Research in review: the role of herbal medicine in women's health.

Infertility is a more commonly occurring condition affecting many women. There are numerous factors that may contribute to problems achieving conception including but not limited: • Hormone imbalances: fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, previous infection or scar tissue • Structural changes: pelvic injuries can lead blocked nerve impulses and interrupt blood flow to the pelvic region; • Low sperm count due to environmental pollution, radiation and other endocrine disruptors • Extended use of the birth control pill • Thyroid imbalances • Allergies that create an immune response to foreign proteins, such as sperm • Nutritional deficiencies • A tough coating on the eggs can make the egg inpenetratable to sperm. • Changes to cervical mucous. The vaginal mucous pH is generally acidic; a diet high in sugar, white flour products and starch can create alkaline mucous that is hostile to sperm. • Contact and exposure to xenoestrogens in your environment: These chemicals dramatically affect the endocrine systems and hormones of both our animals in our food chain and our own health by contributing to problems with fibroids, endometriosis, uterine cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome and problems with fertility, even impacting how women experience the transition through menopause. • Stress: Infertility can lead to stress and similarly stress can lead to infertility. Stress may affect our bodies’ production of LH, interfering with ovulation; the stress response can tell our body that it is not a favorable time for conception to occur.