Ovulation experts to the rescue!
I have got a new client with sub-fertility.
I know this has been discussed before and I know there are a few of you on here who have a bit of knowledge on on the subject. Can you advise please? She is going to come twice a week for reflexology. Details as follows:
44 year old female trying to conceive for ten years. No reason for sub-fertility found. Has had one go at IVF which failed. Overweight for height (5 foot) 12.5 stone. History of IBS. Back problems. Arthritis since childhood (says from gymnastics?) Was on pill for 15 years. Cycles are 22-26 days but are now changing. No menopausal symptoms so far. Cycle is becoming erratic. Has been using Boots ovulation kit and LH levels are low.
Gave general treatment lasting about 40 mins due to consultation time.
Uterus and ovaries on both feet were very sensitive. Spinal reflexes were very sensitive. Spinal reflexes were tight and very congested. Pituatary sensitive.
Any advice welcomed.
Answers:
hmm tricky one, for sure, as this womans age is most definitely against here BUT, by giving reflexology and therefore treating mind, body and soul, she will be better able to cope with any outcome, even if it is not successful.
the main point at the moment is to regulate cycles. these may get worse before they settle. how long is her luteal phase? does she know from the OV kit? i daresay it is not long enough for successful implantation as it stands just now.
of course, stress levels... hers and his? what about his *bits*... they may need a kick too!
weight will not help... lay off caffeine, fizzies, some teas (earl grey, assam, and some green teas). how is her thyroid?
i dont suppose the 15 year pill taking will have helped much.
does she fear the idea of motherhood at this point maybe?
let us know how it goes!
Answers:
Hi Rosie. She does know how long the luteal phase is, I didn't ask. But there isn't enough LH to kick things into action.
Her thyroid was fine BTW. I did check and ask. She said she had it checked and it was 'spot on'.
I suspect her diet is crap. Tho she said she has been veggie for 15 years, but is prepared to change that to get pregnant if it helps. Don't know whether or not she fears getting pregnant, she certainly didn't give that impression and is willing to try most things.
She is defiinately not stressed according to her. She said the doc said her IBS is stress related and she told me that she had to convince them that she likes her life and is not stressed.
As for kicking his bits, well, I shall have a word with her about that then shall I?!!![8D]
Will let you know. Funny really, she is well-educated and knows quite a bit about the body but she had never heard of peri-menopause. That surprised me.
Answers:
Hmmmm. What are her LH and FSH levels? If her cycle's erratic it could be a sign of perimenopause (speaking as one who's into her 5th year of menopause at the grand old age of 42 here), especially if it's become that way, having been relatively regular in the past. I would be inclined to treat both of them when fertility issues are involved. It's a stressful time for both of them and they could both use the tlc.
Any idea why the IVF didn't work? If the pituitary's off and the ovaries and uterus were both sensitive (on both sides?) there could be a chance of a gynae problem such as endometriosis, PCOS, ovarian cysts or some other condition that would need addressing. But again, it could be a sign of menopause starting up. It's still not too late, but it's more difficult.
Hope that makes sense
Answers:
Yup.
I agree with all that has been said above.
She IS getting close to her critical point of the commencement of the menopause. She is overweight. And despite what she says, the long time trying to become pregnant is in itself producing stress as she realises that her time is running out.
Certainly give them both treatments but don't kick his 'bits' [:@] [:o] - most unproductive and painful :D :D
Nice relaxing regular treatments with emphasis on the appropriate reflexes is the way to help them both.
The very best of luck.
Please let us know how everything goes.
Answers:
I read yesterday that the longer a woman has been trying to conceive, the least likely it is to happen.
Lesley
Answers:
Thanks everyone. I am seeing her again tomorrow and shall ask a few more questions.
Seems they gave up after one attempt at IVF. In her words 'they found nothing wrong with me so we didn't think it was worth pursuing'. Not sure about that one. But heck, there could be all sorts of reasons and she doesn't have to tell me now if ever. But will see what comes out.
I will suggest treating him also. He has been into the clinic for other treatment.
It would appear that there isn't a problem with endo or any of the others mentioned from what she says.
Let you know how it goes. Thanks again.
Answers:
what about PCOS? that can manifest as crunchiness under the heels, plantar foot... sort of near the sciatic line?
be interesting... let us know!
Answers:
I haven't heard of peri-menopause and until today I thought I was well educated and knew a fair bit about the body! What have I been missing? Please can someone explain. I feel very ignorant.
Answers:
here you go siobhan... the joys of womanhood, eh!
[link]http://www.bloomingtonwebguide.com/perimeno.htm[/link]
Answers:
I just wondered if this lady has ever been treated with Clomid, seems quite drastic to go to IVF without trying that first. Is she still having conventional help. With her low levels it sounds as though she needs a boost.
I would have thought that at her age she should be trying several avenues together. I know reflex is very powerful but she could have conventional help as well to 'complement' each other.
You tend to assume that after trying for so long PCOS, endo etc have been tested for. The cycles seem to tend to be longer for pcos and hers is quite short. But as you say, you can only go by what she tells you.
It might be a good idea if she and her partner forgo alcohol for a while as it can affect the sperm count and motility and her fertility. He should also wear 'boxers' to avoid overheating down there.
I've got a good book by Robert Winston on achieving pregnancy and he recommends frequent intercourse, not just at the usual fertile period. (bit of a chore I should think after 10 years of trying). His statistics show it works!! The more you do it the more chance it seems. (obvious I know).
Jan
Answers:
Hi again. Saw her today and found out a bit more.
No problem found with her at all, as said before. No PCOS.
Had three treatments of treated sperm put back into her before IVF which didn't work. No problem with him at all. She says that it is a problem with implantation.
Ovaries and uterus were tender again, but less so. Suggested he come in, but got a definate NO.
Are going down adoption route also. But seem very selective re age group etc. Strange thing, they can't opt for child under three as he smokes.
Seems odd. If it was me, would give up anything to get what I wanted, fags included.
More to this than meets the eye.
Answers:
and children over three arent affected? hmmm now thats odd!! the powers that be say no smoking before 3?
you'll end opening a huge can of emotional worms, i reckon!
Answers:
yep, i gave up everything to get my little Jacob....(clomid baby)....worth every minute of it. I can never understand it when people who so desperately want babies dont want to go out of there way or look after there future childrens health....hmmm good luck honey
T
x
I know this has been discussed before and I know there are a few of you on here who have a bit of knowledge on on the subject. Can you advise please? She is going to come twice a week for reflexology. Details as follows:
44 year old female trying to conceive for ten years. No reason for sub-fertility found. Has had one go at IVF which failed. Overweight for height (5 foot) 12.5 stone. History of IBS. Back problems. Arthritis since childhood (says from gymnastics?) Was on pill for 15 years. Cycles are 22-26 days but are now changing. No menopausal symptoms so far. Cycle is becoming erratic. Has been using Boots ovulation kit and LH levels are low.
Gave general treatment lasting about 40 mins due to consultation time.
Uterus and ovaries on both feet were very sensitive. Spinal reflexes were very sensitive. Spinal reflexes were tight and very congested. Pituatary sensitive.
Any advice welcomed.
Answers:
hmm tricky one, for sure, as this womans age is most definitely against here BUT, by giving reflexology and therefore treating mind, body and soul, she will be better able to cope with any outcome, even if it is not successful.
the main point at the moment is to regulate cycles. these may get worse before they settle. how long is her luteal phase? does she know from the OV kit? i daresay it is not long enough for successful implantation as it stands just now.
of course, stress levels... hers and his? what about his *bits*... they may need a kick too!
weight will not help... lay off caffeine, fizzies, some teas (earl grey, assam, and some green teas). how is her thyroid?
i dont suppose the 15 year pill taking will have helped much.
does she fear the idea of motherhood at this point maybe?
let us know how it goes!
Answers:
Hi Rosie. She does know how long the luteal phase is, I didn't ask. But there isn't enough LH to kick things into action.
Her thyroid was fine BTW. I did check and ask. She said she had it checked and it was 'spot on'.
I suspect her diet is crap. Tho she said she has been veggie for 15 years, but is prepared to change that to get pregnant if it helps. Don't know whether or not she fears getting pregnant, she certainly didn't give that impression and is willing to try most things.
She is defiinately not stressed according to her. She said the doc said her IBS is stress related and she told me that she had to convince them that she likes her life and is not stressed.
As for kicking his bits, well, I shall have a word with her about that then shall I?!!![8D]
Will let you know. Funny really, she is well-educated and knows quite a bit about the body but she had never heard of peri-menopause. That surprised me.
Answers:
Hmmmm. What are her LH and FSH levels? If her cycle's erratic it could be a sign of perimenopause (speaking as one who's into her 5th year of menopause at the grand old age of 42 here), especially if it's become that way, having been relatively regular in the past. I would be inclined to treat both of them when fertility issues are involved. It's a stressful time for both of them and they could both use the tlc.
Any idea why the IVF didn't work? If the pituitary's off and the ovaries and uterus were both sensitive (on both sides?) there could be a chance of a gynae problem such as endometriosis, PCOS, ovarian cysts or some other condition that would need addressing. But again, it could be a sign of menopause starting up. It's still not too late, but it's more difficult.
Hope that makes sense
Answers:
Yup.
I agree with all that has been said above.
She IS getting close to her critical point of the commencement of the menopause. She is overweight. And despite what she says, the long time trying to become pregnant is in itself producing stress as she realises that her time is running out.
Certainly give them both treatments but don't kick his 'bits' [:@] [:o] - most unproductive and painful :D :D
Nice relaxing regular treatments with emphasis on the appropriate reflexes is the way to help them both.
The very best of luck.
Please let us know how everything goes.
Answers:
I read yesterday that the longer a woman has been trying to conceive, the least likely it is to happen.
Lesley
Answers:
Thanks everyone. I am seeing her again tomorrow and shall ask a few more questions.
Seems they gave up after one attempt at IVF. In her words 'they found nothing wrong with me so we didn't think it was worth pursuing'. Not sure about that one. But heck, there could be all sorts of reasons and she doesn't have to tell me now if ever. But will see what comes out.
I will suggest treating him also. He has been into the clinic for other treatment.
It would appear that there isn't a problem with endo or any of the others mentioned from what she says.
Let you know how it goes. Thanks again.
Answers:
what about PCOS? that can manifest as crunchiness under the heels, plantar foot... sort of near the sciatic line?
be interesting... let us know!
Answers:
I haven't heard of peri-menopause and until today I thought I was well educated and knew a fair bit about the body! What have I been missing? Please can someone explain. I feel very ignorant.
Answers:
here you go siobhan... the joys of womanhood, eh!
[link]http://www.bloomingtonwebguide.com/perimeno.htm[/link]
Answers:
I just wondered if this lady has ever been treated with Clomid, seems quite drastic to go to IVF without trying that first. Is she still having conventional help. With her low levels it sounds as though she needs a boost.
I would have thought that at her age she should be trying several avenues together. I know reflex is very powerful but she could have conventional help as well to 'complement' each other.
You tend to assume that after trying for so long PCOS, endo etc have been tested for. The cycles seem to tend to be longer for pcos and hers is quite short. But as you say, you can only go by what she tells you.
It might be a good idea if she and her partner forgo alcohol for a while as it can affect the sperm count and motility and her fertility. He should also wear 'boxers' to avoid overheating down there.
I've got a good book by Robert Winston on achieving pregnancy and he recommends frequent intercourse, not just at the usual fertile period. (bit of a chore I should think after 10 years of trying). His statistics show it works!! The more you do it the more chance it seems. (obvious I know).
Jan
Answers:
Hi again. Saw her today and found out a bit more.
No problem found with her at all, as said before. No PCOS.
Had three treatments of treated sperm put back into her before IVF which didn't work. No problem with him at all. She says that it is a problem with implantation.
Ovaries and uterus were tender again, but less so. Suggested he come in, but got a definate NO.
Are going down adoption route also. But seem very selective re age group etc. Strange thing, they can't opt for child under three as he smokes.
Seems odd. If it was me, would give up anything to get what I wanted, fags included.
More to this than meets the eye.
Answers:
and children over three arent affected? hmmm now thats odd!! the powers that be say no smoking before 3?
you'll end opening a huge can of emotional worms, i reckon!
Answers:
yep, i gave up everything to get my little Jacob....(clomid baby)....worth every minute of it. I can never understand it when people who so desperately want babies dont want to go out of there way or look after there future childrens health....hmmm good luck honey
T
x