Hello,
Published studies both support and refute acupuncture as beneficial for IVF success.
There are well done studies that support stress reduction techniques to be supportive of fertility as well as decreasing depression in infertility patients.
Some of my patients find acupuncture to be very good for stress reduction.
We work with excellent acupuncturists who can provide an evaluation and recommended treatment protocols.
Success with fertility treatments is built upon many things, usually not just one factor.
I wish you the best on your fertility journey.
L. April Gago MD
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Hi Andrea,
Increased amounts of body fat can contribute to infertility through several mechanisms.
Adipose tissue (fat) secretes multiple hormones, and so, participates in the hormonal signaling in the body. Leptin is one of those hormones and inadequate and excessive levels can disrupt normal ovulation. Also, as adipose tissue increases, insulin levels increase which can create a PCOS like environment, and also disrupt ovulation. PCOS, of polycystic ovarian syndrome, is partly manifested as hyperandrogenism, or excessive levels of androgen hormones, which creates a poor environment for the developing oocytes, or eggs.
Women who are overweight can undergo IVF, but have decreased success rates and higher miscarriage rates.
Even 10% decrease in body weight can have a significant impact, and improve fertility. Excercise alone, even if there is not a large weight loss is also helpful. If you believe you are overweight, then try to get moderate levels of excercise, about 40 minutes of excercise which makes you moderately short of breath, 4-5 x /week.
Also, following a well balanced diet, such as Weight Watchers is also a helpful strategy.
Best of luck, and hope to meet you soon.
L. April Gago MD
Increased amounts of body fat can contribute to infertility through several mechanisms.
Adipose tissue (fat) secretes multiple hormones, and so, participates in the hormonal signaling in the body. Leptin is one of those hormones and inadequate and excessive levels can disrupt normal ovulation. Also, as adipose tissue increases, insulin levels increase which can create a PCOS like environment, and also disrupt ovulation. PCOS, of polycystic ovarian syndrome, is partly manifested as hyperandrogenism, or excessive levels of androgen hormones, which creates a poor environment for the developing oocytes, or eggs.
Women who are overweight can undergo IVF, but have decreased success rates and higher miscarriage rates.
Even 10% decrease in body weight can have a significant impact, and improve fertility. Excercise alone, even if there is not a large weight loss is also helpful. If you believe you are overweight, then try to get moderate levels of excercise, about 40 minutes of excercise which makes you moderately short of breath, 4-5 x /week.
Also, following a well balanced diet, such as Weight Watchers is also a helpful strategy.
Best of luck, and hope to meet you soon.
L. April Gago MD
Sunday, May 10, 2009
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