Traditional Chinese Medicine

Uterus & Endometrium Nurturing

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A successful embryo implantation has 2 requirements: first is a properly matured embryo, and the second is a good uterine environment. The endometrium and uterine environment are critical for implantation, and a poor uterine environment decreases the receptivity of the endometrium, thus affecting the embryo's implantation and development.

You can think of the endometrium as the soil of a flower pot. Sometimes it's external factors that mess up the soil, and we would have to restructure the soil. Sometimes the lack of nutrients in the soil is preventing the seed from growing. At times it's because there's not enough water in the soil, or maybe harmful bugs and insects are wandering around in the soil. A thin endometrium refers to an endometrial thickness below the minimum required for pregnancy, typically less than 7mm. This condition can make embryo implantation difficult and result in pregnancy failure. The main symptoms of a thin endometrium are regular menstrual cycles with reduced menstrual flow, recurrent miscarriages, or infertility.

Causes of Thin Endometrium:
External Damage to the Uterine Lining
The endometrium may be damaged due to repeated uterine harm from multiple abortions, surgical removal of endometrial fibroids or polyps, uterine adhesions, long-term use of oral contraceptives or ovulation-inducing drugs, etc.

Hormonal Deficiency
Hormonal insufficiency, such as premature ovarian failure, thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), anemia, and sudden or prolonged stress, can result in a thin endometrium.

Insufficient Blood Flow
Conditions such as adenomyosis, fibroids, hypertension, and chronic diseases can lead to poor blood supply, contributing to a thin endometrium.

TCM Causes of Thin Endometrium:
Spleen Deficiency
Excessive labor or fatigue can deplete spleen energy, leading to low function. This results in low Qi and blood, therefore failing to nourish the body and leading to limited endometrial growth.

Liver Qi Stagnation
High levels of stress, anxiety, or depression can cause liver Qi stagnation. The blocked circulation within blood vessels prevents the accumulation of nutrition necessary for nourishing the fetus.

Kidney Deficiency with Blood Stasis
Insufficient kidney function leads to poor blood circulation, resulting in cold-induced stasis; or kidney yin deficiency causes blood to be affected by heat, leading to stasis. Blood stasis obstructs the formation of new blood, leaving the endometrium thin due to lack of nourishment. 

TCM Treatment for Thin Endometrium
TCM views thin endometrium primarily as a result of kidney deficiency with blood stasis, closely related to the liver and spleen. The main treatment focuses on tonifying the kidneys and resolving stasis, with a secondary emphasis on soothing the liver and strengthening the spleen for better development. 

Acupuncture for Thin Endometrium
Acupuncture can regulate local blood circulation, improve uterine conditions, and promote follicle development, aiding in the implantation of fertilized eggs. TCM practitioners will focus on certain acupoints to regulate the body.