This amenorrhea case report explores the story of a 33-year-old woman who embarked on a remarkable journey to conceive a child, discovering the potential of acupuncture as a holistic approach to address her menstrual irregularities and eventually achieve pregnancy.
What is Amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea is a medical condition characterized by the absence of menstrual periods in women of reproductive age. It can be broadly categorized into two types. The first, primary amenorrhea, is where a woman has not experienced menstruation by the age of 16. Secondary amenorrhea, occurs when a woman who previously had regular menstrual cycles experiences the sudden cessation of periods for at least three consecutive months.
Amenorrhea can result from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, extreme weight loss, excessive exercise, polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, or structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs. Western diagnosis and treatment often involve a comprehensive evaluation of the underlying causes, ranging from medical examinations and hormonal assessments to lifestyle adjustments and, in some cases, medical interventions. Understanding and addressing amenorrhea is essential not only for reproductive health but also for overall well-being. The condition may be indicative of broader physiological or hormonal imbalances.
Amenorrhea Case Report
At the age of 33, Emily found herself facing the disheartening reality of infertility. Despite her desire to start a family with her husband, her dreams were thwarted by the absence of her menstrual cycle. A series of doctor visits had not shed light on the source of her lack of a period, which had stopped eighteen months prior. Wanting to find an explanation, Emily sought alternative methods to enhance her fertility, leading her to our acupuncture clinic.
Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, views the human body as an interconnected system where the balance of energy, or Qi, plays a crucial role in maintaining health. When it comes to fertility, practitioners often focus on regulating the menstrual cycle and addressing underlying imbalances to create an optimal environment for conception.
Pattern Diagnosis
Before commencing acupuncture treatments, we conducted a thorough intake exam to determine Emily’s pattern imbalance. This involves understanding the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, emotional well-being, and specific symptoms. For Emily, the absence of her menstrual cycle was a central concern, leading us to investigate potential imbalances in her reproductive system.
In addition to having no period for the previous 18 months, Emily also presented with difficulty falling asleep, constant bloating and stomach pain, dizziness, fatigue, and anxiety. Her pulse was thin and her tongue was pale with scalloped edges. Based on this presentation, we determined that her Chinese medicine pattern diagnosis was amenorrhea due to Spleen and Heart Qi and Blood Deficiency. The treatment strategy was to strengthen her spleen and heart qi and nourish her blood in order to normalize her menstrual cycle. Once that was accomplished she could then try to get pregnant.
Selecting Acupuncture Points
Based on Emily’s pattern diagnosis, we selected specific points on her body to boost spleen and heart qi while also building blood. In addition, we added points to strengthen her reproductive organs, normalize hormonal regulation, and promote stress reduction. Our overall focus was to regulate her menstrual cycle and promote her reproductive health.
Acupoints included: SP6, SP4, PC6, ST36, CV4, CV6, CV12, ST21, Si shen cong, Yintang, and auricular Shenmen and Kidney. We also prescribed the Chinese herbal formula Gui Pi Pian to strengthen Emily’s spleen and heart qi and blood.
Treatment Sessions and Monitoring Progress
Emily underwent a series of twelve acupuncture sessions, scheduled once a week. Each session involved the insertion of thin, sterile, stainless steel, single-use needles into specifically chosen acupuncture points. The process is virtually painless, and patients often report a sense of relaxation during and after the treatment. Emily often fell asleep during her sessions.
During the course of her initial treatments, Emily saw changes in her symptoms. First, her energy improved. The dizziness that had been plaguing her for months significantly eased as well. She was able to fall asleep better at night, and her anxiety symptoms eased by over sixty percent. We explained that these were encouraging signs, indicating that her body was healing at the root level. Monitoring progress during acupuncture treatments is a dynamic process. We continued to assess changes in Emily’s symptoms and overall well-being. As she progressed, we adjusted her treatment strategy and acupoint selection.
The Miraculous Outcome
After eight acupuncture sessions, Emily experienced the joyous return of her menstrual cycle. This milestone marked a significant achievement, signaling that the body’s natural balance was being restored. Three months later, Emily’s dream of becoming a mother came to fruition when she discovered that she was pregnant.
Conclusion
The journey of this 33-year-old woman presented in this amenorrhea case report highlights the potential of acupuncture as a holistic and integrative approach to fertility. By addressing the root causes of menstrual irregularities and promoting overall well-being, acupuncture serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating the challenging path to parenthood. This ancient practice not only aids in restoring balance but also empowers individuals on their quest to embrace the transformative journey of creating life.
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What our Clients are Saying
I love Raleigh Acupuncture! I went for infertility. I was a mess. My period came every two weeks and was really uncomfortable. I was anemic and the iron supplements were giving me terrible constipation. I also had PCOS. I didn’t even know if I was ovulating. The treatments totally fixed my cycle. After four months I was getting my period every four weeks and my anemia was gone. They taught me how to know when I was ovulating and the “best time” to get pregnant. It worked. I’m three months pregnant right now and very happy. They totally changed my life. Thank you Raleigh Acupuncture!!
Was having alot of trouble getting pregnant. My internet research showed that having an irregular period could be at least partially responsible for my troubles. Found Raleigh Acupuncture through a friend and got treated. After that my period started coming every 30 days — and five months later I got pregnant! I’m convinced acupuncture made the difference. I’m telling everyone who’s having trouble getting pregnant to try acupuncture. What a gift.
I’ve always been irregular with my cycle and it didn’t bother me much. But I got married last year and was starting to think about having a family. I knew that it would be more difficult to get pregnant with my cycle coming at all different times. So I went to Raleigh Acupuncture. They told me it usually took three months to regulate a cycle, and that’s exactly how long it took me. I’m like clockwork now and grateful for it. At the same time my periods are less uncomfortable. I feel relieved that when we start trying to get pregnant I’ll be in a much better place.
I’ve been going to Raleigh Acupuncture for 4+ years. I first went to them because I was having problems with my monthly period lasting two weeks or more, hot flashes that were extreme, and all over pain from fibromyalgia, which is a chronic pain condition. I was in a state of depression and despair, unable to work, or do things I love to do, like working in my yard. On a good day, I could perform simple household chores, perhaps a little yoga, and that was all. My first few visits brought relief from hot flashes, terrible neck pain, and wrap-around pain in my ribs that restricted my ability to breathe comfortably. I felt this was a miracle as I had suffered for many years, and had no idea it was so easily remedied. This miraculous ride continued as I took Chinese herbs for aiding my menopausal symptoms, sinus problems, anxiety, and general pain. As time went on I began to depend on Raleigh Acupuncture for psychological strengthening as well. Nowhere else have I found anyone that really listens to what I have to say without thinking I was crazy. Today, as I sit and reflect, I am about to graduate from an intense two year program for Landscape Architecture Technology. I took a huge leap when I signed up for full-time classes when I was 50 years old. I have enjoyed great success, making one B in 64 credit hours, the rest were A’s! In February of 2011, I was in a car accident where I was sandwiched between a van and a school bus. I was able to continue school and finish the semester, I believe because of my acupuncture treatments. I contribute most of my academic success, emotional well-being, and diminished pain to Raleigh Acupuncture.