Infertility

A Case Study

Herbal Practitioner: Marcia Mendoza

 Reasons for Choice
Normal gynaecological structure
Within fertile age range
Regular menstrual cycles
BMI < 25
Partner normal semen analysis
 Reasons for choice
No obvious or gross pelvic pathologies
No medical history of liver problems
Not on any oral medication including
steroids
No previous medical history of radio- or
chemotherapy
 Medical history
November 2004: 33 year old woman.

C/O Infertility. LMP 29/10/2004

Regular 28 day regular cycle. Light flow.

Registered with IVF clinic.

Wanted herbal treatment to boost ‘fertility’ sufficiently to qualify

For IVF treatment.

 Relevant PMH

Unprotected sexual intercourse for 5 years.

Miscarriage early November 2003.

Still 28 day cycle but lighter than before miscarriage.

Registered for IVF treatment during this period of time

 Relevant PMH
Successfully treated with acupuncture for stress which

Manifested as panic attacks, palpitations, feelings of dread

And general lack of enthusiasm.

 Relevant PMH

FSH in follicular phase was 10 U/l

Typical range: Premenopause 1.1-9.6 U/l

Postmenopause 20-96 U/l

Partner’s semen analysis normal

 Relevant PMH
October 2004: FSH had increased to 12.5 U/l.

Profile of other hormones including TSH and

prolactin normal.

1st Hysteroscopy: uterine lining thin.

2nd hysteroscopy 1 month later: no abnormalities.

Patient was promised commencement of IVF treatment

If plasma FSH level < 10 U/l.

Hence the need for herbal treatment

 Medical History Continued

BMI normal.

Healthy diet which included organic food, tuna,

Muesli, smoothies, low alcohol intake.

‘Preconception vitamins’
 Prescription
Chamaelirium luteum 20
Iris versicolor 15
Capsicum minimum 2
Eleutherococcus senticosus 15
Matricaria recutita 20
Plantago lanceolata 10
Schisandra chinensis 20
Glycyrrhiza glabra FE 10

112ml
Sig. 7ml bid ac cum aq
 Prescription
Vitex agnus castus FE 10 gtt om
 Follow up

24/11/2004 Period as normal.

Took repeat prescription in December.

Decided to postpone IVF treatment until the New Year.

 Follow up
January 2005: Could not start IVF treatment.

FSH = 11U/l.

LMP 17/01/2005

Telephoned 16/02/2005
PREGNANT VIA NATURAL CONCEPTION!