If you’ve been told you need the Microdose Lupron Flare Protocol for IVF, you’re likely dealing with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), poor response to stimulation, or advanced maternal age. This protocol is designed to give your body a boost of natural follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) before adding injectable medications.
Read MoreIf you’re undergoing IVF, you’ve likely heard of GnRH antagonists like Cetrotide (cetrorelix) and Ganirelix (ganirelix acetate). These medications are essential in many ovarian stimulation protocols, preventing premature ovulation so that eggs can be retrieved at the ideal time.
But what most people don’t realize is that these medications don’t work equally well for everyone. In fact, if you have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), a higher BMI, or certain hormone imbalances, your IVF protocol may need more than just medications—it may require a holistic approach to optimize your fertility.
Read MoreWhen it comes to fertility medications like Gonal-F (follitropin alfa) and Follistim (follitropin beta), clinical trials often exclude women with endometriosis, PCOS, or those over 35—exactly the women who may need these treatments most. If you’re navigating IVF with these conditions, your fertility journey demands a more personalized, comprehensive approach that goes beyond standard dosing guidelines.
Read MoreIf you’re trying to conceive, you’ve probably been told to track ovulation, use ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), and time intercourse perfectly to boost your chances of getting pregnant.
Or maybe your doctor even prescribed Clomid, Letrozole, or a trigger shot to help you ovulate—and you were told to have sex at just the right time to maximize success.
Sounds like a solid plan, right?
Unfortunately, the science says otherwise—and for most couples, timed intercourse (even with fertility meds) is just a frustrating, low-success strategy.
Read MoreIf you're trying to conceive and considering intrauterine insemination (IUI), you've probably heard of Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and Letrozole (Femara)—the two most commonly prescribed fertility medications used to stimulate ovulation. But which one is better for IUI success?
We’re going to break down the research, compare the two, and give you the cold, hard facts about how effective IUI really is—and why your best chance at success may not be what you think.
Read MoreFor couples navigating the challenges of fertility, every advantage matters. One emerging, non-invasive therapy that’s gaining attention for its potential to improve IVF success is red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. This innovative treatment has shown promise in enhancing mitochondrial function, improving blood circulation, and reducing inflammation—all key factors in reproductive health.
At our clinic, we integrate red light therapy as part of our fertility treatments, offering our patients an advanced approach to support their IVF journey.
Read MoreWhen couples embark on the IVF journey, one of the biggest questions is: What is the best drug protocol for IVF success? Fertility clinics offer different medications and stimulation protocols, but there’s something important that often gets overlooked. The truth is, IVF drugs are not FDA-approved to improve egg quality or uterine lining—so if you’re looking to optimize these crucial factors, you may be focusing on the wrong solution.
Read MoreAs we age, our bodies process medications differently, often leading to stronger drug effects, increased side effects, and a higher risk of drug interactions. If you’ve noticed that medications affect you differently than they used to, you’re not alone!
Aging impacts liver function, kidney clearance, digestion, and hormone balance, all of which play key roles in medication metabolism. Fortunately, acupuncture and functional medicine offer natural ways to support your body’s ability to process medications safely and effectively.
Let’s explore how these holistic approaches can help older adults optimize medication metabolism while promoting overall wellness.
Read MoreHere are 10 unique recipes inspired by Li Shizhen's teachings, focusing on ingredients that balance the body and address common ailments. These recipes offer new and exciting ways to incorporate TCM wisdom into your meals.
Read MoreBartolomeo Sacchi, also known as Platina, wrote De Honesta Voluptate et Valetudine (On Honest Pleasure and Good Health) in the 15th century. This early cookbook emphasized the balance of flavor and health, blending culinary pleasure with remedies for common conditions of the time. Below are 10 recipes from Platina’s work, selected for their historical intrigue, potential health benefits, and adaptability to modern kitchens.
Read MoreFor individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland, diet can play a supportive role in managing symptoms and overall health. The key focus is to reduce inflammation, support thyroid function, and address any nutrient deficiencies that may exacerbate the condition.
Read MoreHildegard of Bingen, the 12th-century herbalist and mystic, understood that food was more than sustenance—it was medicine for the body, mind, and spirit. These 20 healing desserts are inspired by her teachings, incorporating warming spices, nourishing grains, and natural sweetness to treat everything from sadness to fatigue. Let these recipes ground you, uplift your mood, and bring balance to your life, one bite at a time.
Read MoreHormone tracking at home has become a game-changer for fertility awareness. Here’s an in-depth look at these tools: Mira Fertility Tracker, Proov Progesterone Test, Tempdrop, Oova, and the Modern Fertility Hormone Test. Understanding the wealth of information from hormone tracking devices can be overwhelming. While these tools are excellent for data collection, translating that information into actionable steps requires expertise.
Read MoreWhen the temperatures drop and the frosty air seeps into your bones, there’s nothing quite like a warm, spiced drink to bring comfort and joy. From the medieval banquets of Europe to the cozy hearths of colonial America, history is brimming with heartwarming beverages designed to ward off the chill of winter. These drinks are more than just recipes—they are stories steeped in tradition, passed down through generations to offer warmth, nourishment, and a sense of togetherness. Whether you’re sipping on a rich buttered beer, indulging in a soothing sage tea, or raising a glass of festive mulled wine, these 10 historical drinks will transport you to a time when people relied on the power of simple ingredients and aromatic spices to survive the coldest months of the year. Grab your favorite mug, light a fire, and let’s explore these timeless recipes perfect for December, January, and February!
Read MoreHildegard of Bingen, the 12th-century German abbess, mystic, and herbalist, was known for her holistic approach to health and well-being. She believed in the connection between the body, mind, and spirit, and her remedies often used herbs, spices, and natural ingredients to address physical and emotional imbalances. For sadness (or melancholia, as it was known in her time), Hildegard recommended remedies that warmed the body, uplifted the spirit, and strengthened the heart and digestion (which she believed played a role in emotional health).
Read MoreWeight gain caused by Spleen Qi deficiency (Spleen Qi Xu) often leads to the accumulation of dampness in the body, resulting in bloating, water retention, and sluggish digestion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), strengthening the Spleen and clearing dampness is essential for supporting weight loss. These cocktails and mocktails incorporate ingredients that aid in digestion, improve metabolism, and gently clear excess fluids, while being delicious and enjoyable.
Read MoreAmenorrhea, the absence of menstruation, can have multiple underlying causes in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including Spleen Qi deficiency (Spleen Qi Xu) and Heart Blood deficiency (Heart Blood Xu), as well as Kidney Jing deficiency. To help address these imbalances, the following cocktails and mocktails are designed to nourish the Spleen, tonify Heart Blood, and replenish Kidney Jing. These drinks incorporate accessible, gentle ingredients that help restore balance and support reproductive health.
Read MoreHealing from long-term Lyme disease and chronic fatigue can be a journey that requires special attention to replenishing energy, reducing inflammation, and gently supporting the body’s natural healing processes. These cocktails and mocktails are thoughtfully designed to boost vitality, support immune function, and help the body recover. Each drink uses accessible ingredients that soothe, energize, and nourish the body while providing a refreshing treat.
Read MoreFor women seeking to enhance their fertility later in life, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on replenishing Qi, nourishing the blood, and tonifying the kidneys. As we age, the body may need extra care in these areas to maintain optimal reproductive health. This collection of cocktails and mocktails is created with ingredients that specifically promote blood flow, balance hormones, and provide vital energy. Each drink is a refreshing and nurturing way to support your fertility journey naturally and deliciously.
Read MorePolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can often stem from Spleen Qi deficiency and dampness in the body, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This excess dampness can cause sluggish digestion, fatigue, and menstrual irregularities. TCM focuses on strengthening the Spleen, drying dampness, and improving Qi flow to support hormonal balance. These cocktails and mocktails use ingredients known to strengthen the Spleen, dispel dampness, and support overall reproductive health.
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