Health Information Organization
The Infertility Cure
By Randine Lewis
Fertility & Conception
By Zita West
IVF the A.R.T. of making babies
By Sher, Marriage Davis, Stoess
Hypothyroidism and Infertility
Thyroid hypofunction affects ovulation frequency and ocurrence. This is a common cause of female infertility.
Symptoms: weakness, exhaustion, poor memory, dry hair, hair loss, sensitivity to cold, skin problems, brittle nails, depression, mood swings, constipation, weight gain or weight loss, heavy or irregular periods, PMS, muscle cramps, joint stiffness.
Causes: thyroid gland failure, failure of mechanisms that tell the thyroid to secrete its hormones, and failure of the body tissues to use thyroid hormones effectively.
Diagnosis: a blood test from your doctor can determine if you have hypothyroidism. Also, if your Basal Body Temperature is consistantly lower than 36.6 celcius (97.8 F), this may show an underactive thyroid.
Treatment: synthetic thyroxine. Avoid flouride, chlorides, mercury, PCB's, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, turnips, kale, kohlrabi, rutabegas, watercress, millet, peanuts, pine nuts, cassava, corn, and sweet potatoes. Cooking the foods listed helps destroy harmful chemicals that disrupt the thyroid function.
Dietary Recomendations
Hypothyroidism is an underproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland, characterized by lowered cellular metabolism, including low basal body temperatures and unexplained weight gain. Other symptoms can include accumulation of fluid under the eye, sensitivity to cold aching muscles, decreased appetite (but concurrent weight gain), fatigue, constipation, dry skin and hair, insomnia and tingling in the hands and feet. Reproductive symptoms include unusually long cycles and extended periods of heavy cervical fluid.
Hypothyroid is perhaps on of the most common, yet easily overlooked causes of infertility. Hypothyroid can throw the endocrine system off balance, causing elevated Prolactin levels, which prevents ovulation. Thyroid secretion is essential not only for egg fertilization and development, but also for sperm production. Thyroid deficiency can now be identified by a thyroid stimulating hormone test, so see your doctor if you suspect thyroid deficiency.
Kelp, a sea vegetable, may help hypothyroid because of its high iodine content. Many people ingest enough iodine in their diet through the consumption of iodinized salt. However, if you avoid processed foods, and do not over salt your foods; or if you are accustomed to using sea salt of kosher salt, neither of which contain added iodine, then kelp can fulfill this need. IN addition kelp may be better retained in the body and is less likely to be readily excreted than salt.
If you have received a medical diagnosis of hypothyroid, keep in mind that you should limit of avoid foods that inhibit the absorption of iodine in your system. These foods avoid include peanuts, pine nuts, cabbage, mustard and turnips. Almonds and wheat germs are also helpful against hypothyroidism, as they contain dietary sources of vitamin B2, a deficiency of which is linked to hypothyroid. Avoid dried fruit, processed potatoes, shrimp, and wine. The sulfites in these foods can destroy riboflavin, which can lead to deficiency.
Supplements: vitamin B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, CoQ10, magnesium, chromium, selenium, zinc, iodine, calcium.
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Infertility - Men's Health
 Spence Pentland, R.TCMP., DTCM Spence Pentland is a registered Acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC He practices at Acubalance Wellness Centre Ltd. on West 8th Ave. in Vancouver BC Canada. He is committed to Andrology, treating almost exclusively Men's and Women's infertility. |
Infertility - Gynecology
 Lorne Brown, Dr. TCM Lorne Brown is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC He practices at Acubalance Wellness Centre Ltd. on West 8th Ave. in Vancouver BC Canada. Treating Exclusively Women's infertility & gynecology. |
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