A healthy uterine environment is crucial to successful conception and pregnancy. The uterine lining is an important part of the uterus that ensures the secure implantation of an embryo. Many women experience infertility due to thin endometrial lining. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine can help restore balance and nourish the lining creating the best environment for an embryo.
What is the Endometrium?
Also known as the uterine or endometrial lining, the endometrium is the innermost lining of the uterus. The lining thickens during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. During menstruation, the lining breaks down and sloughs off, renewing itself for the next cycle. It must be thick enough to support implantation and be a nourishing environment for the embryo. The endometrial lining provides blood and nutrients for the embryo to implant into the uterine wall, then protecting it to grow throughout pregnancy.
How thick should my endometrium be?
The endometrium lining can be measured through a transvaginal ultrasound. A minimum endometrium thickness of at least 7mm is ideal for embryo implantation. Anything above 8mm is rich in blood and nutrients and is considered satisfactory. Most reproductive endocrinologists ensure that the lining is thick enough to support IVF or IUI.
How do I know if my endometrium lining is too thin?
A thin endometrium lining lacks the proper nutrients and can cause weakness in the uterus to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Women often do not realize that their lining is too thin until they experience trouble conceiving or see it on an ultrasound. However, there are a few signs that are related to a thin endometrium lining, such as these symptoms:
- Light periods
- Painful and irregular periods
- Breakthrough bleeding in between periods
- Early miscarriages
- Infertility
What causes a thin endometrial lining?
Poor blood flow to the uterus
Sometimes there can be a restriction of blood flow to the uterus.
Decreased levels of Estrogen
Estrogen is a hormone crucial in building the endometrial lining to an ideal thickness. When there is a deficiency in this hormone, weakness of the endometrial lining can occur. We recommend using natural supplements, such as Royal Jelly and Tribulus, along with acupuncture, to help bring the hormones into balance.
Uterine scar tissue
Scar tissue in the uterus can result from surgeries such as C-Sections, or D&C. Also, infections and STDs can prevent the natural growth of the endometrial lining. Fertility Massage, Castor oil packs, and supplements can help reduce scar tissue and clear out toxins creating a healthier uterine environment.
Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids can block the shedding and renewal of the endometrial lining. This can lead to many issues for an embryo trying to implant in the endometrium lining. Natural supplements like NAC, Chinese herbal formulas, and acupuncture are great natural remedies to help shrink uterine fibroids.
Fertility medications (Clomid)
Clomid is a fertility medication that is used to stimulate ovulation. If used consecutively over 3 cycles, it can thin out the endometrium lining. Natural remedies such as fertility massage, castor oil treatments, and acupuncture can help bring the hormones back into balance.
There are many ways to thicken the uterine lining naturally.
Our fertility coaches will look at each patient individually to create a customized treatment plan. During the first visit with our patients, we review their medical and fertility history in detail. One of our main goals is to create the best and most welcoming uterine environment for the embryo. There are many natural remedies that we recommend to our patients for the thin endometrial lining. Our protocol can include:
- Exercise
- Electric Acupuncture
- Nutrition
- Supplements
- Fertility Massage
- Castor Oil Packs
- Nutrition- Steamed cabbage, red raspberry leaf tea daily, Nitric oxide inducers such as pomegranate, lemons, oranges, watermelon
- Limit caffeine, nicotine
Experiencing miscarriages or infertility due to a thin uterine lining?
Our acupuncture team is experienced and has the expertise to help you along your fertility journey. If you are experiencing a thin endometrial lining and would like to hear more about how we can help you, please call us today!
