Low ovarian reserve, early menopause, high fsh levels and pregnancy at 40! Holistic solutions to beating infertility.
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Holistic solutions to improving your chances of having a baby
If you are reading this, then chances are that you have found yourself in a similar situation to where I was in December 2008...
My Story:
At the time my journey into fertility began, I was in my late 30's. I had realised that if I wanted to have a child, it was going to have to be "now or never". I was busy relocating to the Netherlands from Cape Town, South Africa. My husband and I had decided that we would start trying for a baby as soon as possible after moving.
Unlike most couples with fertility issues, we hadn't yet even tried to fall pregnant. Because of my age, I went to a renowned fertility clinic in Cape Town, just to check what was actually going on with my body. I had always had the regular gynecological check-ups, but I wanted to see what was really going on.
I never expected the bad news - the worst possible news, delivered at 8am on Christmas Eve: "I'm sorry, but your test results confirm that you have NO eggs left, you are in premature menopause and your only options of having a baby are either a donor egg or adoption..."
I fainted from the shock and when I came round, I found a nurse standing there, stroking my cheek with a cup of tea. She said: "...you will go through a mourning period and when you are ready, you can chat to the doctor about the donor egg program..." I said; "I'm sorry, I don't believe it, that's ridiculous. I WILL have a baby. I have to get out of here right now!" I drove to my parent's home in tears.
The first thing my mother said to me was: "Don't buy the bad news!" "Don't believe it." And we got onto the internet and started doing research and taking action.Taking action makes you feel much better. It immediately takes you out of the victim role and puts you into survival mode! (Story continued at the end...)
Some valuable information:
This is what I found, after doing loads of research. The medical profession was offering no solutions. They gave me no hope of having a baby with my own egg, so I looked further... If you are in the same situation I was in, I strongly recommend everything that I did, as it worked for me. Please still do your own research and do what you think is best for yourself. This is just a recommendation. It is up to you to decide what to do with the information!
1. Acupuncture has been very successful in helping women with fertility issues, including low ovarian reserve or premature ovarian failure. I immediately found an good Chinese acupuncturist who knew a lot about fertility, and started going for sessions. The sessions lasted for about 45 minutes and involved very fine needles being inserted into my head, face, knees, ankles, wrists and ovaries. I went about twice a week in the beginning and then once a week after the first month.
Acupuncture is based on the ancient Chinese philosophy that a balance in the body’s energy flow - known as chi, is needed in order to stay healthy. Acupuncture, often combined with herbal medicine, has been used for centuries to treat numerous fertility disorders
Based on the particular problem you’re experiencing, different point combinations are stimulated using acupuncture needles. By stimulating these points, energy flow is rebalanced and the natural healing ability can take place.
For fertility, the needles are inserted into energy points associated to the reproductive organs to improve energy flow and balance to those areas. It is shown that it can increase blood flow to the endometrium, helping to facilitate a thick, rich lining.
Most women who choose acupuncture are doing it together with traditional infertility treatments, but others hope that acupuncture might improve their chances after everything else has failed.
Acupuncture is used to treat elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), repeated miscarriage, unexplained infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, as well as numerous other infertility problems.
2. DHEA was being used very successfully by top fertility doctors in America, for this particular issue. DHEA, the mild male hormone dehydroepiandrosterone is a supplement, which has been used for a number of years in women with diminished ovarian reserve from either premature ovarian failure or advanced age. DHEA has had a remarkable rejuvenating effect on the ovaries.Some of these effects include:
- Increased egg and embryo counts
- Improved egg and embryo quality
- Increased chromosomally normal embryos
- Increased number of embryos for transfer in IVF
- Accelerated time to pregnancy in fertility treatment
- Increased spontaneously conceived pregnancies
- Improved IVF pregnancy rate
- Decreased miscarriage rate
- Improved overall feeling
- Better memory
Fertility clinics in the U.S. , but specifically a clinic in New York, The Center for Human Reproduction, CHR, have been using and carefully monitoring side effects of this medication. They have been impressed by how rarely even the most common side effects, such as oily skin, acne and hair loss, seem to occur. “We, however, have been even more surprised that quite often what we really heard were anything but side effects; indeed, many more patients than complained about side effects, commented to us how much better overall DHEA supplementation makes them feel.”
I started using 50mgs per day of DHEA - one tablet in the morning and one at night. I couldn't find anyone who could tell me how much to take per day, as it is supposed to be recommended by a doctor, but most doctors are not aware of the benefits and don't even know about DHEA. I was told it was all "pie in the sky" when I mentioned it to one of the doctors I saw. I then watched a video about DHEA, where the woman involved had sucessfully had a baby after taking 75 mgs of DHEA for 4 months, so I upped my dosage to 75mgs per day. I experienced no side-effects, although I believe you can have increased facial hair growth and acne! I didn't care, I wanted a baby! You will read all sorts of negative, as well as positive things about DHEA. The bottom line is that there is no concrete scientific proof that it works or dosen't work. It is up to you whether you try it or not. I think that it is a miracle in a bottle!
3. Reflexology was the next thing I tried. I visited a reflexologist, who specialises in fertility, once a week. She massaged my feet, focusing on the ovarian area and the fallopian tubes. She also did lymph drainage up my legs. This is also a good way to relax and destress. Stress being another cause of infertility!
4. Additional herbs and supplements I tried were Agnus Castus, to lower my FSH levels. It really seemed to work, but not sure if it was that or the DHEA or a combination of everything. My levels went down from an initial 35.5 to a 9 the following month and then to a 4! Really incredible - especially after being told that there was nothing I could do to lower them.
I also took some Chinese herbs to help purify my liver as I was told by my Chinese acupuncturist that my liver energy was low. I took these in tablet form, but only used it for about 2 months.
5. Progesterone cream also seemed to help. This I used once a day in the mornings initially and I continued it right up until the 3rd month of pregnancy as has also been known to assist in the prevention of miscarriages in the first trimester.
There has been a lot of research into the use of progesterone cream for increased fertilty.This research focuses on the luteal phase defect, whereby using progesterone cream from ovulation to menstruation, enhances the natural progesterone the body produces and can significantly increase the likelihood of pregnancy.
Modern science confirms that progesterone is the most essential hormone necessary to the survival of the fertilized egg and the foetus throughout gestation. Progesterone regulates the entire endocrine system, and low levels of progesterone can make the entire body can seem out of balance. Progesterone causes the basal body temperature to rise and helps the uterus lining to thicken, in order for a fertilized egg to impant. Use of progesterone cream, especially during the first trimester, helps to prevent miscarriage, preterm labour and premature birth. Progesterone is also used to help prevent pre and post natal depression. Common symptoms of progesterone deficiency include PMS, thyroid dysfunction, low libido, infertility, pregnancy and premature menopausal symptoms.
It is important to note that you should use an all-natural progesterone cream, as it will cause fewer side effects and therefore safely increase your chance of pregnancy.
My story continued:
After doing all these things, and having moved to the Netherlands, I decided to see another fertility specialist. He seemed a lot more positive initially, especially after seeing that my FSH levels had gone down substantially. I then proceeded to go through a whole number of fertility tests, a repeat of what I had already gone through in South Africa, as well as a number of new tests. Now feeling a lot more positive, I was not expecting the news that I received next!
"I'm very sorry, but your test results indicate that you are not a candidate for IVF, as we are not sure how many eggs you have and we don't think that you will respond to hormone treatment. There is, however a very slim chance that you could fall pregnant naturally, as your FSH levels have dropped". I was of course again devastated. I really thought that after everything I had been doing, that I would at least now have a chance of starting an IVF program. I started looking at other fertility clinics as options...
At this time, I started to feel different. My instinct told me I was pregnant. I did two pregnancy tests, which were both negative. Very disappointing, but as I was still feeling a bit strange and had noticed some changes in my body, I decided to do one last test, on the morning of my 40th birthday... POSITIVE!!!! I was pregnant! What an incredible birthday gift from God!
I still sometimes can't believe the journey I went on in order to be where I am right now. I am so blissfully happy in my new life in Amsterdam and now have a beautiful, healthy baby boy - Kai, born in January 2010. What an incredible blessing!
The human body has an incredible ability to heal itself, along with the grace of God and natural medicine, a positive attitude and the incredible love and support of family and friends.
For more information and tips on holistic treatments for fertility, or to purchase my book, please visit my website at: www.simplefertilitysecrets.com and www.pregnancywish.com for more reading on how to overcome infertility.
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So proud of you Beryl!! You stayed close to God and remained positive and that over rules anything!!
So excited for you!
Lots of love,
Lisa
x
So happy for you, Bibi!
You see, I told you not to believe the negative report! It broke my heart to see you in such despair! Doctors are not always right!
Our prayers have been answered!
Lots of love
Bee's mother - soon to be a grandmother for the first time at 65!
I'm so happy for you and I can't wait to meet your gorgeous boy!
You are such a strong person and in the same time so gentle. I don't know what I would have done in your situation.
Lots of love,
Mariana
Dearest B, I so admire your courage and determination!!
Big love
Geordi
What an inspiring story Beryl. Very proud that you are willing to share this with everyone. And it should be passed on to so many women out there.
You're going to be a great mom!!!! Looking forward to the arrival of the little prince.
Much love...Xxx
I loved your story.
I'm 46 and still trying to conceive.
I hope your advices will help me! I'll follow them.
Good luck!
i too am on dhea 2 x's a day 50mg...i start IVF next month..knock on wood that it helped...my FSH level did drop significally down to 5.25 from a high 18
hey i was wondering from where can I buy agnus castus? can u email me that on
thanks
You can buy Agnus Castus at most good health stores, stocking good brands of vitamins and homeopathic supplements.
Thanks Bee...
I'm 25 and I have a very high FSH as well.. well over 40 and I've also been told that only egg donation or adoption is my option. I am really not willing to buy that and believe that I will conceive naturally. I am thinking of trying Agnus Castus and DHEA. Lets hope things improve.
Dear Beryl,
Thank you so much for sharing your story - helps me a lot, in order to keep faith.
Living in Amsterdam and looking for a good accupuncturist and/or foot reflexologist. Does anyone has a recommendation for me?
Another question: I am using "Shatava" (female Ginseng) but do you think that Agnus Castus is perhaps better?
Thank you
I haven't used Shatava, so I don't know, bur I know Agnus castus helps to lower fsh levels. You can contact Jacky Bloemraad-de Boer at Maroon Blue for acupuncture for fertility: www.maroonblue.nl
Hope this helps?
Thank you so much Beryl - already did some investigations and found Jacky. As she did not have much time anymore before leaving for South Africa, she referred me to a colleague of hers (Eveline Goossens).
You mentioned further a foot reflexologist - do you know perhaps someone besides Jacky?
Finally, I did not quite understand how to use the progesteron creme - ordered it and was wondering whether I should already use it? (one of the last days of my menstruation)
Thank you, please know that with your stories you provided so much courage and faith to me, (although older than you are), thanks so much for that!!!
D.
Am Taking Melatonin every night gonna start with Agnus Castus this week
Amazing story. I am in tears! I'm 36 and have POF/early menopause. High FSH levels. NO periods for 4 months. I am grieving at the moment.
I am going to try the above - it's better than sitting on my bum doing nothing about it and just listening to the doctor's depressing prognosis. What a great article. Thank you x
hi Bee, Congrats to your success. i have the same situation like you, no eggs, high FSH 22.7, age 44. unlike you, i listened to doctors' advise and went for donor egg IVF cycle twice but was failed and miscarriaged. i'm so glad to find your blog. i just scheduled an acupuncture and is looking forward to try all that you have tried. thanks for giving me hopes.
Thank you for sharing your story with us out here (me in Berlin).
After 6 failed IVF treatments including an unpleasant visit to the named CHR I suppose hope is the best medicine along with a positive attitude.
Words like yours help improve that more than what any doctor could say at this point.
Should it still work after all these failed attempts - I would believe not only in miracles but in God, as well.
Congratulations on your baby, he is lucky to have you as his a Mom!
Hi Beryl,
I am 38 and have only one tube which may be blocked, as the HSG looked like it was, but that can be wrong. My fsh level was 13 & my progesterone 7. I can't afford IVF. I tried acupuncture, but I don't think I had a good one. I'm trying the DHEA & already my PMS is better (progesterone cream didn't help my PMS). I'm using DHEA & progesterone cream now & thinking about finding another acupuncturist. What about Vitex?
OOps, Didn't realize Vitex was that cactus angus stuff. Sorry my bad:(
Any hope for a blocked fallopian tube?
You're doing all the right things. Your FSH isn't THAT high. There are lots of women who have had higher and managed to bring it down with Agnus Castus, acupuncture and DHEA. Not sure about a blocked tube, but at least you do have one which is working. If both tubes were blocked, the only option WOULD be IVF. Have you got a good specialist who can advise you on what the best options are?
My right tube is gone from an ectopic preg 2/08.
My left tube showed that is was blocked where it connects to the uterus aka proximal blockage. The HSG can show a false + on blockage due to tubal spasm, but it is like 15%. However, I've read about Chinese herbs such as Leonurus (Yi Mu Cao) and Siegesbeckia (Xi Xian Cao)and an enzyme Serrapeptase, which can break down scar tissue and clear blockages. I'm hoping my blockage is a mucus plug, common for proximal blockages, rather than scar tissue. But, this Serrapeptase enzyme does dissolve scar tissue, if the blockage is indeed that. I cannot afford IVF, and I am sick at the thought of not having a child. Thank you for giving me some hope:)
hi ladies! i feel your pain, i am 42 and already have have 4 great daughters, and a new hubby who doesn't have children, he totally loves kids, well! i just found out i have 4 small fibroids and a 3cm bigger one, we been ttc for a year, my period is 28 days but i missed it for 18 days now and still neg. hpts, my Doctors refused to do a beta blood test, am scared to take anymore herbs and not knowing if am pregnant, i was taking vitex, b6,red clover, and prenatal vitamins, apple cider vinegar and baking soda shrinks fibroids and ovary cysts, checkout earthclinic.com
What about the risk of breast &/or ovarian cancer with high DHEA doses. Does four months of use increase your risk? I was on Clomid for a year and that increases ovarian cancer risk, so am I putting myself at a higher risk now? Just a thought. I'm going to my OB for my annual soon, & I'm going to have him do a transvaginal us & blood tests. I think I may have cysts;(
Hi Bee, Thank you so much for your story, it is so similar to my own recent discovery (high FSH and LH, low AMH, menopause, egg donation only etc...), and has given me hope and a direction to take in terms of my own treatment. I have found out that my "ovarian failure" is probably caused by the autoimmune disease coeliac's that I have recently been diagnosed with. I have a couple of questions if I may? How did you use the progesterone? (Times of the month and application)? Also, I have amenorrhoea and have been reading about using melatonin and zinc at night, have you ever come across this? Am doing the DHEA, Acupuncture. Thanks again for sharing your story.
I just thought I would post again and let you know that following "Bee's holistic solution" I am a few weeks pregnant! It is still very early days and I am using plenty of progesterone so as to keep the pregnancy going. Considering my diagnosis, which was similar to Bee's story but with the added complication of not having had any periods for nine months and having both adrenal and thyroid issues and an autoimmune disease, I couldn't believe the news when the acupuncturist first told me. The only thing I have done differently is to take Maca root 1 teasp each day, as well as everything else. It took one month for me to get pregnant from when I first started taking the DHEA, which was a month after I started the Acupuncture (if you are in NZ try Dave Craddock in Ponsonby, he is marvelous). So thank you Bee, I found this post when I was elbow deep in research, but you had pulled it all into a sensible list of things to do, and I am so excited that it is possible to do this holistically when medical science could only tell me that a donor egg is the only way I would be able to get pregnant. (I would have gone for IVF if it was an option for me, so I can only encourage women who are about to try that path to start down this road while they wait for IVF). For anyone else who follows this advice, be aware that because of the DHEA it can take quite awhile to get a positive pregnancy test, so if you think you are, keep off the alcohol etc… as it might take awhile to get to see those 2 blue lines! Also, here is a great site I used a lot, great video’s and information on natural fertility products http://natural-fertility-info.com/ I can’t say thank you enough Bee but bless you for sharing your story with us all. And all the best to others trying this solution. I’m off to get some reflexology now and to stay calm and hopeful!
I'm so glad this worked for you but I would highly doubt it would for me..I've been INfertile for the whole of my reproductive life...ttc for nearly 13 years and now at age 44 I am post menopausal...FSH of 70 and climbing..IVF has failed with me in previous years because of low ovarian reserve(and I was a lot younger then)...but it's nice to hear that there are still miracles out there.all the best
Hi Di congrats for the Baby ... can you please tell me how you got your period back?
and where i can buy the progesterone cream?
Hi Bee,
Had another HSG and found out my tube is open!!! (See above post).
I'm taking the DHEA but I was wondering if you stay on it all month or come off after you ovulate? I've also heard it can increase your risk of certain cancers related to hormones i.e. breast & ovarian. But, I think it's worth the risk if I can conceive. What are your thoughts?
Just thought I should report back, that I unfortunately experienced a blighted ovum shortly after posting here :-(. Still I guess the good news is that my body can hopefully do this. Since this I have upped my DHEA to 100mg per day 50mg in the morning and 50mg at night and I am ovulating normally and have my period back again. I am also taking 3mg of Melatonin at night before bed (this also helped get my period back I believe). I did have to ride out months of night sweats, loss of hair etc...from the DHEA but all of this has now settled down and all of the menopausal symptoms have gone away. Gessicapimentel, some countries you can't buy bioidentical progesterone so you need to order it from a website like http://natural-fertility-info.com/ and bring it into your own country. Make sure its a natural one though, not the kind a doctor would prescribe. I stay on the DHEA all month, I believe the protocol is to stay on it until you get your second positive pregnancy test. The progesterone you take from Day 14 to 28, day 1 being the first day of your period.
Sorry to hear about your blighted ovum, Di. I do think that it is a very good sign that you can fall pregnant though and it sounds like you are doing everything you can to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Go for it! Studies show that women who fall pregnant within 6 months of having a misarriage actually have the best chance of having a healthy pregnancy!Keep us posted on your progress.
Di, so sorry to hear of your loss. I read your above comment about it taking longer to see a positive pregnanc test while taking dhea. You are the first and only person I have read that speaks of this. Do you know of a link with more information on this? How long did it take you to see a positive result? I have been taking dhea for forty days, and am now on cd 38. I have taken 5 hpts (all negative), and still no period. My cycles usually average 30 days. So I am curious that the dhea is either delaying a positive test result, or has possibly messed up my cycle. Thank you for any insight you can offer. Babydust to you in your future efforts.
I don't know about DHEA delaying pregnancy results. I was taking 75mgs for about 4 months and I got a positive pregnancy result about 4 days after I missed my period. It could have been the DHEA, but I haven't come across this before in my research. Most women who achieved a healthy pregnancy on DHEA had been taking 75mgs for at least 4 months.
Bee, I think it is great that you are offering this information to help others. I will try your program. Just the fact that you are just offering this without trying to sell something shows what a wonderful human being you are!
Hi Bee,
Me (38) and my husband have been TTC since Aug. 2010. Had a + hpt on 10/2/10 but diagnosed w/a Blighted Ovum in Nov., miscarried naturally in Feb 2011. We started TTC right away. Recently I haven’t had a period since 8/15. Went to see OBGYN on 10/6 and fsh lvls were a 34 (I've also had premenopausal symptoms off & on for over a year). The OBGYN referred me to an RE and he tested me again on 10/15 and i had an ultra sound (he also mentioned egg donor as an option before testing), well I was shocked to find out my levels jumped to a 78! I am puzzled at how & why lvls could jump that fast in such a short amount of time. The RE sounded baffled himself but had an undertone of not sure what more he could do for me. So he recommended we make a 2nd apt to discuss things further and wait to see if my period arrives until then. Bee, over the past week I had ordered a fertility bracelet for luck, I have been taking 25mg of DHEA, 4-5 Wheat Grass tablets, 2tbsp of Royal Jelly in Honey, 1 baby aspirin, prenatal sups, Vit. C w/D, 1 Fish Oil, and i started Vitex last night. Today I called to make an apt for acupuncture.
Reading your story gives me some hope…but do you have any advice? Also, how long should i take all these suppliments? Look forward to hearing from you!
hi bee when do i use progesterone cream if im not having periods?+can i take epo,sepia+B6 with dhea how many mls of vitex a day do i take?im also taking maca,spirulina,propolis,q10 400mg,vit e,zinc,pregnacare,fish oil+shengjingguben want,tiaojing cuyun want+acupuncture twice a mth im scared of cancelling the dhea out with all the stuff im takin.also take epo 2000mg everyday as not having periods just pink discharge every other mth.told amh 0.07 high fsh got pof+dor told egg donar only.bn ttc 2yrs aftr being left on depo prevera for 20yrs!+also my cervix tilts backwards.what+when do u suggest i take?thanx +congrats xxxx
What an inspiring story Beryl! I made a review of your book on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuCa6uP98hU
Thank you for sharing your story, I am a firm believer that if you trust and believe in God it will happen. You really encouraged me today. I'm starting on DHEA today which was prescribed by my dr. I pray that you continue to be blessed and congratulations. I'll be sharing my story soon.
What an inspring story. You are a tough woman to not give up so easily with negative news from doctors, very happy for you and your baby is beautiful!
I am 31 have a FSH of 13, my husband was told he has low sperm motility, so we are both kind of stuck in the middle of good and really bad. We have have been trying for a baby for over a year and so now we are going to see a fertility specialist soon. I was just wondering if you could name off some herbal medicines to reduce the FSH level, i would hate to have to take the AI or IVF route if its not needed since my level isnt too too high...any advice on to lower it in an easy way would be greatful. Thanks so much!
Ladies,
I can relate to each of your trials. I have being going through menopause since I was 25. I am now 32 and still having difficulty conceiving. My FSH levels are way high and I was told last Oct that I had no eggs. God is a good God and I know he will heal my body!!! I started acupuncture this week and I plan to go to GNC for the DHEA supplement today. Thanks to each of you for sharing. It is nice to know that I am among Christian women with similar medical issues.
I will keep you guys posted as I take this journey.
Phoebe ,
Acupuncture may be good for you and your husband. My husband met with the Dr. and determined that it would be helpful if my husband received some treatments also. It is kinda expensive but our Dr. worked out a payment plan for us.
Hi my name is Vicky . I live in
Melbourne, Australia. I am 42 years old andy husband is 41. W have been trying for a baby but no luck. I had my FSH level
tested and it was 7.6 I was advised that was very low
I was told the normal is
14-22, I am a little confused as reading information online states otherwise. Can anyone shed some light please. All the best to each and everyone of you.
I am Dutch too, but will comment in English so everyone can read it. You are such an inspiration and such a strong woman to not let the bad news bring you down and for taking charge! I know just how nerve wrecking it all can be! I am 36 and my fertility is decreasing (and I suspect faster than expected). No kids yet. My situation and my numbers aren't like yours (they are not great but not too bad either), but the whole ticking clock/numbers game can be so stressful! I know it takes a really strong and positive person to get through this and to make it happen like you did! You owe it all to yourself and your inner strength and positivity! Congratulations with your beautiful child!
Vicky, you should get a second opinion, a second interpretation from a different Doctor cause if your number is correct, it is actually a really good number. I don't know for sure, but I was under the impression that anything under 10 is good and preferably lower than 9. Mine was 9.1 in Februari.
Bee, was your cycle regular at the time you were told you had no eggs left?
Your hub has been inspiring for my daughter and I . She also has had similar problems to you and found great comfort from what she read here, Thank you
Hi Beryl,
I just turned 41 and in Nov. of 2011 I miscarried at 11 weeks. Since then my cycles have been every 28 days (last one was 26) and my fsh is 7.3 In the past I have always conceived right away. Well I have not conceived since my miscarriage(6 months ago) I was told I have ardrenal issues, probably high cortisol and low dhea, but I never had my levels tested. Would dhea be beneficial for me to take for my unexplained infertility? I don't think my doc will test me for it. Thank so much. I am eagerly awaiting your reply.
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Jacky Bloemraad-de Boer 2 years ago
More women should be bold enough to take control like Bee has done AND more women should be bold yet again to relate their stories as Bee has done!
Bee's acupuncturist