Can TCM also treat premature ovarian failure? Can I get pregnant naturally after TCM conditioning?

Author: Teng Xiuxiang, Chief Physician, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University

Reviewer: Ruan Xiangyan, Chief Physician, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University

Many patients believe that once ovarian function fails, it is impossible to improve and can only be maintained by estrogen supplementation. In fact, this is not the case. In addition to hormone replacement therapy, you can also choose traditional Chinese medicine to treat premature ovarian failure.

It has been confirmed that the effect of TCM in treating premature ovarian failure is quite good. Let's first understand some issues about TCM in treating premature ovarian failure.

1. How does Traditional Chinese Medicine treat premature ovarian failure?

When Chinese medicine treats diseases, it focuses on the word "regulation". What is the purpose of "regulation"? It is to achieve a "balance", that is, the "balance" of internal organs, qi and blood, yin and yang. When the "balance" is achieved, the symptoms will be improved, and the disease state of premature ovarian failure may also be improved accordingly.

Premature ovarian failure is clinically divided into two major syndromes, one is liver and kidney yin deficiency, and the other is spleen and kidney yang deficiency. Liver and kidney yin deficiency is mainly treated by nourishing the liver and kidney, while spleen and kidney yang deficiency is mainly treated by strengthening the spleen and kidney. At the same time, liver depression is a very important factor in the onset and treatment of ovarian dysfunction diseases. Soothing the liver and relieving depression should be carried out throughout the treatment. Then see if there are other concurrent syndromes to adjust the overall situation.

2. Can premature ovarian failure be treated by combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine?

Western medicine has its advantages, and Chinese medicine has its advantages. There is no contradiction between Western medicine and Chinese medicine. If the effect of Chinese medicine treatment is not ideal, hormone replacement therapy should be given at the same time.

Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine are two different systems. Western medicine supplements estrogen and progesterone, while traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes overall adjustment. They can be carried out at the same time, which can eventually reduce the FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) level, increase the estrogen level, and even restore ovulation and menstruation. For patients who want to have children, if the basal body temperature monitoring after treatment indicates ovulation, they can also try to get pregnant naturally.

3. Can acupuncture treat premature ovarian failure?

Many studies have found that acupuncture is effective in treating premature ovarian failure.

Acupuncture focuses on the six meridians differentiation. Through the local stimulation of acupoints, it is actually to adjust the balance of internal organs, qi and blood, yin and yang. Once the balance is adjusted, the kidney qi will improve, and the ovarian function will also improve.

4. Can women with premature ovarian failure become pregnant naturally through Chinese medicine conditioning?

In clinical practice, it is not uncommon for women with premature ovarian failure to conceive naturally with traditional Chinese medicine treatment alone. In rare cases where the FSH value is greater than 100IU/L, natural pregnancy is also possible.

But it does not mean that patients with premature ovarian failure can get pregnant naturally through TCM treatment. Whether or not you can get pregnant naturally depends on whether or not you ovulate. Only with ovulation can you get pregnant.

Therefore, during the treatment process, the symptoms of increased vaginal discharge and hot flashes and sweating have significantly improved or disappeared, and menstruation has resumed and basal body temperature has changed in two phases, all of which indicate that the condition of kidney qi deficiency has improved. At this time, further review of hormone levels and ultrasound can be conducted. Depending on the specific situation, natural conception can be attempted, or conception can be attempted with the help of assisted reproductive technology.

At the same time, women with premature ovarian failure should adjust their mentality during the treatment process, because mentality is very important and will have a certain impact on the treatment effect.

In short, traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine, and a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine are all treatment options for patients with premature ovarian failure.

Finally, I would like to say to women with premature ovarian failure that premature ovarian failure is not scary. You must accept the objective state of the disease, face it positively, and actively treat it.