I recently started taking Chinese herbs regularly; though I have tried taking them on and off in the past, I was never able to achieve any consistency over a long period of time. Now, thanks to the new tablets, I find it easy to take the full dose daily, and have been doing so for about 1 month. I have been having acupuncture only regularly for about 1 year. Question: The last couple of time I have made a concerted effort to take the herbs regularly, it seems that my cycle has gotten even more wonky than before. Admittedly, I didn't take them for the recommended amount of time, and gave up soon after starting (within 2 cycles). I was wondering whether Chinese herbs, like some pharmaceutical medications, can have an initial effect oposite to what is intended (for example, some kids can't take Gravol, because it make then hyperactive instead of sleepy). I expect that this will go away over the medium term (3-6 months), but was wondering whether this, or anything else, might be at play.
Paradoxical effects of Chinese Herbs?
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I actually recognize you by your post.
So feel free to contact me directly as you are a patient and I can respond to you directly based on what is going on with you. I want to give you individual care rather than a general answer.
You answered the question partly with how you have taken the herbs. In your case I imagine it is more the clomid you are taking the past few cycles that is making your cycles wonking. The herbs were trying to help counter sideffects of clomic and improve chances of implantation. I have seen several occassions where clomid has actually prolonged ovulation in women who are already ovulating but taking it to help conceive.
To answer your question, it is possible. Many things can interfer with hormonal balance and ovulation: Stress (work stress), lack of sleep, night shifts, travel, diet, prescription drugs and illness to name a few. Add herbs and or clomid on top of it and we have many possibilities. I can thing of a few reasons on our list above as to why your cycle is off and the herbs would probably be at the bottom of the list.
Please feel free to call email me directly. I can offer you much better care one-on-one than through our form.
Lorne Brown, B.Sc., CA, DR TCM, FABORM
Founder, Clinical Director
Answer much appreciated. I'm not known for my patience (as you know!), and it's seven long days before I see any of you again. Just trying to sort it all out in my head.