Herbs for Infertility:
Do You Know Your Options?

By Rebecca Valentine

 

Historical records indicate that herbal treatment of infertility dates back to 200 A.D. in China. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely recognized and practiced in other parts of the world, yet conventional medicine practitioners in the U.S. are reluctant to endorse its use. Why? The predominant feeling seems to be that these physicians prefer to practice evidence-based medicine, and there is no hard data on herbals and fertility. That's it in a nutshell: the attitude that medicine is solely scientifically based, and the effectiveness of herbs has not been scientifically proven. Moreover, the clinical studies that are conducted test more for effect than for safety.

One such study conducted in 1999 at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California showed that high doses of St. John's wort, echinacea and ginkgo biloba may damage reproductive cells and even cause genetic mutations in sperm. The results, published in "Fertility and Sterility," the journal of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, indicate that further evaluation is needed before a statement can be made about the herbs.

Other experts claim the study was seriously flawed and that the results don't lead to any scientific conclusions whatsoever. The researchers didn't know the concentrations of the herbs in the supplements, and a few of those supplements didn't contain any of the herbal extract advertised on the label. What's more, the test was conducted only once, so no one knows if the results would have been the same in a repeat test.

"What you have is a study that has more holes in it than a piece of Swiss cheese," says Varro Tyler, a professor at Purdue University who studies the pharmacology of herbs.

The bottom line: Many conventional medical doctors believe there is too much gray area in using herbs to treat infertility. Many don't even tell patients about herbs.

On the other hand, many couples swear by the use of herbs. Kelly Sletten, age 26, believes herbs can work where conventional medicines fail. After being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Sletten was put on a program using Clomid and dexamethasone. After one and a half years of nothing but side effects, she and husband David decided to try the natural approach.

Sletten did some in-depth research and chose herbs that are said to help regulate the menstrual cycle: Black cohosh, Siberian ginseng, False unicorn, Chastetree berry, Dong quai, Saw palmetto and a few others. "I knew that it may have taken months before I saw any results or progress and was very surprised when I got my period 36 days later (from first day of program)," Sletten says.

Two months later, however, Sletten grew anxious when her period failed to occur.

"I finally broke down and bought an EPT just to ease my mind," she says, "I set it on the sink and watched it turn a dark positive immediately. WE WERE PREGNANT!"

Sletten had an uneventful pregnancy and delivery resulting in the birth of a healthy boy weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces. She began treatment in June, 1998 and delivered little Leif in May of 1999. She now maintains a Web site about fertility and natural methods.

Scientific evidence or no, Sletten and thousands of others swear by herbs. But are herbs right for everyone?

Know the Cause of Your Infertility
According to Vital Health and Statistics, there are currently 6.1 million American women aged 15 to 44 experiencing infertility, which is defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of unprotected intercourse.

Herbal treatments seem to work most effectively for couples whose infertility is due to hormonal imbalance or infrequent/irregular menstruation. A knowledgeable naturopath or herbalist will prescribe a formula of herbs, depending on each individual situation.

Dr. Erik Flatland, ND, LA, practices at the Aspen Institute of Integrated Medicine in Boulder, Colo. In his five years of working with patients who are trying to conceive, he's found that to use herbs effectively, one must not look at them not as replacements for drugs, but as a means to help balance a person's body, mind and spirit so as to optimize conditions for conception, a "condition of the host" attitude.

"So often we misconstrue that our bodies are machines and that we can treat them as they will respond like a machine. Nothing is further from the truth!" says Dr. Flatland. He acknowledges, however, that herbs cannot treat all conditions for his patients.

"A woman is about energy at her core," he says. "Physically, our bodies need nutrients and various deficiencies can reduce fertility. Vitamins are called that because they are vital to life, and disease results in their absence. Another example of things herbs won't address is the position of a woman's uterus. A uterus with shape anomalies may not be able to carry a fetus to term."

The Scoop on Herbs
According to RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association, of the 150 different herbs used to promote fertility, formulas of 8 to 20 ingredients are the norm in herbal therapies. These herbs are derived from roots, leaves, barks, fruits and flowers and are most potent when used fresh. They can be made into teas, tinctures, pills, tablets or granules.

According to Jill Stansbury, N.D., the herbs most commonly used to promote fertility include:

 

• Chastetree berry (Vitex agnus-castus): Stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, which promotes ovulation. May restore normal periods in women with amenorrhea.
• Dong quai (Angelica sinensis): Commonly used to treat female complaints, dong quai tones a weak uterus by promoting metabolism within the organ, improving menstrual cycle rhythms and regulating hormonal control.
• Red clover blossoms (Trifolium pratense): This fertility promoter is rich in isoflavones, estrogenlike compounds.
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A Japanese study found licorice helps women with high testosterone and low estrogen levels, a circumstance commonly found in those with polycystic ovary disease.
• Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): Acts in same capacity as chastetree berry, but also contains isoflavones, which help bind estrogen receptors in the body.
• Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa): The pharmaceutical industry has used wild yam for decades in the production of steroids and hormones such as progesterone and cortisone. In its natural form, this herb may help prevent habitual miscarriage due to hormonal imbalance.
• False unicorn root (Chamalerium luteum): Useful for women who suffer from pelvic congestion. May prevent miscarriage due to uterine weakness.

And for the men:

• Tribulus (tribulus terestris): Used to treat sexual dysfunction as well as infertility. Balances and improves hormonal profiles.
• Saw Palmetto (serenoa repens): A natural steroid that tones and strengthens the reproductive system. This herb has the added benefit of increasing libido, a consequence that can be helpful when trying to conceive!

"Natural" Doesn't Mean "Safe"
Because they are natural, people have a tendency to believe that herbs are not as strong as manufactured medicine, or that they cannot have serious side effects. These false assumptions can lead to dangerous and even fatal situations.

As with any medicine, herbs should be taken only under the direct supervision of a naturopath or herbalist. Certain herbs do not mix well with others, and there is a possibility for undesirable interactions between particular herbs and conventional medicines. It cannot be stressed enough that if you are considering herbal treatment, you be completely up-front about any medications you are already using. In any medical consultation, complete honesty is of the utmost importance.

It's also important to remember that certain herbs can be dangerous during pregnancy. 

Weighing the Pros and Cons
When all is said and done, the choice belongs to the patient. Before deciding to go ahead with herbal treatment, ask yourself these questions:

• Is the reason for my infertility one that can be addressed through herbs?
• Am I willing to consider my situation as one that must be addressed holistically and treated in such a way that all factors of my health come under scrutiny?
• Do I have access to a knowledgeable and dependable naturopath or herbalist?
• Do I want to combine conventional treatment with herbal treatment? If so, is there a healthcare professional willing to work with me?

Perhaps it comes down to attitude and a modicum of faith. Conventional wisdom wants scientific proof or evidence that natural treatments work. Alternative therapies and the doctors who employ them rely on experience and knowledge handed down through the ages. Dr. Flatland sums it up when he explains, simply, "I don't treat a condition, but I treat people."