Expert: Heather Vandeburg L.Ac M.S.O.M. dipl.Ac - 11/17/2010

Question
Dear Heather,
Hi, I had an eating disorder(bulimia nervosa)in the past and I have been having irregular period and infertility for the last 5 years. It has been eighteen months since I recovered from my eating disorder.
For my irregular period I took premular vitex from day 1 of my cycle for the last two month and it made me ovulate very late. Normally my period is from day 36 to 40. But when I took vitex I ovulated very late and I had my period in 50 days .My luteal phase has always been 14 days, my problem is late ovulation.  I read few books about TCM and women health and I think my oestrogen level is low which is liver yin deficiency and that vitex make the scenario worse. This is one of the website that talk about liver yin deficiency. http://www.howtomakeafamily.com/experts/lewis/rlqa_intro.htm.I stopped vitex and started dong quai when I was on day 28 because I didn’t ovulate until that date which never happened before.
I am hoping that dong quai will help me ovulate and get my period. Is it safe if I take vitex after I ovulate or continue taking dong quai until I get my period. At the moment I am taking 2 cups of dong quai root tea per day. Am i taking the right amount? Is taking dong quai capsule more effective than having the tea? I am 34 years old. I heard that taking vitex with tribulus forte will be good for my case.
Thank you so much for your response.

Sandy.


Answer
Sandy,
You really need to go the a Chinese herbalist.  It is very difficult for me to access you by email.  It sounds like you are very qi and blood deficient.  So boost qi and blood is a good thing to try.  Dong gui is a good blood tonifier.  But possibly womens precious formula would be over all better for you.  Once your boost up qi and blood your cycle will start to normalized.  Find someone who has a masters degree in Oriental Medicine locally to help with the herbs so they can properly access tongue and pulse.

Hope this helps.  

Heather Vandeburg LAc MSOM diplAc