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What is Reflexology?

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a very individual treatment which is tailored to you as a whole person. You’re not just a symptom or a presenting issue – you are a complex being. Reflexologists like to consider the whole of your physical, emotional and social needs, all of which can affect your wellbeing, when they are working with you.

I give most treatments to the feet or faces of my clients as I have found these to be easier to work with, and most effective. The theory is that reflexology helps the body to restore its balance naturally.

Foot reflexology is a gentle holistic therapy which stimulates nerve endings and reflex points in the feet, hands or face.  These points reflect the body’s organs and complete systems (skin, digestion, circulation etc.).  

Gently pressing, kneading or stroking these points can help your body to relax, improve sleep, release tension, help reduce symptoms of minor ailments and improve your mood and wellbeing.

Facial reflexology originates from a combination of ancient Vietnamese, Native American and Asian techniques and theories, which map reflex points on the face. These have more recently been integrated with modern reflexology and head massage techniques to create a unique, enjoyable therapy which you can now experience as a treatment.

Facial reflexology is a beautifully relaxing, holistic, therapeutic treatment which is carried out on the face and head. It can relieve tension which accumulates in the face, head and neck muscles. It’s effective in reducing stress and tiredness, and can help to improve the condition and tone of the skin due to improved lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. It also incorporates some elements of massage and pressure points to enhance the experience.

Reflexology is relaxing to receive, you just have to lie down. If we’re working to support you at home via online sessions, we work reflexology points on the hands or face instead – much easier than trying to reach your own toes!

After reflexology, you may notice that you feel more relaxed, that you sleep better and that you feel more balanced overall.

Reflexology is a powerful way to resolve or reduce the impact of many health issues, especially for women’s health, AND it’s a fantastic way for people to feel calmer, sleep better and feel less stressed.

More questions?  Just fill out the contact form and ask!

*Please note: Reflexologists do not diagnose, if you have a health condition which needs urgent attention, speak to your doctor.

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Reflexology and Effective Pain Management after Hysterectomy

A woman in a blue jumper holds her stomach area as if in pain

Reflexology and Hysterectomy – Effective Pain Management

Are you, or someone you know, navigating the path of recovery post abdominal hysterectomy? Pain management and anxiety reduction are crucial aspects of this journey.  A recent randomised controlled study sheds light on a holistic approach which could help you – reflexology.
In this study, researchers delved into the effects of reflexology on pain and anxiety levels following an abdominal hysterectomy. The results, revealed after just 3 days, spoke volumes. Patients who received reflexology exhibited a significant reduction in average pain levels and anxiety scores.

Key Research Findings:

– All patients in the reflexology group reported feeling better.
– Reflexology proved effective in reducing both anxiety and pain.

The Verdict on Reflexology?

It’s a ‘Yes’! Reflexology emerges as a noteworthy ally in the realm of pain management post-surgery. The study underscores the tangible benefits of incorporating reflexology into the hysterectomy recovery process.
If you’ve undergone a hysterectomy, whether recently or in the past, why not explore the potential relief offered by reflexology? It’s not just about managing pain; it’s also about embracing a holistic approach to well-being.
Ready to step into a realm of healing touch? Consider integrating reflexology into your post-surgery recovery plan today. You can enquire using the contact form, or book a call to chat through your needs HERE.

*Öztürk, Ruşen et al. “The effects of reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients after abdominal hysterectomy: A randomised controlled trial.” Complementary therapies in medicine vol. 36 (2018): 107-112. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2017.12.005.

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Life Transitions: Are You Surviving or Thriving?

Life Transitions: Are You Surviving or Thriving?

In the hustle and bustle of life, especially during pivotal moments like preparing for conception, navigating pregnancy, or facing the onset of perimenopause, it’s easy to feel like we’re merely surviving. As a complementary therapist specializing in fertility, pregnancy, and perimenopause, I understand the crucial link between stress and hormonal health, and the need to shift from mere survival to thriving.

The Stress-Hormone Connection:

Stress can significantly impact our hormonal balance, especially during these transformative phases.

The demands of modern daily life, coupled with the desire to conceive or the challenges of perimenopause, can trigger the release of excess stress hormones, affecting our overall well-being.  Stress hormones can manifest in the body as feelings of anxiety or fear, physical sensations like racing heart or pulse, and can show up in changes to body shape such as increased weight around your middle.

They are all a reaction to the complex chemicals released by our brains in the endocrine system, which governs which hormones are made in response to outside triggers – a busy day at the office; exercise; running for a bus; whizzing round the shops; arguments and all life’s rich tapestry.  Sometimes our brain can get the signals wrong, or your way of living is telling your brain constantly to over-produce adrenaline or cortisol, leading to chronic stress.  Chronic stress has a negative effect on reproductive, heart, digestive and brain health.

How to move from ‘Survive’ to ‘Thrive’:

    • Mind-Body Connection: Incorporating practices that nurture the mind-body connection, such as movement, breathwork and nutrition, can be transformative. They help the body to release tension and promote relaxation, positively influencing hormonal balance.
    • Holistic Approaches: Embrace holistic healthcare practices that align with your values. Simple lifestyle choices, nourishing self care practices and therapies including reflexology and gentle release therapy can help you to take control of your well-being. Taking slower, restorative action not only addresses immediate stress but can contribute to longer-term balance and health.
    • Awareness and Education: Understanding the impact of stress on hormonal health is the first step. Through awareness of what’s happening, you can make informed choices to support your endocrine and nervous systems which help to support a healthy, thriving body and mind.

Supporting a Balanced Endocrine System:

Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in nutrients supports hormonal health at all stages of life. Include foods that nourish the endocrine system, such as leafy greens, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Movement: Regular exercise has a profound impact on stress hormones. Activities like swimming, walking or yoga contribute not only to physical well-being but also mental relaxation.

Sleep: One of the simplest things you can do is to prioritise your sleep.  Adapt a routine that supports a good sleep cycl by going to bed earlier, avoiding caffeine after midday, and limiting exposure to bright lights (phones, tv) earlier in the evening.

Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness into daily life. Whether through meditation, breathing exercises, or simply spending time outside, these practices can mitigate the effects of stress on hormonal balance.

Holistic Therapies: Add the healing touch of reflexology and Gentle Release into your stress reducing routine. Whether through the gentle touch on reflex points or the release of bodily tension, these practices work wonders in alleviating the impact of stress on you and your endocrine system.

The journey from surviving to thriving in hormonal health involves education, a (w)holistic approach, and mindful practices. By bringing these aspects together, you can smoothly handle life’s ups and downs. You’ll be resilient and in good health, paving the way for a strong and thriving endocrine system.  Reflexology and Gentle Release Therapy are available at the studio in Weymouth, Dorset.  Book a call today to chat through your options for support!

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Cracking the Ovulation Code: Your Fertility Guide

Cracking the Ovulation Code: Your Fertility Guide

Understanding ovulation, the game-changer in your monthly cycle, is key to steering your fertility journey. Here’s a straightforward guide:

Ovulation: The Main Act

Ovulation, the linchpin of your cycle, follows the follicular phase. Hormones kick into action, follicles produce oestrogen, and an egg matures, poised for its journey through the fallopian tube.

The Trigger: A Precise Moment

A surge of luteinising hormone (LH) prompts the egg’s release into the fallopian tubes, where it awaits either fertilisation or reabsorption. You might feel a twinge or mild pain in your lower pelvis, usually on the side of the releasing ovary. This sensation could last a few minutes or extend over a day or two. Some women might even notice light bleeding or spotting.

Fun fact: In German, it’s called ‘mittelschmerz’, meaning ‘middle pain’.

Smoother Passage: Mucus and Cervix Shifts

Simultaneously, oestrogen, the egg’s ally, transforms cervical mucus from non-fertile (white, thick, sticky) to fertile (clear, slippery, wet). This facilitates a sperm’s journey to the fallopian tubes. Your cervix softens, descends, and slightly opens, all in aid of the passage of sperm.

The Corpus Luteum: A Remarkable Transformation

As the egg departs, the collapsed follicle magically reshapes into the corpus luteum, a gland producing progesterone. This hormone either supports embryo development or fades away during the luteal phase, anticipating your next menstrual cycle.

The Optimal Time for Conception

Ovulation marks your prime time for conception. Conversely, if you’re not actively trying to conceive, it’s the time to exercise caution or employ protection. If you’re tracking your temperature, you might observe a dip before ovulation, succeeded by a rise of at least 0.3°C, which should remain elevated for at least 3 readings.

Detecting Ovulation: Clear Indications

    • Sensitive breasts
    • Heightened libido
    • Increased energy levels
    • Ovulation discomfort
    • Egg-white-like cervical mucus

Factors Impacting Ovulation

Several factors can influence ovulation:

    • Post-contraception anovulation (especially after hormonal pill, coil, or implant use)
    • PCOS (remember, management is crucial)
    • Hormonal imbalances (like high LH, high testosterone, low progesterone, etc.)
    • Stress (post-pandemic, anyone?)
    • Being underweight (your body shifts into ‘safety mode’, inhibiting ovulation)
    • Peri-menopause, where ovulation becomes erratic

Enhancing Ovulation

Yes, it’s possible to enhance ovulation. You can fine-tune the hormonal balancing act that leads to ovulation through a combination of nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, supplements, and reproductive reflexology.

If you have physical issues with your ovaries, reflexology can still lend support, alongside assisted fertility treatment in a clinic. Remember, it takes 3 months for an egg to mature and be ready for fertilisation. What steps are you taking to prepare yours?

For deeper insights into monthly cycles, conception readiness, pregnancy, and how holistic therapies can assist, bookmark this site at www.weymouthbayreflexology.co.uk.

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3 Things You Should Know About Perimenopause

3 Things You Should Know About Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when the ovaries gradually stop producing eggs. This can happen as early as in your late 30s, but most women experience it in their 40s or 50s.

Here are three things you should know about perimenopause:

    1. The symptoms of perimenopause can vary widely. Some women experience no symptoms at all, while others may experience a wide range of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, vaginal dryness, and difficulty sleeping.
    2. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for perimenopause. The best treatment for you will depend on your individual symptoms and preferences. Some women find relief with lifestyle changes, such as exercise, stress reduction, and a healthy diet. Others may need to take medication, such as hormone therapy or antidepressants.
    3. Perimenopause is a natural part of aging. It’s important to remember that perimenopause is not a disease. It’s a normal transition that most women go through. There are things you can do to manage your symptoms and stay healthy during this time.

If you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if you are in perimenopause and discuss treatment options that are right for you.

Here are some additional tips for managing perimenopause:

    • Get regular exercise. Exercise can help reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and improve mood.
    • Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
    • Get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep can help reduce fatigue and improve mood.
    • Manage stress. Stress can worsen perimenopause symptoms. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as reflexology, simple yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
    • Talk to your doctor. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can help you find the best treatment for you.

Perimenopause can be a challenging time, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you manage your symptoms and stay healthy. Read on to find out two ways you can learn more about this transitional time.

If you’re a perimenopausal woman seeking moments of tranquility, self-care, and renewal, please read on.

Embrace September: A Month of Self-Care and Renewal Emails

This transformative series is designed to guide you through a September filled with self-care practices tailored to your unique journey.

What’s in Store:
For the next 30 days, I’m inviting you to receive a daily email, each one focusing on a different self-care practice. These practices are carefully crafted to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. From reconnecting with your breath to finding serenity in nature’s embrace, every day offers a new opportunity to prioritize yourself.

Why Embrace September?
September’s energies are a perfect fit for introspection and renewal, ideal for perimenopausal women, who deserve moments of ease and self-focus. This series is about integrating self-care seamlessly into your life without adding any stress.

A Glimpse of What’s to Come:
Before you decide, here’s a sneak peek at Day 1:

“Reconnect with Your Breath.” This practice allows you to find tranquility through simple deep breathing, grounding yourself in the present moment.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?
To receive your daily self-care snippet and embark on a month of rest, restoration, and regeneration, simply click here to join in.

Here’s another way to get support from me:

Join me for the upcoming Perimenopause Workshop!

This unique workshop is specially designed for women in the peri to post-menopause stage and beyond. You’ll learn about the perimenopausal transition from me, and get hands-on experience making your own rejuvenating skin balm and luxury facial oil led by Keri, an award winning soap and product maker.

I will discuss the symptoms of perimenopause, how to manage them, and give some tips on how to transition through this change with grace and confidence.

Keri will show you how to make your own balm and facial oil using natural ingredients that are beneficial for women in the perimenopausal stage.

We also include a mini teach on hand and face reflexology that you can then take home and practice whenever you need some calm.

This workshop is a great opportunity to learn more about perimenopause, connect with other women who are going through the same thing, and learn how to take care of yourself during this time.

Book your tickets today!

The workshop will be held on  Saturday 14th October 1pm til 3.30pm. To book your tickets, please visit Keri’s booking page HERE.

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Embrace the Freedom: The Importance of Spending Time Barefoot

Barefoot?

In our modern world of shoes and hard surfaces, going barefoot may seem like a forgotten pleasure. However, reconnecting with the earth beneath our feet holds many benefits for our overall well-being. In this article, I will explore the importance of spending time barefoot, delve into the fascinating structure of our feet, the role of proprioception, and the impact on balance.

The Marvelous Structure of the Foot

Our feet really are marvels of engineering, comprising 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They provide a solid foundation for our body, supporting our weight and facilitating movement. Your foot contains three arches: the medial longitudinal arch, the lateral longitudinal arch, and the transverse arch. These arches work together to act as shock absorbers, distributing the forces of our body weight and maintaining balance.

Proprioception: The Sense of Self

One of the most remarkable features of our feet is their ability to provide us with proprioception. Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to sense its position, movement, and forces acting upon it. The incredible network of nerves in our feet constantly sends signals to our brain, informing it about our foot placement, weight distribution, and terrain. This feedback is crucial for maintaining balance, stability, and coordination.

Benefits of Spending Time Barefoot

Spending time barefoot allows us to tap into the innate benefits of our feet. Here are a few reasons why going barefoot is so important:

Strengthening Foot Muscles: When you walk barefoot, your foot muscles are engaged more actively. This helps to strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the foot, improving overall foot stability and flexibility.

Enhancing Proprioception: Walking barefoot stimulates the nerve endings in your feet, enhancing proprioception. This heightened awareness of our body’s position and movement contributes to better balance and coordination.

Improving Arch Support: Walking barefoot encourages the natural arches of your feet to function optimally. The arches are given the opportunity to support your weight and absorb shock, promoting healthier foot mechanics.

Promoting Foot Flexibility: Shoes can restrict the natural movement of our feet. Going barefoot allows for greater freedom of movement, promoting flexibility in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the feet.

Spending time barefoot is a simple and powerful practice that reconnects us with our body and the earth. By embracing the freedom of going barefoot, we nurture the strength, flexibility, and balance of our feet. So kick off your shoes, feel the ground beneath you, and experience the wonders of walking in harmony with your natural stride!

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Boost Your Health with Deep Breathing: How It Can Improve Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Why should you try deep breathing?

Deep breathing, is a simple technique you can use anywhere, any time.  It involves taking mindful slow and deliberate in and out breaths, and has been found to have benefits for mental and physical wellbeing, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and concentration, and enhancing your overall physical health.

Deep breathing reduces stress and anxiety

Deep breathing has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

If we experience some kind of stress or anxiety, the body moves towards a ‘fight or flight/fear’ response, which triggers the release of cortisol, among other stress hormones. Cortisol is known to increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, which are designed to prepare the body for immediate action.

Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the ‘rest and digest’ response – the opposite of ‘fight or flight’ and it is characterised by a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.

Using deep breathing techniques sends signals to the body that it is safe to relax and calm down, which then reduces the release of stress hormones.  It can also help to calm the mind and promote relaxation, which helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Deep breathing improves focus and concentration

Deep breathing exercises can also help you to improve your focus and concentration. If you’re feeling distracted or overwhelmed, it can be really difficult to concentrate. Taking a few minutes to practise your deep breathing can help to clear your mind, as oxygen flow to the brain increases.  This can improve your thinking skills, and make it easier to stay focused and be productive.

Deep breathing can help to improve physical health

Deep breathing can also have a positive impact on physical health. Increasing your oxygen intake with deep breathing may improve lung function and increase energy levels. It can also help to improve digestion, as deep breathing helps stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for digesting and excretion of waste, among other things.  Deep breathing can help to improve circulation, which has a positive impact on your cardiovascular (heart/lung) health.

How to practise deep breathing

An easy way to start with breath work is to breathe in slowly through the nose, and then blow fully and slowly out through the mouth for a count of 3, and up to 7 breaths, as needed. Place your hand on your belly and feel it expanding and contracting as you take your breaths. You may notice your shoulders dropping and your breaths become slower as your body begins to relax.  You can practise your deep breathing anywhere – especially if you encounter a situation that makes you feel anxious or stressed. Give it a try!

Deep breathing is a simple, accessible practice that can have a significant impact on your wellbeing. By reducing the effects of stress and anxiety, improving your focus and concentration, and improving physical health, deep breathing can help to promote a sense of calm, balance, and overall wellbeing.

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The Gut-Fertility Connection

How is gut health connected to fertility?

One of the unsung heroes in the miracle that is the human body, your gut does much more than merely digest, absorb and excrete food. It’s responsible for:

the proper function of your immune system, how you think and feels, how you synthesize and excrete hormones. Oh, and it influences your fertility too.

Quite simply, when your gut— which influences the health of everything in the body— isn’t functioning at its optimal level, it has a knock-on effect on other body systems, including fertility.

When it comes to fertility (in both women and men), your gut microbiome can make a significant difference. Indeed, new research has shown how poor gut health can cause an estrogen imbalance, which may lead to infertility issues ranging from endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome to testicular dysfunction.

Research on the gut-fertility connection

It might sound hard to believe, but gut health and fertility are inextricably linked. And that’s why couples looking to conceive should always focus their attention on optimising their gut health.

A growing body of evidence has confirmed the gut-fertility connection and its importance for our wellbeing. These include the following:-

  • Women with recurrent pregnancy loss were found to have abnormal gut permeability (aka leaky
    gut), which has been shown to contribute to inflammatory reactions in the body¹. The researchers hypothesised that the inflammatory reaction caused by leaky gut may be contributing to miscarriage pathogenesis.
  • The gut microbiome is responsible for converting bound estrogen to free, active estrogen via
    the enzyme B-glucuronidase. According to a recent review, without a healthy microbiome, estrogen metabolism and function becomes impaired and can lead to a number of health consequences including endometriosis, PCOS, endometrial hyperplasia and infertility². Authors of this review concluded that treating the gut microbiome to modulate estrogen levels should be considered as a new future treatment for estrogen-mediated diseases including infertility.
  • A meta-analysis (a statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple scientific studies) completed in 2016 found that women with unexplained infertility have x 3.5 higher odds of having Celiac Disease³. Furthermore, it has been estimated that as much as 6% of women struggling with unexplained infertility actually have undiagnosed Celiac Disease⁴.

Gut health, specifically the gut microbiome, plays a vital role in immune function. When our immune system isn’t working optimally due to poor gut health, our bodies may enter a state of chronic inflammation. This, in turn, can result in recurrent pregnancy loss. Chronic inflammation may also cause decreased progesterone levels leading to implantation failure⁵, the development of autoimmune processes impacting fertility⁶, and the development of anti-sperm antibodies preventing fertilisation. Thankfully, probiotic supplementation to support gut health has been shown to decrease chronic inflammation and improve immune function⁷.

The importance of estrogen for fertility

Estrogen has always been considered a female dominant hormone for reproductive health, but this hormone actually pays a key role in fertility in both men and women.

For women, estrogen is needed for proper ovulation and thickening of the uterine wall for pregnancy. It’s important that estrogen levels are neither too high nor too low, though.

Excess estrogen, for instance, may cause irregular periods and can prevent ovulating, thereby resulting in infertility. Estrogen dominance has also been linked to infertility issues in women such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Estrogen deficiency, meanwhile, can also cause amenorrhea (an abnormal absence of menstruation), which leads to anovulation. Disorders of ovulation account for approximately 30% of female infertility and present mainly with irregular periods or amenorrhea.

The importance of estrogen for men’s sexual health is equally significant, impacting on multiple organs and tissue by affecting their reproductive system in a number of ways.

A deficit or surplus of estrogen can, for example, hinder the male libido (sex drive), with obvious implications for fertility. Meanwhile, spermatogenesis, an inappropriate increase in estradiol (an estrogen steroid hormone) has been shown to lead to a decrease in sperm production, while too little estrogen has been shown to have a causative effect with erectile dysfunction

Hormones in your body are always in a careful balancing act. If one of your organs is not functioning properly, everything is thrown off-balance.

Your gut, the ‘forgotten organ’ or ‘second brain’ is a key regulator in circulating and eliminating estrogen, which is why it’s so important to focus on gut health when it comes to fertility.

I am recommending Nua Fertility supplements to more of my clients, simply because I believe this is an excellent way of supporting gut AND fertility health for pre-conception.  Ask me today how to get yours!

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=recurrent+pregnancy+loss+leaky+gut
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28778332
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25564410
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4216449/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4137456/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4845518/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2701523/
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I got to meet my final fertility baby of this year

 

I got to meet my final fertility baby of this year

Well, what can I say?  What a day! Here’s me meeting a very precious new baby.

How did this baby get here?

This time last year, this baby seemed an impossible dream for her parents. They’d been referred for IVF after an agonising 18 months trying for a baby without success. They contacted me for support, advice and information.  After an in depth consultation, we spent time recording and reviewing cycle data, which revealed some irregularaties in the luteal phase, as well as being of variable length.  We looked at the different aspects for both parents that could be impacting conception, egg and sperm health and more.

Treatments included a tailored lifestyle, supplement and a specialist reflexology plan working on the hormonal cycles to promote a balanced and healthy cycle with definite ovulation and improved post-ovulation phase.

How long did it take to get pregnant?

Within 4 months just before starting to go down the IVF route at their fertlity clinic, they discovered they were naturally pregnant!

Specialist holistic fertility support can help to reveal what’s going on to stop you getting pregnant, bring balance back to cycles and provide the deep dive into some of the causes that the 1 in 6 couples experiencing fertility issues need.

When should I get help for fertility issues?

Sadly in the UK, there are criteria (I call them hoops!) you must meet in order to even get referred for fertility investigations within the NHS.  Usually you are expected to have been trying to conceive for at least 2 years if you are under 35, and 1 year if you are over 35.  Waiting lists for fertility clinics within the NHS can be quite lengthy – a first consultation may take anywhere up to 5 months from your GP referal.

You may not feel that you want to wait that long, or you may already be in the process of being referred.  I can work with you to investigate, recommend and treat for a variety of fertility issues immediately.  I am also able to refer you for further testing and investigations if I feel they will aid pinpointing any issues (eg semen analysis, blood testing etc).

My experience in this field shows me that working with my clients for at least 3 months BEFORE they start trying gives the best outcomes. If you are about to start an IVF cycle within the next few weeks, I would not offer fertility support – however, relaxing, stress-relieving treatments are ALWAYS an option!  Should your outcomes not be what you expect – come and see me, and let’s take some time to look at what may be going on.

How can I help you?

I am Rowena, trained to support your fertility using a unique combination of therapies, including Gentle Release therapy, Reflexology, Nutrition, Counselling, Aromatherapy and more. I work online and in person with my clients, so distance should not be a barrier.  I help people with all kinds of issues which can interfere with conception, including miscarriage, PCOS, unexplained infertility, secondary infertility male factors and even those who are preparing for IVF treaments.  You can book a call with me today to see what I can do to support your journey to your family, or use the contact box on the home page to send me a message.

I look forward so much to hearing from you!

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PCOS and your fertility

What is PCOS and how does it affect fertility?

What is PCOS and how does it affect fertility?

PCOS stands for Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is a condition affecting somewhere between 3 and 10% of the female population1, although many people may have the condition but are un-diagnosed. You may be told that you have poly cystic ovaries, but this does not mean you have PCOS – ovaries change from month to month, and poly cystic ovaries can even be found in women taking the pill and in women with normal ovulatory cycles.

PCOS is a common diagnosis for the clients that I see in my Weymouth studio or online, whether they are trying to conceive, preparing for assisted fertility treatment (IVF) or trying to manage their cycles for health and wellbeing.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

PCOS is a syndrome which affects people with female reproductive systems. The diagnosis of PCOS (from the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society2) is made when your symptoms meet any two of the following criteria:

* periods less regular – more or less often than monthly
* higher levels of androgen hormones found from blood tests or symptoms such as excess body hair
* appearance of more than 20 follicles per ovary observed on ultrasound

This criteria is preferable to Rotterdam’s criteria for diagnosing PCOS, since it focuses on both of the main causes of the condition – a problem with ovulation and an overproduction of male hormones (androgens) like testosterone.

– PCOS is the single most common cause of infertility in young women3
– PCOS is the underlying cause in 75% of women who have infertility due to anovulation4
– Women with PCOS have a clinically significant increased risk of pregnancy complications compared with women without PCOS5

PCOS is not one disease

PCOS is not one disease – it’s a group of symptoms that relate to anovulation and high levels of androgens, and which result from a diverse group of underlying factors, which include insulin, inflammation, adrenal androgens and post pill androgens. It also generally falls into one of these types: post-pill, insulin-resistant, inflammatory and adrenal. Each type will affect you in different ways, and the type you have can mean the management of your symptoms might vary.

Symptoms of PCOS which are common include:

* Irregular or no periods
* Weight management
* Acne
* Hair loss
* Excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism)
* Difficulties in trying to conceive
* Higher risk of miscarriage
* Mood swings

PCOS is conventionally managed with the use of the oral contraceptive pill, however this tends to mask the symptoms and does not get to the root causes of the condition.  Once you stop taking the pill, your PCOS symptoms will return.

PCOS and conception

Around 30% of people with PCOS will have no problems getting pregnant, but this does mean that around 70% of people with PCOS may have issues.  As PCOS is a collection of symptoms that affect your health, being as healthy as you can when preparing for pregnancy may help to reduce your risk of possible problems such as recurrent miscarriage, and during pregnancy that of gestational diabetes.

PCOS and long term health

As PCOS is also associated with long term health implications for diseases including metabolic disorders (Type 2 diabetes etc.), high blood pressure, heart disease, psychological issues and reproductive organ cancers6 making changes to support a regular ovulatary cycle with your hormones in balance will help your health and wellbeing for life.

Managing PCOS

Fertility issues with PCOS are the most common condition that I work with. Because male hormones (androgens) produced in PCOS interfere with the delicate balance required for ovulation and then the support for potential embryos, I usually work with my clients for at least three months to make effective changes to their menstrual cycles. This helps to prepare the body for regular periods, ovulation and progesterone production which are necessary for an egg to be produced and an embryo to develop and then attach to the uterus lining.

If your body is working to produce eggs and the hormones required for successful implantation, your chances of pregnancy are higher with each cycle. Managing the hormones can also have an effect on whether a pregnancy can be sustained. This is because raised LH levels which are common in unmanaged PCOS can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage. What evidence is there to recommend reflexology for conception with PCOS? In a data collection study, the Association of Reproductive Reflexologists found the success rate for pregnancy with PCOS was 72% and the live birth rate was 57%.

Managing PCOS can be difficult unless you know what to focus on. When working with PCOS clients, I offer a range of support which is tailored to your needs. This includes dietary and lifestyle advice, healthy living, mindset and reproductive reflexology which helps to regularise hormones with specific routines for each part of your menstrual cycle, and helps to provide the optimal conditions for conception, pregnancy and wellbeing.

Combined in one package, you can benefit from my experience of supporting people with this condition to improve cycle regularity and balance hormones so they work effectively for you. In addition, you can feel better because your body is working in the way it’s designed to.

Your Next Steps

If you’re preparing for pregnancy and you have PCOS or, if you have a PCOS diagnosis and are struggling with the symptoms but aren’t getting ready for a baby, then book your free call with me today, let’s see what changes could be possible for you.

 

References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266413/
2. https://ae-society.org/patients/
3. Rosenfield, R.L. (2015) The Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents. Pediatrics 136(6), 1154-1165. [Free Full-text]
4. Balen, A.H. and Anderson, R.A. (2007) Impact of obesity on female reproductive health: British Fertility Society, Policy and Practice Guidelines. Human Fertility 10(4), 195-206. [Abstract]
5. Palomba, S., de Wilde, M.A. and Falbo, A. et al. (2015) Pregnancy complications in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Human Reproduction Update 21(5), 575-592. [Free Full-text]
6. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/background-information/complications/