HGH (Human Growth Hormone) and IVF

Interesting use of HGH in the fertility field. I only know of 1 clinic in NYC that uses this and it has shown some good results so far....
"Adequate growth hormone levels are critical for good ovarian follicle development, yet growth hormone levels are known to decline significantly with age. Studies have show that adjuvant growth hormone treatment during IVF may help some women to beat the odds and have a higher take home baby rate especially when ovarian reserve is poor and previous cycles have failed. Restoring youthful growth hormone levels may boost fertility by influencing embryo quality." ;) click here for more info

Acupuncture Provides Significant Benefits for Migraine Patients

"A new report published in the online version of the British Medical Journal has found that acupuncture is a useful, cost-effective treatment for chronic headaches, particularly migraines.
The report found that over a 12-month period, headache patients who received regular acupuncture sessions reported fewer headaches, had a higher quality of life, missed fewer days from work, used less medication, and made fewer visits to a general practitioner than patients given standard treatment for headaches.

The research was conducted at a series of single acupuncture practices and general practices in Wales and Great Britain. In the study, the authors recruited 401 patients who suffered from chronic headaches, predominantly migraine headaches. The patients were randomized to receive either acupuncture or "usual care" from a general practitioner. In the acupuncture group, subjects standard care for headaches, and were also treated with acupuncture up to 12 times over a three-month period. Treatment patterns were individualized to each patient, and different points were used based on the discretion of the acupuncturist providing care. In the usual care group, patients received standard headache care from their general practitioner, but were not referred out for acupuncture."

To read the full article please click here

New clinic hours/ Maternity Leave

Hi Everyone!!!

As most of you know I will be going on maternity leave starting November 21st and my colleague Vanessa Scorsone L.Ac will be covering for me at that time. 

Vanessa has started covering in the clinic on Wednesdays and will be adding Thursdays starting December 3^rd; leaving Wednesdays and Thursdays open for treatments until my return in the new year. 

Vanessa will conduct all the treatments at the 280 Madison clinic and can be reached via email at wyseacupuncture@gmail.com or via cell at 718.744.4420 

I will still be around and conferencing with Vanessa about cases and checking my emails; but please be patient if I don't respond as quickly as I usually do ;)

Vanessa is a wonderful practitioner who has been treating patients since 2005 and I promise I leave you in very good hands!

A little more about Vanessa:

Vanessa Scorsone M.S.O.M, L.A.c is a Licensed Acupuncturist in New York State. She earned a Master of Science Degree in Acupuncture in 2005 and a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine in 2007 from Tri-State College of Acupuncture in New York City. She traveled to China in 2006, working in Beijing hospitals and earning a certificate from the Beijing Traditional Training Center of WFAS. Vanessa is also certified by NADA through her work at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx. She studied with Virginia Duran and earned her certification in facial rejuvenation acupuncture. Her most recent work involved creating a community acupuncture clinic through a partnership with Carriage House Birth in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, working predominantly with pre- and post-natal conditions.

Vanessa's approach combines Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Acupuncture Physical Medicine (APM), a style she learned under the tutelage of Mark Seem. 

As always, please feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns- Thanks for understanding and Happy Holidays!

Sharon

Resveratrol May Curb Endometriosis And Pain

"If you are trying to conceive with endometriosis, the natural supplement resveratrol may be able to help to resolve the growth and spread of endometriosis naturally. Resveratrol can help to reduce pain, curb inflammation and modulate estrogenic activity within your pelvis. By attenuating the spread of endometriosis, resveratrol may help your body to be more baby-friendly increasing the chances of conceiving.

Resveratrol is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative polyphenol derived from grapes - and of course red wine - which has been found to significantly decrease endometriosis pain. The pain-relieving effect of resveratrol has been studied alone, in combination with the contraceptive pill and also with green tea extracts. As pain diminishes, so too does the invasive growth of endometriosis which could have a sparing effect on fertility."

To read the full article please click here

2 other possible beneficial supplements are:

Pine Bark/Pycnogenol

Curcumin

Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac

"This is what happens to your body if you drink warm honey-lemon water in the morning..."

A handful of patients always ask me "what is the best detox plan for after the holidays?" and I always tell them.... warm water with lemon and honey first thing in the morning...this is why...

"Adding lemon to water not only quenches thirst better than any other beverage, but it also nourishes our body with vitamins, minerals and trace elements which we absolutely need. Lemon with water can be considered the best natural energy booster. When we wake up in the morning, our bodily tissues are dehydrated and are in need of water to push out toxins and rejuvenate the cells. In other words, this homemade “lemonade” helps eliminate internal toxins, regulating proper kidney and digestive tract functions by forcing them to work as smoothly as possible."

To read the full article, please click here

posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.

Prenatal vitamins: How to choose the best for your pregnancy

Recently my prescription vitamins went from a "tier 1" to a "tier 2", which for those of you that don't understand the insurance lingo (who does?) that means my vitamins went from $20/month to $120/month!!! Most doctors agree that over the counter (OTC) vitamins are fine to take as long as you are getting your essentials...

"Here, get the 411 on everything you need to know about prenatal vitamins.

A prenatal vitamin is vital for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, but knowing when to start taking them, which brand to buy and how much of each vitamin and mineral to look for can be daunting. 

Why prenatal vitamins?
It can be hard to eat healthy when you’re dealing with morning sickness and pregnancy cravings, but prenatal vitamins aren’t meant to make up for unhealthy food choices.

“This should complement a healthy diet,” Dr. Mary Rosser, an assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology and women's health at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City said. “It’s really not a substitute for anything.”

Plus, because we tend to lack a lot of vitamins and minerals due to depleted soils, getting those in a prenatal vitamin is even more important, according to Michele McRae, Senior Director of Research, 

When should you start taking prenatal vitamins?
If you’re hoping to get pregnant, you should ideally start taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before you plan to get conceive. Prenatal vitamins have folic acid, which prevents neural tube defects like spina bifida, which develops within 28 days after conception.

Plus, folic acid may reduce the risk of autism, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“The defects can occur very early in pregnancy, many times before women know that they’re pregnant,” Rosser said.

For this reason and because 50 percent of pregnancies are unplanned, experts recommend all women of reproductive age take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid, whether they’re trying to get pregnant or not.

What to look for in a prenatal vitamin.
Prenatal vitamins are available by both over-the-counter and by prescription. Although formulations can vary from brand to brand, these are the most important vitamins and minerals to look for:

Folic acid
Anywhere between 400 mcg and 800 mcg of folic acid is ideal. If you previously had a baby with a neural tube defect or if you have other risk factors, your doctor may prescribe 4 mg (4,000 mcg) of folic acid.

Iron
Iron is essential for a baby’s growth and development and it prevents you from having anemia. Getting more iron is especially important because your blood volume almost doubles to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

30 mg is best but your doctor may prescribe more if you’re iron deficient, which most moms are, McRae said.   

Calcium
Your developing baby needs calcium for growth and bone development and strength and she’ll draw that nutrient from you. Because of this, it’s important for moms to get enough calcium— aim for 250 mg a day.

Magnesium
Look for a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 mg of magnesium, which is crucial for baby’s bone development. It will help you relieve muscle aches, improve energy, and aid relaxation.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D not only helps mom absorb calcium and supports healthy blood pressure, but research shows its linked to better birth outcomes, too.

Plus, a recent study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that moms with higher vitamin D levels were more likely to have children with stronger muscles.

Aim for 400 IU to 800 IU of vitamin D. If you’re at risk for bone issues or are a vegetarian, your doctor may prescribe up to 2,000 IU a day.

DHA and EPA
Studies show that DHA and EPA are important for baby’s brain and eye function and may even prevent pre-term birth and depression during pregnancy and postpartum.

Most over-the-counter prenatal vitamins don’t include DHA and EPA, but you can take a supplement or ask your doctor for a prescription. Take at least 250 mg per day.

Vitamin B
Vitamin B6 is important for a baby’s brain development and nervous system, and can maintain your energy and keep your mood balanced. Look for 2 mg of B6, but a prenatal vitamin with a vitamin B complex is even better.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C but is essential for immunity, especially because we don’t produce it. 50 mg a day is best.

Choline
Studies show that choline may help with cognitive abilities and IQ later in life. At least 30 mg a day is ideal".

Of course always speak to your MD as to what vitamin s/he believes will be best for you and your baby ;)

To read the full article, please click here

Posted by Sharon Wyse L.Ac.

The proper way to take Vitamin D for optimal absorption

"Many women take vitamin D while trying to conceive and in preparation for IVF knowing that having stellar vitamin D levels may improve their chances of conceiving considerably. What they may not know, is that taking vitamin D at the optimal time of day can dramatically improve absorption of this vital fertility vitamin.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, this means that you will absorb it far better with food, not just any food, it really needs to be taken with a meal that contains other fats or oils to trigger the digestive enzymes and processes that break down and assimilate fats. Taking vitamin D with a piece of fruit, a glass or water or a light, low fat meal may be akin to taking very little vitamin D at all. Not so great for your fertility."

To read more on the article about the studies conducted, please click here