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A SMART WOMAN'S GUIDE TO HORMONE BALANCE
SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER AND GET YOUR FREE GIFT:
A SMART WOMAN'S GUIDE TO HORMONE BALANCE
When it comes to women’s reproductive health, both functional medicine and Chinese medicine offer powerful tools to enhance fertility and hormonal balance. Each approach brings unique insights, from the biochemical and nutritional interventions of functional medicine to the energetic wisdom of Chinese medicine. By integrating both perspectives, we can support a more holistic approach to optimizing your cycle. In this post, we’ll focus on a fertile follicular phase—the crucial first half of your menstrual cycle—and explore how to enhance your reproductive health using principles from both functional and Chinese medicine.
The follicular phase marks the first half of your menstrual cycle, beginning on cycle day 1 (the first day of actual period bleeding) and continuing until ovulation. Also known as the proliferative phase, this period is about growth and preparation—especially in the ovaries and uterus. Now let’s explore what happens during this phase and how you can support optimal fertility and a healthy menstrual cycle.
A fertile follicular phase is closely tied to ovarian health, as your ovaries play a central role in preparing an egg for ovulation. Your ovaries house follicles, fluid-filled sacs that contain eggs. During the follicular phase, multiple follicles begin to ripen, but around day 7, one dominant follicle is selected for ovulation. As this follicle matures, it produces estrogen, which peaks just before ovulation.
In a fertile follicular phase, your uterus responds to estrogen by building a thickened endometrial lining, essential for creating a supportive environment for a potential fertilized egg to implant and grow.
If you ovulate early and your BBT exceeds 97.4ºF, it may indicate heat and inflammation, which can impact the timing of ovulation. Here’s what you can do:
Acupuncture during a fertile follicular phase offers numerous benefits that can enhance reproductive health. Here are some key advantages:
Incorporating acupuncture into your routine during this phase can significantly support a fertile follicular phase in your fertility journey.
For those trying to conceive or experiencing early or late ovulation, consider these supplements (in my practice I prefer testing levels of these components before supplementing):
If you’re ready to optimize a fertile follicular phase for fertility and conception, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. As a women’s holistic fertility expert, I specialize in balancing hormones, supporting follicle development, and enhancing overall reproductive health. Whether you’re preparing to conceive or seeking to improve cycle health, I provide personalized, expert care tailored to your unique needs. Contact me with your questions and concerns, and together we’ll create the best foundation for your fertility journey!
Dr. Laura Paris is a women’s health specialist who provides Acupuncture and Functional Medicine care at her two clinics in Capitola and Monterey, California. She also works with women remotely in the United States through telehealth appointments. Learn more about Laura here, and message her directly here.
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