Patient Ge, female, 26 years old, came for treatment on October 26, 2005. She reported that she had not conceived after three years of marriage without contraception. Her husband’s semen analysis showed no abnormalities. Menstruation occurred every 2-3 months, and it had been half a year since her last period. Tubal patency tests including fluid passage and imaging both indicated patency. An ultrasound showed normal size and shape of the uterus, with the left and right ovaries measuring 28*23mm and 26*21mm respectively, but no follicular development was observed. The patient was underweight, with a dark complexion, often experiencing soreness in the lower back and breast tenderness. Her tongue was pale and dark with a thin white coating, and her pulse was wiry and fine.
Diagnosis: 1. Primary infertility, 2. Secondary amenorrhea (Kidney deficiency and blood stasis)
Prescription: Angelica root 15g, Salvia root 20g, Chinese yam 30g, Szechuan Lovage rhizome 12g, Peach kernel 15g, Chicken gizzard lining 12g, Dodder seed 20g, Motherwort seed 15g, Poria 20g, Bupleurum root 10g, Cyperus rhizome 10g, Achyranthes root 15g. Seven doses, decocted in water.
Second consultation, November 10, 2005. After taking seven doses of the above prescription, menstruation resumed on November 4th with light flow, dark red color, and blood clots. The tongue was dark red with tooth marks on the edges and a thin white coating, and the pulse was wiry.
Prescription: Angelica root 12g, Salvia root 15g, Epimedium leaf 12g, Szechuan Lovage rhizome 10g, Motherwort seed 15g, Fried jujube seed 12g, Fresh rehmannia root 12g, Prepared rehmannia root 15g, Chicken blood vine 30g, Red peony root 12g, Dodder seed 15g, Wu Yao 12g, Poria 15g. Seven doses, decocted in water. On November 19th, an ultrasound showed the endometrium was 6mm thick, and there was a 9*11mm anechoic area in the right ovary. Remove fresh rehmannia root and add Codonopsis root 12g, and Eucommia bark 15g.
Consultation on December 20, 2005, menstruation resumed on December 15th with moderate flow and few blood clots. The tongue was pale and dark with a white coating, and the pulse was deep and slow. A new formula for warming the kidneys, regulating menstruation, and promoting conception was proposed: Dodder seed 15g, Epimedium leaf 15g, Angelica root 12g, Prepared rehmannia root 15g, Salvia root 15g, Fo-ti root 15g, Goji berry 12g, Eucommia bark 15g, Nutmeg seed 12g, Szechuan Lovage rhizome 10g, Amethyst stone 30g, Ligustrum fruit 12g, Cyperus rhizome 10g.
Following this treatment plan for about six months, the menstrual cycle became basically normal. In July 2006, she tested positive for early pregnancy and gave birth to a boy naturally in March 2007.
Discussion: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes ovulatory dysfunction primarily to kidney deficiency, with common clinical manifestations including amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, menorrhagia, and infertility. The kidneys govern reproduction and are the source of heavenly癸 (tian gui). When kidney qi is abundant, heavenly癸 arrives, allowing the Ren and Chong meridians to function properly, causing the blood to overflow into the uterus and menstruation to occur regularly. With abundant kidney qi, the combination of male and female essence can lead to conception. Kidney deficiency leading to the decline of the Ren and Chong meridians prevents conception. Therefore, nourishing the kidneys is a key method for treating ovulatory dysfunction-induced infertility. Based on clinical manifestations, TCM categorizes this condition into several types: kidney deficiency with blood stasis, liver stagnation with kidney deficiency, spleen-kidney deficiency, and phlegm-dampness obstruction. Treatment involves using different methods such as tonifying the kidneys and activating blood circulation, soothing the liver and resolving depression, warming the kidneys and strengthening the spleen, and drying dampness and transforming phlegm. Additionally, modern medical theories are combined, utilizing traditional Chinese medicine artificial cycles, monitoring follicle development while regulating menstruation, and adjusting medications based on follicular development, achieving good results.
(Opening Statement)
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a treasure trove for treating infertility, with a long history, rich content, and proven efficacy. For thousands of years, it has made indelible contributions to the continuation of the Chinese nation. Over the past 25 years, Zhengzhou Meixin Infertility Specialty Hospital has used TCM to help countless families realize their dreams of having children. This publication will continuously feature case studies from Meixin Hospital treating infertility, shared with all TCM enthusiasts and infertility patients. Dr. Wang Zaiduo, Deputy Chief Physician at Zhengzhou Meixin Hospital, first published this article on www.zzmx.com. Please retain the source when reprinting.