels of insulin. Eventually type 2 diabetes may result. Yet positive changes in diet and exercise may postpone the development of diabetes. A PCOS diet reducing the amount of sugary carbs that you eat may offer the weight-loss benefits you seek.
To make these healthy PCOS diet changes, cut out white breads, pasta, potatoes, cereals, and some fruits and snack foods. Replace those items with healthy PCOS diet options like the following:
Nutrient dense, high-fiber carbs Foods high in protein (lean meats, legumes) Foods containing healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, fish)
Ask your doctor or a registered dietitian for a list of foods to try and a list of foods to avoid. And try to eat mini-meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels even.
PCOS Diet TIP 3: Exercise daily. OK, we know that exercise is not a diet tip, but if you are looking to burn calories, you must exercise every day! Check in with your doctor first, and once you have the go-ahead, get moving. Exercise is a perfect accompaniment to a PCOS diet, especially for women with PCOS and insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise is wonderful and necessary for all of us, and here are some reasons why.
Exercise:
Regulates blood glucose levels Offers a mood boost Increases endorphins (the body’s natural opioids) Gets us in top physical shape for pregnancy Increases weight loss
Also, being physically fit may help you carry a healthy baby to term and have an uncomplicated delivery.
PCOS Diet Tip 4: Evaluate your relationship with food. If you live to eat and want to be successful with a PCOS diet…you must rethink your relationship with food. Some women use food as a reward for an accomplishment or for emotional solace when they feel lonely or blue. Other women live for the next meal at their favorite restaurant or use food as a way to bring family and friends together.
To lose weight on a PCOS diet, reframe your thinking to eating to live, not living to eat. Choose foods that are filling and nutrient dense. Instead of party food, junk food, or comfort food that only adds more fat and pounds, eat food that will nourish your body. Having said that, it is perfectly fine to enjoy delicious, rich foods on occasion, but only in moderation! And certainly not every day. If you have an unhealthy relationship with food, like binge eating, purging, or starving yourself, help is available.
PCOS Diet TIP 5: Ask about metformin. Metformin (Glucophage) is a drug that was developed for type 2 diabetes and is often prescribed “off label” for obesity and PCOS. Metformin may help women seeking a PCOS diet by offering the following benefits:
Helping with weight loss Lowering blood pressure Improving cholesterol levels Decreasing levels of androgens Restoring normal periods Improving sensitivity to fertility drugs
Remember, no one is to blame for PCOS. It is in your hands to work with your doctor to find PCOS diet solutions and to learn how to live healthily with this common hormonal problem.

chemical pregancy understanding

Chemical Pregnancy A chemical pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg does not attach itself to the uterine wall. This is also known as a very early miscarriage. According to ACOG, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, chemical pregnancies account for 50-75% of all miscarriages. Unlike miscarriages, which typically occur before the 20 th week of gestation, chemical pregnancies occur just after implantation. In cases where the woman is not expecting to become pregnant, she may not realize she was since menstruation bleeding usually occurs around the same time. If she is expecting and takes a test, it could lead to false positive pregnancy test results. In the past, sensitive pregnancy tests were administered by doctors via blood tests. Nowadays, there are several over-the-counter products that are able to detect pregnancies almost a week before menstruation is due. This could be why so many women are realizing they are pregnant, only to learn the pregnancy resulted in a chemical pregnancy or early miscarriage. Research has shown up to 70% of all conceptions end in miscarriage. Health care providers do not clinically confirm a pregnancy until it is detected on an ultrasound. First ultrasounds are typically given between the 4 th and 6 th weeks of gestation. Signs and Symptoms of a Chemical Pregnancy In most cases, women have no symptoms of a chemical pregnancy. In actuality, most women do not know they were ever pregnant. Some women report mild abdominal cramping and mild spotting a week before their period is due, but there are usually no pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue or nausea, since the fertilized egg did not implant itself to the uterine wall. Vaginal bleeding will occur after a positive pregnancy test and blood tests may reveal low hCG levels that decrease instead of increase. Menstruation cycles are typically on time or a couple days late. What Causes a Chemical Pregnancy? Experts have no conclusive evidence stating what causes a chemical pregnancy. However, most experts believe it happens for the same reasons why other miscarriages happen- abnormal chromosomes in the developing embryo. Abnormal chromosomes can be the result of many factors such as poor quality of the sperm or egg, genetic abnormalities of the mother or father, or an abnormal cell division of the fetus. Experts believe half of all chemical pregnancies are due to some form of chromosomal abnormality. Additional potential causes may include the following: Infections such as toxoplasmosis, chlamydia, genital herpes, or syphilis Systemic illnesses such as untreated thyroid disease Uterine abnormalities (congenital and acquired) Abnormal hormone levels Luteal phase defect Inadequate uterine lining Treating and Preventing Chemical Pregnancies Unfortunately, chemical pregnancies can not be prevented, nor is there a specific type of treatment method. Women who experience a chemical pregnancy are encouraged to follow-up with tests to ensure their hCG levels return to normal. There is no evidence suggesting chemical pregnancies will affect future pregnancies, as many women go on to have healthy pregnancies, labors and deliveries. For some couples, treatment may involve treating the emotional side of a chemical pregnancy, especially for those who are hopeful to conceive. Seeking counseling can help you cope with the pregnancy loss. Treatment for recurrent chemical pregnancies may include the following: Progesterone cream Vitamin B6 (minimum 50mg per day) Baby aspirin Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present Genetic counseling for those who experience several early miscarriages If you are anxious to ‘try again,’ it is recommended that you wait at least one regular menstrual cycle. Talk with your doctor or midwife about an appropriate treatment plan for you.

clomid is treatment for women who are not producing egg

CLOMID FOR OVULATION INDUCTION Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) is a fertility drug used for the treatment of ovulation disorders. Clomid may be used to treat women with complete failure to ovulate or for the treatment of luteal phase defect. Clomid acts by causing the pituitary gland to produce a higher level of the hormones (FSH and LH) that control ovulation. Clomid is taken in pill form from the 5th through the 9th day of the menstrual cycle - day 1 is the first day of full menstrual flow. The dose of Clomid may vary from 1 to 4 tablets per day depending on individual patient response. The usual starting dose is 1 tablet per day. Clomid may be taken at any time of day and if more than 1 pill is prescribed, the total dose may be taken all at the same time. As Clomid treatment is started we will often see you for a “mid cycle scan.” At that appointment we will perform a sonogram to see how your ovaries are responding to the drug – how many eggs have developed. In a small percentage of patients, Clomid interferes with endometrial development (the uterine lining) or with cervical mucous development. We will check those things as well. Clomid may delay ovulation by 1-3 days – relative to your usual cycle. At mid cycle you may be given human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is a hormone, given by injection, that mimics the pituitary gland message to the ovary to release the egg. It is helpful in timing intercourse or artificial insemination. It also has a beneficial effect on hormone production during the luteal phase (the second half of the ovarian cycle). Occasionally, women taking Clomid have side effects. Common side effects include: headache, abdominal fullness or bloating, hot flashes, blurred vision. These side effects are usually temporary and are mild. There are several case reports of persistent blurred vision after clomiphene treatment. Occasionally Clomid causes moodiness or even mild depression. Clomid is highly effective in stimulating ovulation. Approximately 80% of women who are treated with clomiphene will ovulate. Pregnancy rates vary depending on other factors - sperm count, etc. Many clomiphene pregnancies occur within 3 or 4 treatment cycles. There are two recognized risks of Clomid treatment: multiple pregnancy and ovarian cyst formation. Approximately 8% of Clomid conceptions are multiple -twins or more. This may occur even on the lowest dose of Clomid. Approximately 10% of women who are treated with clomiphene will develop an ovarian cyst. For this reason, a pelvic examination is performed at the end of each treatment cycle - around the time of your menstrual period. If an ovarian cyst is detected, clomiphene treatment is withheld during the following cycle. The ovarian cyst usually resolves without further treatment. Clomid has been in clinical use for over 30 years. There is a large amount of data that suggests that babies born as a product of clomiphene treatment have a normal risk of congenital anomalies - not higher and not lower. Clomid is widely used and is generally accepted as a safe drug in this regard. There have been a variety of serious illnesses reported in association with Clomiphene treatment. Their frequency is rare or extremely rare and in some cases a proven link to Clomiphene treatment as the cause is not clear. There have been at least two publications suggesting there may be a link between Clomid treatment and increased risk of ovarian tumors. The first publication was in 1993 and noted that women who took " fertility drugs” seemed to be at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer -particularly if they never conceived a pregnancy. A second study was published in 1994 with long-term follow-up of a large number of infertility patients. This study showed an increased risk of ovarian cancer in women using clomiphene citrate for treatment of ovulation. The increased risk was noted only in women using the drug for 12 or more treatment cycles (that is - 12 total cycles not necessarily consecutive). Since these initial publications, there have been several larger studies of this issue, which have concluded that there is not a link between Clomid (or any other fertility drug) and an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Making Clomid follow up appointments: a follow up to check for ovarian enlargement is performed either a week before the period is due (allowing for a blood test to check progesterone level) or at the end of the cycle. We call these appointments “ovary checks.” Your fertility specialist will tell you what to schedule. KEY POINTS ABOUT CLOMID IN SUMMARY: Cycle day 1 is the first day of full menstrual flow. Intercourse on the day of ovulation predictor kit change and/or the following day or every other day 10 thru 20. Pelvic exam/”ovary check” at the end of the cycle or one week after ovulation if a blood test for progesterone is planned.

what is pcos

What is PCOS? Polycystic Ovary (Ovarian) Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder. Sometimes PCOS is described as an ‘endocrine’ disorder, it’s the same thing. Overseas research suggests its affects between 5 and 10% of all women of childbearing age regardless of race or nationality. However a Melbourne study published in February 2005 suggests the figure could be much higher, at 12-18% of Australian women or one in eight women. This equates to around half a million Australian women and teenagers!
It’s an unfortunately named syndrome, as people often think of large grapefruit-sized cysts when they hear the term ‘polycystic ovaries’. In the case of PCOS, the cysts are tiny. Using an ultrasound, they look like black dots on an ovary. These cysts are eggs that have failed to properly mature and release from the ovary.
PCOS symptoms usually present themselves during puberty but may also begin in the early to mid 20s. Certain symptoms are life-long, others will cease at menopause.o
Syndrome m eans this is a condition that has a number of diagnostic sy mpto ms with no simple hard and fast diagnostic test. Each woman presents with a different number of symptoms and together they make PCOS. It’s rare that two women share exactly the same symptoms. The following is a list of some of the possible symptoms:
Hirsuitism (excessive hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, etc.) Hair loss (androgenic alopecia, in a classic "male baldness" pattern) Acne Polycystic ovaries (seen on ultrasound) Obesity Infertility or reduced fertility Irregular or absent menstrual periods
In addition, women with PCOS appear to be at increased risk of developing the following health problems during their lives:
Insulin resistance Diabetes Cholesterol and blood fat abnormalities Cardiovascular disease (heart disease, heart attacks and stroke)
Endometrial carcinoma (cancer) Although polycystic ovaries can be one of the symptoms, they aren't present in all sufferers, making the most common name of the syndrome confusing. In addition many women without PCOS have polycystic ovaries but none of the other symptoms and there for it is important to understand the difference between the syndrome and having only polycystic ovaries.
PCOS develops when the ovaries overproduce androgens – male hormones, like testosterone. The overproduction of Androgen usually triggers overproduction of LH (lutenizing hormone), which is produced by the pituitary gland.

Research suggests the cause of the overproduction of testosterone by the ovaries is due by a woman’s inability to process insulin effectively. This is called Insulin Resistance or Hyperinsulinemia (both pre-diabetic conditions). When insulin levels in the blood are too high, the ovary reacts by producing more testosterone. This triggers a cascading effect of other conditions like excess hair growth, scalp hair loss and acne. The inability of the woman to process this excess insulin can also lead to obesity. But not all PCOS are obese –even though in the past being excessively overweight was considered a diagnostic symptom. Research over the past 10 years has found that PCOS can affect women who are underweight and of normal weight. These so called "thin" sufferers can also have impaired insulin processing.

When Karen Smith first began trying to get pregnant, she was 23 years old and menopause was the last thing on her mind. "I figured I wouldn't have a problem because I was in my fertile prime," she said. After a few months of trying, Karen went to see her ob-gyn, who gave her a clean bill of health, even after Karen told him that ovulation predictor kits showed that she was ovulating every few months. "The doctor told me to just keep trying," she recalls. Finally, after three years of trying, Karen went to see a reproductive endocrinologist. The endocrinologist did some tests and found that Karen had the estrogen levels of a menopausal woman. "It turns out that infertility is often the only sign of early menopause. I didn't have hot flashes or any other symptoms; my estrogen was just extremely low," Karen says. Karen was given hormone injections and intrauterine insemination (IUI), but after three procedures, the physician told her that her only options for pregnancy were adoption or IVF with donor eggs. "I figured I wouldn't have a problem because I was in my fertile prime." "It was a really tough decision," Karen says today. "On the one hand, we could adopt. It might be difficult and take a long time, but at the end of the road we could be pretty sure of having a child. If we tried donor eggs and IVF, it might not work. And it costs so much money!" After a lot of soul searching, Karen decided that she wanted the experience of carrying and bearing a child, so she went ahead with IVF using donor eggs. She and her husband had to take out a loan to be able to afford it. She recalls, "I had to sit down and write a $23,000 check to the hospital." They were lucky because donated eggs became available relatively quickly. But the process was still daunting. "They want to make sure you understand that the whole thing might not work," Karen explains. "They reiterate that again and again, so the whole time, I was sure it wasn't going to happen. It wasn't until the day of the procedure that the doctor told me, 'This is going to work.' That was the first time I felt a little hopeful." After the procedure, Karen had to wait two weeks to have a pregnancy test. "We went home after the test and played video games, just waiting for the phone to ring," says Karen. "Finally, it rang, and the nurse said, 'Congratulations,' and I gave my husband the thumbs-up. We just couldn't believe it." Audrey was born at just 35 weeks, small but robust. After her birth, Karen didn't use birth control, convinced that she'd never get pregnant without intervention. But eight months after Audrey was born, Karen discovered she was pregnant again. "I was shocked, amazed, and happy," she says. "My reproductive endocrinologist told us that a pregnancy will sometimes reset your system and normalize your hormones. That seems to be what happened to me." Karen advises women who are going through infertility to try to avoid making pregnancy their entire focus. "If you can, find something else to concentrate on," she says. "You need to have another hobby or interest besides getting pregnant. I should have followed that advice, but it was all I could think about and it was terrible -- it took over our lives." As for what surprises her the most about motherhood, Karen says, "You just don't realize how fun it will be and how much you'll laugh

horomonal threphy to get preganant

. Herbal Therapies

There are many herbs that have been traditionally used to help support fallopian tube health. Below are actions that herbal therapies may have and below that is a section on herbs that have been found to have those actions. We are looking at 4 key actions which work to reduce infection, inflammation, promote healthy circulation and work to support hormonal balance.

Antibiotic: The antibiotic acting herbs help to clear out any infection that may exist in the reproductive system or fallopian tubes. Supporting immune function with antibiotic herbs may be important if there is a history of PID, STD’s, abdominal surgery, or endometriosis.

Anti-inflammatory: Anti-inflammatory herbs help to reduce inflammation, which in turn reduces pain and works to reduce further scar tissue production. If inflammation persists in or around the fallopian tubes, scar tissue may form.

Circulatory: There are herbs that help to increase blood flow through the reproductive organs. Healthy circulation to the reproductive organs is vital to healing the fallopian tubes. This is because fresh healthy blood will bring in vital nutrients, enzymes and oxygen for healing cells. Once the cells have used up what they need and have renewed or have replaced old damaged or unhealthy cells, the metabolic waste (damaged tissues) is removed from the body.

Hormone Balancing: Remember that hormonal balance is essential for proper fallopian tube function. When working to support fallopian tube health, we always want to include some herbs that support hormonal balance.

-Goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis): This herb is extremely antibiotic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It works to heal any infection in the reproductive system, while also reducing pain and inflammation from foreign tissue growth. Reduction in inflammation may help to prevent scar tissue and adhesion. Goldenseal may help to protect the fallopian tubes from damage due to an infection. Also supports health of mucous membranes.

-Ginger Root (Zingiber officinalis): A wonderful herb used to increase circulation and promote blood flow to the reproductive organs. The increased circulation also helps to reduce inflammation of the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes.


-Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis): One of the best herbs for promoting circulation to the reproductive organs. Dong Quai acts on the circulatory system and lymphatic system reducing tissue congestion. It has both pain reducing and anti-inflammatory properties.

-Hawthorn (Crataegus officinale): Works to reduce abdominal congestion. Hawthorn is extremely high in antioxidants, improves the integrity of blood vessel wall, aids the body in proper oxygen use and improves blood flow.

-Peony Root (Paeonia officinalis): Peony has been found to aid in increasing progesterone levels, lower testosterone and balance estrogen. Overall this herb has excellent hormone balancing support. It also aids in pain reduction and relaxation.

-Wild Yam root (Dioscorea villosa): Helps to promote normal hormone levels and overall balance within the reproductive system.

-Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi): One of the best herbs to reduce fluid retention and congestion. This herb has been shown to be effective for combating vaginitis, due to its antimicrobial activity. Uva Ursi aids the body in removal of excess fluids for proper daily detoxification.
All of these herbs can be foun