Would like to try alternative for TTC

Ornah · 08-05-2002, 06:44 PM

I have been ttc for almost a year now with no success. i have been on three clomid cycles, the higher the dose the better the response, but unfortuantely also the less the CM and thickness of lining. I am currently on a break, more due to financial reasons since my next clomid cycle will be with iui. So until my insurance changes (next january) i am looking for alternative ways of conceiving.

I have visited the alternative board many times and I have read about all the different types of herbs that can help hormones. I don't really like trying things without reading and understanding what the effects would be and what I would be taking them for.

i would appreciate it if you could list the herbs that you are taking (especially if TTC) and what they were for and also any literature or links that could help me understand the alternative remedies.

thanks.

carrie1602 · 08-06-2002, 01:39 AM

Gosh, for being a alternative remedy board, we're not getting a good response?! I too posted a similar question, although my goal is to regulate my hormones so I can ttc in a year. I recommend you go to www.tryingtoconceive.com and look at all the info on herbal remedies. Vitex is highly recommended, I am starting that tomorrow! Along with progesterone to try to induce AF naturally (see my signature on why this is

Anyways, let me know what you find...hopefully other cysters will help us out with our questions...good luck!

Ornah · 08-06-2002, 01:32 PM

without the clomid i don't ovulate either. I will check the link! i also hope i get a few more responses from the women who know more!

thanks and good luck to you too!

Sheri · 08-06-2002, 01:38 PM

The following is a link to my personal experience treating my infertility with herbs. There is also some book recommendations...
http://www.thelaboroflove.com/forums...threadid=16635

Sheri

Ornah · 08-07-2002, 12:04 AM

Sheri - thanks for the info!

MyJourney · 08-07-2002, 03:55 AM

Hi Ornah and Carrie,

I'm sorry the responses seem to be coming slow. I can't give much advice regarding herbs, but I can tell you a little bit about my experience with alternative medicine.

I was dx with PCOS after having had only one AF in 6 months of being off BCPs. My gyno sent me for a hormonal panel and u/s. I came back classic (3:1 LH/FSH ration, elevated free Testosterone and cysts on my ovaries), lucky for me my doc thought to look, because I'm a thin cyster. Anyway doc wanted to put me on one round of Clomid and then on to injectibles.
That really scared me, because I had just read 'Taking Charge of Your Fertility' and didn't want to try drastic measures until I had tried a simpler way.
I started with Licorice Root and Dong Quai, which did nothing for me. I had someone bring me Vitex from the USA (it's not available in Israel), also did nothing for me. Maybe the combo was wrong, and maybe I didn't try long enough. I really wanted to try False Unicorn Root, but again, it is not available in Israel.
Well, on to accupuncture I went. I went once a week and my healer gave me perscriptions for Chinese herbal remedies. I tried at least 3 or 4 until he found the one that worked. I also started low carbing (4 days after the change in my remedy). Two weeks later, while getting over the flu, I couldn't understand why my temps weren't going down to normal. They stayed at 36.7, my normal temps were around 36.3 (now I know what is normal for pre O and what is normal for post O

).
I now O every cycle, but late, so I am going to try soy to make me O earlier. I recently did a follow up hormonal panel and all my levels came back normal

.
These days I low carb, take my Chinese herbal remedy, do Yoga once a week and exercise at least an addtional two.
I am now waiting for DH to get over his problems and then hopefully we'll get pg (in our own bed!) and if not, it's on to IUI or IVF.

I know this has been long winded, but I need to add a word of advice. Most of the times alternative remedies are not a quick fix. It took me 6 months to start seeing results and nearlly a year to get where I am.
I wish you good luck on your journey, and hope neither of you will need a doc to get pg.

HTH Oshrat

Ornah · 08-07-2002, 10:57 AM

Oshrat - thanks!

what do your Chinese herbal remedies contain? do you think they would have worked without the low carbing?

another question - i'm assuming you are with a "kupat holim" - do they cover the iui's and ivf's without co-pays? (this is just out of interest - since my sister still lives in israel but is not ttc at the moment. i think she also has pcos but she has not been checked for it yet).