Dong Quai

[PennyPen390]

Hi, just wondering if anyone has used dong quai to help thicken uterine lining? I'm 41 and my periods are regular but very light and I've read that this herb is particularly useful. I want to try and do things naturally before going to my GP for help. Tia 😀

How long have you been trying for?

We're not trying yet! My partner is having a vasectomy reversal next month so I'm trying to get myself in as good a shape as possible for the coming months. I have two children with my previous partner and conceived them both within three months of trying, but I was considerably younger then and my periods were heavier. I'm concerned that now my periods have become lighter I'll have trouble conceiving without some help, either naturally or medically.

Oh I see. Well if you're concerned I think your money would be better spent getting a fertility check up and mention your light periods.

I'm very sceptical of TCM. It's uncontrolled and not supported by science.

Hi, I'd agree with Kinsters to go down the conventional medicine route first if you're concerned about light periods. The NHS can struggle with managing things like hormonal imbalances- my gynaecologist told me that there is still limited understanding in that area- but if there is something wrong beyond this, herbal medicine is unlikely to be helpful.

I would say that whilst it is true that there are not yet any randomised controlled trials on herbal medicine- hence why it would not be supported by NICE guidelines or official advice right now- a systematic review and a meta-analysis did find that it had some positive effects on pregnancy rates. Links below-

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22036524
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25637159

Obviously this should be looked at in a critical light but it's worth knowing that there is some evidence out there and potential for further research. In my option it's perfectly valid to explore alternative therapies with the understanding that there are no guarantees that it will work for you.

I hold my hands up- I say this as someone who was quite sceptical, who was told that my symptoms were likely a hormonal imbalance and that there was nothing that could be done. However, after taking some herbs prescribed by a herbalist, my luteal phase has lengthened, my pre-af spotting has decreased, my pms symptoms are not as bad and my sleep has improved. But I'm also not pregnant yet and this is just anecdotal so take it as you like. I would say that if you want to consider herbal medicine, make sure you get a consultation with a registered practitioner who will be able to give you a bespoke prescription. Herbs can be very powerful- I know that Dong Quai is particuarly powerful- and so should be taken under the guidance of someone who knows what they're doing. Good luck!

goldflakepaint interesting links, thanks for sharing. I do think the biggest problem with TCM is lack of regulation and standardisation (which I understand will never be overcome because of the nature of how TCM is prescribed).

OP if you do choose to use TCM please be careful and visit your western doctor if anything seems wrong. My MIL went to a TCM doctor to try and cure her cancer, she died a few weeks after her "treatment" with liver failure, systemic infection and a lighter wallet. Right until the end the "doctor" was telling us "oh this is normal, it's just the medicine working". I guess this would be less likely to happen in the UK but what I'm trying to say is that TCM can do more harm than good.