Fertility Acupuncture: Coaching, Advocacy & Care Combined
Brittany Murdoch, R.Ac.
Registered Acupuncturist
If you're trying to conceive, you've probably been told to take your prenatals, track your ovulation, reduce stress, change your diet and try not to think about it too much. Just take a vacation, that always works! Not.
Honestly? It's exhausting. And I'm here to help you navigate it all.
My approach is a little different. Before we add another herb to your routine, I want to understand what's actually happening in your body; and most likely take a few things away from your routine. Because fertility is about more than ovulation, and “normal” bloodwork doesn't always tell the whole story.
Let’s Talk About Iron & Ferritin
Ferritin reflects your body's stored iron, and you can have depleted iron stores without being clinically anemic.
Research has identified associations between low ferritin and recurrent pregnancy loss. In one study, low iron stores were more common among women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss than in controls (35.7% versus 13.7%). While this doesn't prove that low ferritin causes pregnancy loss, it raises important questions about whether iron status is being adequately assessed.
If you experience heavy periods, endometriosis, persistent fatigue or previous pregnancy loss, ask your healthcare provider whether checking your ferritin is appropriate. Believe it or not, your period is the main marker that shows your body is ready to conceive!
A normal hemoglobin doesn't automatically mean your iron stores are adequate.
Endometriosis Isn’t “Just A Painful Period”
Debilitating menstrual pain deserves investigation. Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition that can affect pelvic health, quality of life and fertility.
Research has explored the relationship between endometriosis, iron-related oxidative stress and reproductive health. Meanwhile, systematic reviews suggest acupuncture may help reduce endometriosis-associated pain and improve quality of life!
Acupuncture isn't a cure for endometriosis, but it can be a valuable addition to a broader care plan, alongside appropriate medical treatment.
You shouldn't have to organize your life around your period, and you deserve to understand why you're experiencing these symptoms.
Fertility Is More Than Ovulation
When assessing reproductive health, we need to consider the bigger picture:
Menstrual health and ovulation
Iron status and nutritional concerns
Uterine and fallopian tube health
Endometriosis and other underlying conditions
Medical history and previous pregnancy loss
Lifestyle factors and overall wellbeing
Not everyone needs every test or intervention. But if you're struggling to conceive, you deserve thoughtful investigation rather than being told to keep trying without understanding your options.
Where Does Acupuncture Fit?
My approach combines evidence-informed acupuncture with individualized Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment. Your cycle, symptoms and health history all help guide your treatment.
Whether you're preparing for pregnancy, navigating unexplained infertility, living with endometriosis or undergoing fertility treatment, my goal is to help you feel heard, supported and informed.
Acupuncture has been proven to:
Reduce inflammation
Lower AMH in PMOS patients
Raise AMH and lower FSH for others
Aid ovulation
Significantly increase chances of successful IUI/IVF
Increase circulation of blood to organs
Lower cortisol (your stress hormone)
I won't promise you a pregnancy, and I won't tell you to relax harder. What I will do is listen, ask questions, push you to ask more pointed questions to the experts and work alongside your healthcare team to get you to your family planning goals.
You don't need another overwhelming list of things to do. You need a plan that makes sense for you.
Science and soul. Both matter.
Ready to take a closer look at your reproductive health? Book a fertility acupuncture consultation, and let's start asking better questions.