Visitor writes:
Hi Catherine, I am 42 and have been trying to conceive for 2 years. My cycle is irregular and I have been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue. Are there any Chinese herbs to help me conceive?
Hi, Yikes; do you really want a toddler running around if you are exhausted? As it turns out, the adrenal fatigue and infertility are directly related according to Chinese medicine, so it is unlikely that you will have a successful pregnancy until you address the exhaustion. Both issues are typically attributed in part to Kidney Deficiency.
The adrenal fatigue is very troubling, as it is an indication of long-standing Kidney imbalances that are not quickly corrected by any measure. It usually takes a lengthy round of Chinese herbs (4-6 months full time) along with regular acupuncture to have lasting effects on this level of Kidney Deficiency.
You likely feel pressured to get pregnant with a short window of opportunity presenting because of your age, and are less likely to take a break from trying to conceive to properly prepare your body for pregnancy. This means you will only be taking the herbs during the first half of your cycle (in case you become pregnant), and it will take about a year for the Kidney energy to be restored; this is a real dilemma, as miscarriages are often attributed to Kidney Deficiency, and a miscarriage will tax your Kidney energy further. You are in a vicious cycle.
It also sounds like you have issues with Liver Qi Stagnation with the irregular periods. This is not uncommon as hormonal balance is typically attributed to a Kidney/Liver association. Luckily, Liver Qi Stagnation is typically corrected more quickly than long-standing Kidney Deficiency that would result in adrenal fatigue. I would suggest our Woman’s Precious and Free and Easy Wanderer formulas.
I am typically much more optimistic about outcomes using herbs for health conditions, but this is a difficult situation. You will need to correct these imbalances regardless of the possible outcome related to fertility. I would also suggest that you look for a Community Acupuncture Clinic in your area for added support.
Best of Luck,
Catherine
Please comment if you have had experience with Adrenal Fatigue and Infertility:
Ageless Herbs - Ancient Remedies for the Modern World 
Hi Catherine,
My doctor told me there I have IBS and I would like to know what herbs are best for me to help with constipation. Also i’m loosing a lot of my hair. What do you recommend.
Thank you
Hi Lupita, Look to our Golden Book Benefit formula for IBS issues as it repairs the Large Intestine function. Also, our Return to Spring formula is specific for hair loss. We also have an online evaluation that you can fill out if you would like for guidance.
Wishing You Well,
Catherine
Appreciate the post – specifically related to the role of kidney imbalance in the adrenal fatigue process. In my own case and in the cases of those I’ve studied too often “supplements” are prescribed to “prop up” the adrenal glands while the over arching problem of kidney imbalance is ignored. This leads to a short term bump in mood but does nothing to correct the long term problem. Keep up the solid posts!
I love reading these articles because they’re short but ifnoarmtvie.