16/02/2026
Helen Thompson Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine
Mrs. R age 41yrs first attended my clinic approximately six months ago. She had experienced a miscarriage last summer at 6 weeks’ gestation. Following the miscarriage, her menstrual cycles did not resume and she remained amenorrhoeic for several months before seeking treatment.
Prior to Mrs. R's miscarriage, her cycle had been regular at 30 days. Her periods were heavy on the first day and tapered off by the second day.
At the initial consultation, Mrs. R presented as pale and anxious. She reported palpitations, insomnia, low mood, fatigue and abdominal bloating. Her diet was poor and she frequently skipped meals. On examination, her tongue was pale and her pulse was choppy.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, I diagnosed Mrs. R with a Heart and Spleen Blood deficiency. In Chinese Medicine, pallor is commonly associated with Blood deficiency, which may correspond clinically with anaemia or general undernourishment.
Adequate Blood is considered essential for nourishing the endometrium and creating a receptive environment for implantation. Blood deficiency may arise from insufficient dietary intake, poor digestion and assimilation, or a history of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Mrs. R commenced weekly acupuncture alongside a Chinese herbal formula to tonify the Spleen and nourish Blood. Dietary advice focused on regular, balanced meals with adequate plant and/or animal protein. I recommended iron-rich foods from both plant and animal sources, together with vitamin C to enhance absorption. She supplemented with a high-quality multi-vitamin, a Chinese herbal formula, high strength omega 3, wheatgrass, Floradix (iron with herbs) and L-carnitine.
I advised Mr. R age 45yrs to undergo a semen analysis and results later revealed low motility and poor morphology. I prescribed Mr. R Medicinal mushrooms, a tailored herbal kidney tonic and he began taking omega-3, a multivitamin, antioxidants, zinc and vitamin D3. He also attended my clinic for weekly acupuncture sessions. I recommended that after the 12 weeks of treatment Mr. R retest his semen.
After approximately five weeks of treatment, Mrs. R’s menstrual cycle returned. Over the following weeks she reported marked improvements in her anxiety, mood and energy levels. Once menstruation resumed, her sleep normalised and she no longer struggled to fall asleep.
Due to the distance, Mrs. R lives from the clinic (over 150 km) and with work commitments, she did not complete a full blood profile during treatment.
Six months after her cycle had re-established and stabilised, Mrs. R conceived naturally.
This wonderful lady received a positive pregnancy test two days ago and is scheduled to see her GP for assessment of progesterone, thyroid function and hCG levels. Acupuncture treatment will continue during the early stages of pregnancy to provide ongoing support.
This case highlights the importance of restoring menstrual function, addressing underlying deficiencies and supporting both partners in the management of subfertility.