High levels of LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) are a common cause of infertility, most common among perimenopausal women. High LH and FSH levels can prevent conception and may be linked to complications such as miscarriage and Down's syndrome. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses a number of herbs to balance hormone levels and lower LH and FSH.
Causes
High LH or FSH levels may be caused by primary ovarian failure, stress or estrogen levels that are too high. Anticonvulsant drugs may also increase LH levels. Traditional Chinese Medicine explains high LH or FSH levels as an imbalance in the kidney yin and yang.
Function
Chinese herbs for high LH and FSH work to normalize hormones, increase blood flow to reproductive organs and reduce stress. The herbs are also said to regulate qi (life-force) and yin and yang.
Common Herbs
Jia-Wey Shiau-Yau San is a common Chinese herbal combination for women that contains Chinese herbs such as dong quai (angelica sinensis), bai zhu (atractylodes macrocephala) and Chinese peony (paeonia lactiflora). This herbal combination may be recommended for women to lower LH and FSH.
More Herbs
Other Chinese herbs used to lower LH and FSH levels include ginseng, dragon tooth (longchi) and bamboo sap (tianzhuhuang).
Research
Scientific research on using Chinese herbs for high LH and FSH levels is limited. According to a study at the Institute for Traditional Medicine, perimenopausal women taking an herbal combination containing schizandra, zizyphus, tang-kuei and other Chinese herbs demonstrated a significant decrease in FSH levels.
Tags: Chinese herbs, herbal combination, Chinese herbs high, Chinese Medicine, herbs high