Iron plays a crucial role in fetal development. It supporting blood, brain, and bone formation, as well as overall growth. It’s also vital for a healthy immune system and fertility. Low iron levels can lead to anovulation, hindering fertility. In a Harvard University study of 18,500 women, those supplementing iron were 40% less likely to have fertility problems.
During pregnancy, iron requirements increase due to greater blood volume. It’s essential to boost iron intake in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters as the fetus relies on maternal iron stores. Deficiency raises the risk of anemia, preterm delivery, and low birth weight.
Women with low iron are advised to supplement 10-20mcg daily. Liquid supplements are gentler on the stomach. Organic iron supplements are preferable as they’re better absorbed. Vitamin C aids iron absorption.
Natural sources of iron
Natural sources include green leafy vegetables, dried beans, black strap molasses, lean meat (organic/chemical free), dried apricots, almonds, egg yolk, seaweed, wheat germ, parsley, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds.
Folic acid (B9) and B vitamins
Folic acid (B9) and B vitamins are essential for DNA formation, crucial for preconception and early pregnancy. Supplementation is recommended, especially for women on birth control pills. Deficiency can lead to infertility and birth defects.
Natural sources of B9
Natural sources include dark green leafy vegetables, i.e., uncooked spinach, kale, beet greens; asparagus, broccoli, corn, lima beans, parsnip, mung beans, soy beans; wheat germ; oranges, pineapple, banana. It’s best to consume these foods fresh and raw to preserve B9, as it’s heat-sensitive.
Vitamin D – The sunshine vitamin
Vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin, is crucial for fertility. Testing vitamin D levels is recommended, as deficiency is common, affecting 23-49% of Australians. Supplements are advised for levels under 50.
Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for hormonal balance, ovulation, and fetal development, supporting both fertility and healthy pregnancies. In a study, couples receiving 1000mg of omega-3 had a fertilization rate of 76.5%, significantly higher than the 50.4% rate in those without omega-3.
During pregnancy, a deficiency in DHA, a type of omega-3, may lead to various complications, including premature birth, low birth weight, chromosomal defects, spontaneous abortion, hyperactivity, and childhood asthma. We recommend 500-1000mg of DHA daily to support a healthy pregnancy.
Natural Sources of Opmega 3
Natural Sources include deep sea ocean/cold water fish (ie. salmon, cod, herring, trout), mono-unsaturated cold-pressed oils (flaxseed especially, walnuts, hemp and chia seeds.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E supports conception, regulates estrogen levels, and aids circulation. Deficiency can lead to complications like spontaneous abortion.
Natural Sources
Sources include sunflower seeds, almonds, organic cold-pressed wheat germ oil, cold-pressed vegetable, seed and nut oils. Best not heated or cooked, i.e., use in salad dressing.
Protein/Amino Acids
Vital for the number and quality of the ovum (eggs) produced the fertilisation process, and the early development of the embryo.
Natural sources
include deep sea fish, tofu, legumes ie. lentils, soy beans, kidney beans, eggs (free range), lean organic chemical-free meat and poultry, nuts and seeds, sprouted grains.
Calcium
Calcium is essential for fetal bone development, nerve function, and muscle tone. Deficiency can lead to complications like hypertension and bone loss.
Natural Sources
Natural sources include leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.
Dairy foods are another source of calcium; however, since they are not as easily absorbed, it is best to vary your sources of calcium as widely as possible.
Royal jelly
Royal jelly is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, beneficial for hormone balance and reproductive health. Some evidence exists that royal jelly might also:
Improve egg and sperm health
Increase libido
Reduce inflammation
Support the immune system
Decrease signs of aging
Helps women with irregular cycles
PLEASE DO NOT TAKE IF ASTHMATIC OR ALLERGIES TO BEE’S
Co Q10
CoQ10 supports energy production and cellular health. Supplementation may enhance egg quality and IVF success rates.
Managing PCOS
Chromium and magnesium supplementation, along with a low-GI diet, can help manage PCOS symptoms and improve glycemic control.
“Women seven and men eight” is the Chinese statement on the growth cycle of human being from the “Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine“- The “Bible” of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
That is, the number of women’s life cycle is seven and the number of men’s life cycle is eight. Every seven or eight years, women or men’s life change.The 7 year life cycle is so obvious for woman, and her fertility status changes every seven years too.
The physical change of women occurs obviously every seven years; and men’s change occurs every eight years. – “Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine”
7 year old:
A moman’s kidney energy growing strong, teeth change and hair grows longer and stronger. (the 1st 7 years).
Kidney is a special term in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It not only has the function of controlling the urinary system, but also has a very important role – control the developing, growing, and reproduction. In terms of reproduction, you can think Kidney as a “Small Kidney”- the ovaries or testis.
At the age of 7, a woman’s reproductive system start to develop.
14 year old:
Her menstruation appears as the Ren meridian (the sea of Yin/Essence) flows and the Qi and blood in the Chong meridian (the sea of blood) becomes prosperous, she can have a child. (2nd 7 years)
At the age of 14, her menstruation appears and she is able to have a child. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the age of menarche is one important factor to help make diagnosis. If menarche is later than 14 year old, often indicate lower fertility energy.
21 year old:
Her kidney energy is balanced, her adult teeth completely developed and her body grows to full height. (3rd 7 years)
A woman’s energy especially fertility energy is full at the age of 21.
28 years old:
Her bones and muscles are strong, her hair grow to full length, her body is at optimal condition. (4th 7 years)
From the age 21 to 28, a women’s fertility energy reach the peak. This is the best time in her life to have children.
35 year old:
Her peak condition declines gradually. Her energy in Yangming meridian declines. Her face starts wither and her hair starts to fall. (5th 7 years)
From 35 year old, she start to have wrinkles on the face, and her general energy and fertility start to decline. She still able to have children.
42 year old:
Sanyang energy declines. Her face wanes and she starts to have white hair. (6th 7 years)
From the age of 42, her physical energy and fertility energy declines and difficult to conceive.
49 year old:
The Ren meridian (Conception Vessel) and Chong meridian vital energy declines, her menstruation dried up, her physique turns old and feeble; She is no longer to conceive. (7th 7 years)
From the 7-year-life cycle, we can see that the good age for a woman to have children is from 21 to 35. And the best age is around 28 year old.
The 7-year life cycle provides a framework for understanding the various phases and developmental milestones in a woman’s life. Each stage presents unique challenges, opportunities, and transitions. By recognising and embracing the changes that accompany each phase, women can navigate their life journeys with self-awareness, resilience, and a focus on their overall well-being.
Additionally, by understanding the women’s 7-year life cycle and following the guidelines for women’s health and natural fertility treatment, women can make informed decisions, maintain their overall health, and address specific needs related to fertility at each stage.
Supporting Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) with Acupuncture
Recent research has identified a consensus among international acupuncture fertility experts on the best acupuncture treatment protocols to support assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). (Source: HealthCMi)
Understanding Acupuncture and ART
ART refers to fertility treatments where both eggs and sperm are handled. Acupuncture has long been used within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support reproductive health and fertility. In recent decades, acupuncture has been increasingly integrated with ART to help support outcomes such as improved pregnancy and live birth rates.
To better understand how acupuncture can best enhance ART treatments, a study surveyed fifteen international fertility acupuncture experts through three rounds of questionnaires. Their goal was to reach a consensus on best-practice acupuncture protocols for IVF and IUI support.
Key Findings of the Study
1. Timing of Treatment
The study found that the timing of acupuncture in relation to the menstrual or stimulated cycle is critical.
The optimal time to receive acupuncture is between day 6 and 8 of the stimulated ART cycle.
It is also ideal to have two acupuncture sessions on the day of embryo transfer – one before and one after the procedure.
2. Recommended Acupuncture Points
The research identified specific acupuncture points that experts agreed were of high priority during IVF and IUI support treatments.
Pre-transfer points:
SP8, SP10, LIV3, ST29, CV4
Post-transfer points:
GV20, K3, SP6, P6
Auricular (ear) acupuncture points:
Shenmen and Zigong were also considered highly important for supporting implantation and relaxation.
Acupuncture for IVF and IUI at Almond Wellness Centre
At Almond Wellness Centre, with clinics in Coburg and Ringwood, Melbourne, we provide personalised acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care to support women and couples during their fertility journey.
Our IVF acupuncture support program is based on research-informed protocols designed to complement your fertility treatment plan. Each treatment is tailored to your individual needs, considering your body constitution, emotional wellbeing, lifestyle, and treatment stage.
Our goal is simple — to support your body’s natural balance, enhance your IVF outcomes, and help you on your journey to bringing your baby home.
References
Smith C, Grant S, Lyttleton J, Cochrane S. Development of an acupuncture treatment protocol by consensus for women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;12:88.
Kong FY, Zhang QY, Guan Q, Jian FQ, Sun W, Wang Y. Effects of electroacupuncture on embryo implanted potential for patients with infertility of different symptom complex. Fertil Steril. 2005 Jan;83(1):30–6.
Yie SM, Balakier H, Motamedi G, Librach CL. Secretion of human leukocyte antigen-G by human embryos is associated with a higher in vitro fertilization pregnancy rate.
Knowing when you ovulate is crucial if you’re trying to conceive naturally. By understanding your ovulation patterns, you can plan intercourse during your most fertile days and boost your chances of pregnancy.
While blood tests and ultrasounds are the most accurate ways to confirm ovulation, they’re not always convenient or necessary every cycle. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to check ovulation at home.
1. Count Your Menstrual Cycle
Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before your next period. For a regular 28-day cycle, this is around Day 14. For shorter cycles (e.g. 21 days), ovulation may occur as early as Day 7 — often just after your period finishes.
Using a wall calendar or period tracking app can help you estimate your fertile window.
2. Track Your Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Knowing ovulation from BBT chart
BBT is your body temperature at complete rest. After ovulation, progesterone causes a slight rise of 0.3–0.5 °C.
BBT doesn’t predict ovulation ahead of time, but consistent charting can confirm whether ovulation has occurred and indicate the quality of your ovulation over several cycles.
3. Observe Cervical Mucus
clear stretching mucus during ovulation
Before and during ovulation, many women notice clear, stretchy, “egg white” cervical mucus. This fertile mucus creates an optimal environment for sperm survival and transport, usually lasting 2–5 days. Tracking these changes daily can help pinpoint ovulation naturally. Click the link to see how cervical mucus changes throughout the cycle.
4. Use a Saliva Ferning Test
Saliva Ferning during ovulation
Saliva-based kits analyse dried saliva under a mini microscope. As oestrogen rises before ovulation, saliva forms a fern-like crystal pattern. This can help predict ovulation a few days in advance.
5. Try Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)
OPKs detect the luteinising hormone (LH) surge in urine. A positive test typically indicates ovulation will occur within the next 24–36 hours. These kits are widely available and easy to use at home.
6. Record Other Ovulation Symptoms
Many women experience subtle physical or emotional changes around ovulation, including:
Charting these signs alongside BBT or OPKs can give you a more complete picture.
Professional Fertility Support
At Almond Wellness Centre, we support natural conception, fertility enhancement, and IVF with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). If you’re unsure about your ovulation patterns or experiencing irregular cycles, our practitioners can help assess your situation and tailor a fertility support plan for you.
📍 Melbourne Fertility Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Clinics
👉 Book an appointment
FAQs
Q: What is the most accurate way to check ovulation?
A: Blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds are the most accurate methods, but home methods like OPKs and BBT tracking can also be effective.
Q: Can I get pregnant if I don’t track ovulation?
A: Yes, but tracking ovulation increases your chances by helping you identify your fertile window more precisely.
Q: What if I don’t see fertile mucus or temperature changes?
A: This may indicate irregular or absent ovulation. It’s best to consult a fertility specialist or TCM practitioner for further evaluation.
Seeing a high FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) level on your fertility test results can feel discouraging and deeply concerning. In Western medicine, it’s often interpreted as a sign of diminished ovarian reserve, suggesting that your ovaries need more stimulation to produce a follicle.
If you’ve received this diagnosis, you might be wondering if there’s still hope. We want you to know this: a high FSH level is not the end of your fertility journey. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s a clear message from your body asking for deeper nourishment and balance. And this is exactly where acupuncture and Chinese medicine can offer a powerful, holistic path forward.
How Chinese Medicine Views Elevated FSH: The Fertility Tank Analogy
In TCM, reproductive health is rooted in the Kidney system, which governs growth, development, and fertility. The core of this system is Kidney Jing (Essence) – which you can think of as your body’s innate “Fertility Tank“.
Understanding Your Fertility Tank (Kidney Jing)
Jing is Your Pre-Battery: You are born with a certain amount of this essential energy, and it naturally, gradually depletes with age. It Fuels Reproduction: Jing is the deep reserve that powers your menstrual cycles, ovulation, and healthy egg development. It Can Be Depleted Faster: Chronic stress, overwork, poor sleep, and illness can all cause your body to draw down this tank more quickly.
A high FSH result, in TCM terms, is often a sign that this “Fertility Tank” is running low. Your body is having to shout louder (with high FSH) to get a response from the ovaries.
The Role of Kidney Yin: The Cooling, Nourishing Fluid
In TCM, high FSH is frequently linked to Kidney Yin Deficiency. If Jing is the fuel in the tank, Yin as the cooling, nourishing, moistening aspect of the Jing. It ensures everything runs smoothly without overheating.
When Kidney Yin is deficient, the body can’t cool itself properly, leading to a type of internal “empty heat.” This heat can further disrupt hormonal balance and contribute to that high FSH reading.
Do you recognise these signs of a low “Tank” or Yin deficiency?
Night sweats or/and hot flushes
Dry skin, hair, or eyes
Scant or absent periods
Insomnia, feeling “wired but tired”
Lower back ache
Anxiety
A Whole-Body Perspective: It’s Not Just the Kidneys
While the Kidney system is the foundation, true balance involves the whole body. High FSH often involves other key systems:
The Liver: The Liver ensures smooth flow of energy and blood. **Liver Qi Stagnation**—often from stress and frustration—can lead to irregular cycles, PMS, and feeling tense or irritable. The Spleen: The Spleen is our energy and blood producer from food. A weak Spleen means not enough nourishment is being made to support the Uterus and a potential pregnancy. The Heart: The Heart houses our spirit (Shen). When we feel anxious or have poor sleep, it can disrupt the vital connection between the Heart and the Uterus, affecting emotional well-being and implantation.
Our Treatment Approach: Refilling Your Fertility Tank
The goal of treatment is simple but profound: to nourish the Kidneys, replenish Jing and Yin, and bring your entire body back into harmony. We aim to create a more receptive and nourishing environment for your fertility.
Acupuncture: Regulating and Restoring Balance
Acupuncture is a powerful tool for regulating the hormonal axis (HPO axis), increasing blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, and profoundly reducing stress. Treatments are relaxing and tailored to your unique needs.
Commonly used points include:
SP6 (Sanyinjiao): A powerhouse point that nourishes the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney Yin all at once. KD3 (Taixi): A major point to strengthen and tonify the Kidney system. RN4 (Guanyuan): Located on the lower abdomen, this point directly warms and nourishes the Uterus and essence. HT7 (Shenmen): Calms the mind and spirit, eases anxiety, and promotes restful sleep.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Deep, Internal Nourishment
Herbs provide the foundational building blocks that acupuncture directs. Your practitioner will create a custom formula for you, but for a depleted “Fertility Tank” (Kidney Yin/Jing deficiency), a classic base formula is **Zuo Gui Wan** (Left-Restoring Pill).
Key herbs and their roles:
Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia): The “emperor” herb that deeply nourishes Blood and Kidney Essence—it’s like putting high-quality fuel in your tank. Shan Yao (Chinese Yam): Supports the Spleen and Kidneys, helping your body better absorb the nourishment. Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry): Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin, supporting overall vitality.
Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta Seed): Helps to stabilise and consolidate your Jing.
If there are signs of “empty heat” like night sweats, we add cooling herbs like Zhi Mu or Di Gu Pi to restore a calm, cool balance.
Case Examples
Case 1:
“Sarah,” 34, came to us with an FSH level of 18.5 mIU/mL and an AMH of 0.4 ng/mL. She had been told her chances to conceive with her own eggs were very low. She also experienced night sweats, poor sleep, and felt constantly anxious.
Her TCM diagnosis was a severely depleted Kidney Jing with Kidney Yin Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation.
We designed a plan with weekly acupuncture and a personalised herbal formula based on Gui Shao Di Huang Wan (归芍地黄丸）. After two months, her night sweats had resolved, her sleep and mood improved significantly, and her period became more regular and the flow were more substantial. Most importantly, a repeat test showed her FSH had dropped to 9 mIU/mL. This shift created a more favourable environment, and she was able to produce a viable embryo for her next IVF cycle.
Case 2:
“Emma”, 41. Emma experienced perimenopausal symptoms including hot flashes, anxiety, and insomnia. Her FSH level was 25 IU/L, indicating diminished ovarian reserve. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, her pattern was diagnosed as Kidney Yin Deficiency with Heart Fire — a common presentation in women with high FSH levels.
Her treatment plan included acupuncture and a modified Liu Wei Di Huang Wan herbal formula to nourish Yin, calm the mind, and restore hormonal balance. After two months, her symptoms eased significantly — her FSH dropped to 11 IU/L, her menstrual cycle resumed, and she reported better sleep and energy.
“Acupuncture and Chinese medicine gave me hope when my hormones felt out of control,” Emma shared.
(Please note: These are an individual cases and results may vary.)
What Does the Research Say?
While individual results may vary, a growing body of research has explored how Chinese medicine may support hormone regulation and fertility.
You’re right to ask for proof—TCM isn’t just tradition; it’s backed by growing research. A 2023 meta-analysis found acupuncture significantly lowers FSH, improves AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone), and boosts ovarian function in women with diminished reserve. Another 2024 study showed acupuncture reduces FSH while increasing estrogen, alleviating perimenopause symptoms. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, frontiersin.org
For herbs, a review on Chinese formulas like those tonifying Kidney Yin demonstrated improved fertility outcomes and hormone balance in POI (premature ovarian insufficiency). A 2025 review in the Journal of Ovarian Research found that Chinese herbal medicine may help improve ovarian function and regulate hormones in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). The review of clinical and basic studies showed CHM supports the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis, reduces oxidative stress, and protects ovarian cells — suggesting potential benefits for women with high FSH and reduced fertility (Zhang et al., J Ovarian Res, 2025; 18:90) . sciencedirect.com
While more large-scale studies are needed, these findings are promising and align with my clinical experience.
Fill Your Fertility Tank at Almond Wellness Centre
A high FSH level can feel like a setback, but it’s not a final verdict. It’s your body’s way of asking for deeper, more foundational care.
At Almond Wellness Centre we specialise in listening to these messages. We combine the wisdom of Chinese medicine with a compassionate, personal approach to help you refill your “Fertility Tank”, balance your energy, and nurture your vitality and hope.
Disclaimer: Individual responses to Chinese medicine treatment may vary. Consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner is recommended to determine the most suitable herbs, formulations and acupuncture treatment based on individual health conditions. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.
References
Click to View References
Zhao, L. Q. (2009). TCM Treatment of Female Infertility Caused by High FSH. Journal of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine (UK), 16(1), 13–17.
Xu, J. Y., et al. (2022). Acupuncture for Female Infertility: Discussion on Action Mechanism and Application. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2022, 3854117.
Chen, C.-H., et al. (2011). Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine induces CYP1A2 while suppressing CYP2A6 and N-acetyltransferase 2 activities in man. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 133(2), 613–619.
Lin, G., et al. (2023). Clinical efficacy of acupuncture for diminished ovarian reserve: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, 1136121.
Cao, H., et al. (2024). The clinical value of acupuncture for women with premature ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 15, 1361573.
Shao, Y., et al. (2020). Chinese herbal medicine for premature ovarian insufficiency: A protocol for systematic review. Medicine, 99(11), e19371.
Li, H.-f., et al. (2023). Dissecting the efficacy of the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI): A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon, 9(10), e20498.
Ushiroyama, T., et al. (2004). A pilot study of a Kampo formula, EH0202, with intriguing results for menopausal symptoms. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10(2), 397–399.
Daghighi, S. (2011). Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Herbs in Lowering FSH Level of a Thirty-Nine Year Old Female: A Case Study. Yo San University Capstone Project.
Elliott, D. (2009). The Treatment of Elevated FSH Levels with Chinese Medicine. Journal of Chinese Medicine, 91, 5–11.
Iron
Iron
Understanding Your Fertility Tank (Kidney Jing)
What Does the Research Say?