Fertility

CASE STUDY: Fertility

SUBMITTED BY: Katie Donnelly, Adv Dip HSc Naturopathy

PATIENT: 33-year-old female

INITIAL PRESENTATION:

Presenting with a diagnosis of unexplained infertility.

Both partners are within a fertile age category for becoming pregnant (< 35 years) and allopathic assessments indicate no physical contraindications, structural complications, or medical barriers to pregnancy for either individual. The couple have been trying without contraceptives for 20 months. Prior to this, client was on the oral contraceptive pill.

Female partner has consistent menstrual cycles varying from 26-28 days. Experiences premenstrual syndrome symptoms of irritation, mood swings, and ovarian pain within two to three days of her period. Heavy flow with clotting experienced on day one and two of menses, then lighter flow for days three to six. Menses cease by day seven. Has tried tracking ovulation but struggled with stress relative to disappointment of menses starting.

Indications of oestrogen and progesterone imbalance.

No family history of infertility or miscarriage.

Recent illness includes reaction to COVID-19 vaccination resulting in breathing complications and arrythmia. Symptoms have since subsided and there are no further concerns expressed by the General Practitioner and no monitoring or treatment is required.

Presenting with inflammation and liver overwhelm.

HERBAL TREATMENT (105mL):

Paeony (Paeonia lactiflora)  -  30mL

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)  - 30mL

Cured Rehmania (Rehmania glutinosa) - 20mL

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)  - 15mL

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) - 10mL

Dosage:

7.5mL 2 x daily. Add to a small amount of water to dilute if needed. Shake well before pouring.

NUTRITIONAL & LIFESTYLE CHANGES:

Recommended pre-natal supplementation that includes N-acetyl cysteine and Co-enzyme Q10. Consider utilising cannabidiol or palmitoylethanolamide to regulate and downgrade inflammation indicated in health history.

Focus on dietary support including increased antioxidants through food, avoidance of hydrogenated fats, awareness of food additives, and focus on organic or spray-free/locally sourced foods where possible. Increased fibre, filtered water intake, and probiotic foods will aid in more regular bowel movements. Liver support measures include increased intake of cruciferous and sulphuric vegetables, B vitamin-rich foods, and herbs like fresh turmeric, ginger, and green tea. Quality proteins from known sources and wholegrain carbohydrates are preferable.

Awareness of environmental toxins and minimising exposure. Reduce the use of hand sanitisers and antibacterial products to allow the microbiome to re-regulate.

Discussed stress management techniques and the importance of restorative sleep.


FOLLOW-UP:

• Advised that hormonal shifts and reproductive regulation can take time and this is the primary short-term goal.
   
• 4-week check-in: Feeling positive and notes she is feeling less fixated on becoming pregnant and more focused on enjoying time with her husband. The stress associated with trying to become pregnant had been causing emotional strain and it was a relief to feel less stressed.
   
• Has continued to make small but regular changes to diet and lower-intensity exercise.

• Her husband was also taking a herbal formula but struggled with the flavour. Has opted for a powdered supplement to meet mineral needs for sperm health.
   
• 8-week check-in: Menstrual cycle regularity has improved, no longer experiencing clotting. Kept a diary of mucus changes during ovulation and noted appropriate changes.
   
• Experienced reduced premenstrual syndrome symptoms, noting less pain, less irritability, cravings, and no clotting. No signs that the period was coming and less fatigue.
   
• 12-week check-in: Pregnancy has not been established but the client is feeling as though her menstrual cycles and psychological well-being have both improved, crucial to establishing and maintaining pregnancy.