Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 9/2/2006

Question
Hi there,

I had been seeing an acupuncturist who said she was trying to strengthen my spleen, and blood statis.  I am 41 years old, and am trying to get pregnant.  I know no caffeine, hormone's in food, and plenty of fruits/veggies.  I take folic acid, vitamin c, vitamin e, primrose oil, I have vitex but not sure if I should take it.  I am diagnosed as insulin resistant, although my Dr. didn't give me medicine for it.  I take Milk thistle to support the liver and Co ezyme.  Is there something else you would recommend?? Should I stop taking something? The last month I did not ovulate according to taking my temps, and the previous months I did.  I had a miscarriage Nov. 05. And I don't have alot of time.

Thanks.

Answer
Adreanna,
Thanks for your question.  Without knowing your full history, I can't tell you for sure if there's something else you need to be taking, or if it's too much.  I can tell you that evening primrose oil and vitex are often helpful in regulating menstrual cycles.  Folic acid is to prevent birth defects early in pregnancy, but does not commonly affect cycles.  Vitamin E and C and CoQ10 are good supplements for many reasons, but do not usually impact fertility or menstrual cycles.  Milk thistle is often needed to balance hormones, although you may not want to be taking that if you do get pregnant.  Make sure you are getting a good quality supplement in sufficient dosages, to get the full benefit of the supplements you're taking.  A organic whole foods diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, moderate in dairy, meat, and essential fatty acids like flax or hemp oil, and low in caffeine, sugar, white flour products, and processed foods is important also.  
Other supplements to consider for regulation of menstrual cycles are essential fatty acids like flax or fish oil.  Other areas to look at would be thyroid and adrenal health, which interact with the female hormonal system.  If one system is low functioning, the others may be affected also.  For a full evaluation of these areas, I'd suggest you seek out a naturopathic doctor through www.naturopathic.org.  
Good luck in your search.  
Dr Conner