Acupuncture w/ herbs while doing Iui/Clomid?

[JJar]

Hi all- so I'm going to acupuncture and loving it. My acupuncturist has recommended Eastern herbal supplements etc. Im ttcing right after a m/c because my doc said it was fine (early m/c). My acupuncturist thinks I should wait but the doc says go for it. My acupuncturist recommended trying herbs to ready my body for another pregnancy.
I asked my doc if taking herbs are safe...
He said because herbal remedies have some unknown effects, it is best to not use them while under Clomid/trigger shots etc.
I'm tempted to try anything that will help but my gut says listen to the doctor's advice.
Any advice?? I tend to trust western medicine but I'm desperate.
Take care

 

[Springy]

I work for a large pharamceutical company and for the most part regulated drugs, like clomid, hCG etc. are not tested for interactions with herbal remedies and the prescribing information in most countries would state that such interactions are not known. In general it is always good to advise your doctor of any over the counter medications and/or herbal remedies that you are taking so they are aware. Additionally, herbal preparations are generally not held to the same level of regulation and quality control as drugs are, and do not have the same types of clinical studies conducted to demonstrate product safety and efficacy.

Personally I wouldn't be mixing herbals with traditional western drugs. This is however TOTALLY my personal opinion, and you should decide what is best and/or right for your body and situation. The accupuncture is a great addition to the fertility regime. You could always take a break from the clomid and hCG and try the herbal preparations.

 

[floofymad]

Hi,
My reflexologist said NO clomid and herbal drugs at the same time....
The herbal drugs are designed to clear out and regulate your liver and other organs etc to help your hormones. Clomid blocks up your body and liver.
This is however, just what she said to me, and not FACT!

 

[psp2011]

I asked my FS about herbals as we just had a ICSI fail. (Will be trying again next month) And he said not to use them. Something about them having "plant" hormones that convert in the body to actually counter act what the prescribed hormones are doing. I didn't ask for more specifics but thought I'd pass that on to you! Good luck!

 

[JJar]

Thanks everyone. I just keep on doing the acupuncture but am skipping the herbs for now. Take care

 

[Lou32]

Hi, it seems like you've probably decided anyway, but I just wanted to add that we went for an open evening at Care last month and they warned everyone to make sure they are NOT taking any Chinese herbs during fertility treatment as they'd found many women had responded badly to the drugs while on them, whereas they'd previously responded well without the herbs. I

 

[Springy]

Thanks everyone. I just keep on doing the acupuncture but am skipping the herbs for now. Take care

JJar - how are you finding the acupuncture? I had a failed IUI this month so I am contemplating adding acupuncture to the mix in April. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.