Let’s talk age and fertility
The GinSen guide to fertility for when you are 30, 35 and 40
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As women and men age, their potential to have children decreases, although the exact time when this starts to happen can vary among individuals. A woman’s peak reproductive years are generally between their late teens and late 20s – a time period when many women are not ready to start a family. By the age of 30 when some women are thinking about settling down the ability to get pregnant starts to decline.
Over the years our team of expert clinicians at GinSen have helped many women over the age of 30 to maximise their health and wellbeing and to support their fertility. Many of them have gone on to have the family that they dreamed of. In this article we will shine a light on the unique approach that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) brings to fertility and will describe in TCM terms what is going on in the body at three key ages – 30, 35 and 40. We will also suggest how adopting a Chinese Medicine approach to your health and wellbeing can help you to maximise your chance of having a child both naturally as well as via assisted techniques such as IVF.
The TCM Approach to getting pregnant after 30 naturally
According to TCM infertility occurs due to disrupted vital balance and blockages in the Qi energy and Blood circulation flow. When the free flow of the energy is blocked, it can cause deficiency, stagnancy or heat syndrome. The good news is that all of these factors can be successfully rectified with acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatments. When the problem is solved, the body returns to health and conception may happen naturally. Indeed there is growing scientific research which agrees with what TCM has known for thousands of years – Physiological age plays a much greater role in fertility and general health than chronological age: You just need to understand what to treat – and when.
Fertility after 30
At this time the most important thing is to promote a positive uterine environment. According to TCM well nourished blood is created by the Liver. When the Liver is working at an optimal level then a smooth circulation of Blood is released which is then able to feed all of the tissues of the body – including the ovaries and uterus. Unfortunately in today’s busy world our Livers are not usually able to function well. Stress, overwork, and a poor diet all conspire to reduce the efficiency of the Liver. This means that the Liver starts to malfunction, producing a poor blood flow – resulting in symptoms such as PMS, cramping and headaches.
So, what is the solution? At age 30 the most important thing to do is to look after your Liver. If you are serious about having a child it is important to reduce or stop your intake of alcohol – you don’t want to tax it any more than it needs to be. Try to cut back on work, ensure that you make time for relaxation and make time for acupuncture treatments which will help to unclog any stuck energy along the Liver meridians. You may also benefit from some natural herbal supplements that will help your Liver to detox. And that is pretty much it – your Liver will thank you for your support by optimising the flow of blood to your reproductive organs, boosting your chance of reproductive success.
Fertility in 30s – at age 35
At this stage of life it is important to focus on two main areas – your hormone levels and the quality of your eggs. As we age the quality and viability of our eggs can decrease – but they don’t have to. Again through the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine we are able to flood the ovaries with the energy – Qi, Blood and warmth that they need to work at an optimal level – and this is backed by research Acupuncture treatment here would be focused along the lower abdomen and you could expect needles to be placed into your lower back, around your ankles and legs – these pain free points will help to promote a positive flow of energy to your ovaries – ensuring that they release appropriate and balanced hormones as well as stimulating the growth of viable eggs.
Fertility after 40 – what do we need to focus on at age 40
At age 40 it is important to maximise the flow of hormones as much as possible and to boost the function of the Kidneys. In TCM our Kidneys store our Vital Essence – our Jing – which is passed on to our children in the eggs and sperm. As we age our levels of Jing naturally start to decrease. So at this age the focus is on stimulating the function of the kidneys. We may use a warming herb called Mugwort – of Moxa – to gently add energy to the flow of Kidney energy. You can expect to feel very relaxed, energised and well after treatments to your Kidneys! If you decide to try for a baby via IVF it is essential that you look after your Kidneys as IVF treatment is very depleting to these organs. Whichever route you decide to go down we would always recommend that you take regular natural Chinese herbs in order to boost the effect of acupuncture treatment.
How is acupuncture helpful in getting pregnant after 30 naturally?
Acupuncture entails the careful insertion of sterile, single use acupuncture needles into specific points on the body. An experienced practitioner is able to make subtle positive shifts to the way the body functions and address any issues that affect fertility. Research shows that acupuncture has a positive effect on female fertility, helping to balance hormone levels and it promotes a healthy blood flow – essential to ensure well nourished reproductive organs. In addition acupuncture treatment strengthens the immune system, regulates energy levels and stimulates the nervous system. With a combination of acupuncture and herbs, it is possible to improve the ovarian and follicular function and increase the blood flow to the endometrium.
Tips for optimising your fertility after 30:
Take time out – its time to stop burning the candle at both ends!
Your Liver will start to relax, and you will also feel feel the benefits in every part of your body. You will stop pumping out so many stress hormones – and your ability to achieve a healthy pregnancy will be restored. Slow down, get more rest and find time to relax to help this restorative process along.
You – and your baby – are what you eat
Be considerate about what you put into your body – this is feeding the eggs that will hopefully go on to become your child. A diet that is high in sugar, caffeine and processed foods will make it harder for you to conceive as you simple won’t have the right nutrients. Try adding more cooked vegetables, pulses and lean meats into your diet. Your body – and your fertility – will rejoice!
Promote your fertility with herbs
Black Cohosh effectively soothes menstrual pain, uterine irritability, ovarian pain, premenstrual migraine and is very helpful to promote female fertility
Liquorice is extremely supportive of fertility – it helps detoxify and repair the liver, supports the endocrine system and modulate the immune system. All three of these functions contribute to better overall hormonal health and optimises your fertility
Evening Primrose oil promotes and maintains hormonal balance and aids in alleviating headaches, breast tenderness, bloating and irritability. In addition to this it also increases cervical mucus which is essential for sperm to journey to the egg and achieve conception.
Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh tablets by GinSen are formulated for perimenopause and menopause. This powerful herb reduces any imbalances in the hormone estrogen and provides relief from symptoms including hot flashes, mood swings, cramps, vaginal dryness, and excessive sweating. By getting to the root cause, Black Cohosh tablets support transition through menopause, calms the mind and eases stress.
For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help you in getting pregnant after 30 naturally, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
