How Iron Deficiency Affects AMH and FSH Levels When Trying To Conceive
Fertility is one of the body’s most complicated mysteries. Numerous hormones and nutrients work together to manage the menstrual cycle, preparing the uterus and body for a successful pregnancy.
Women who face problems when trying to conceive (TTC) often have an underlying hormonal problem. Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are 2 female reproductive hormones that can be used to assess ovarian reserve, egg quality and overall fertility.
For those trying to conceive, low iron may very well have a negative effect on their fertility. Iron is essential for proper ovarian function and follicular development including Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels, making the need for iron when trying to conceive an absolute must. Keep reading to find out how iron deficiency and AMH / FSH can impact fertility and what to do about it according to Chinese Medicine.
How Does Low Iron Levels Affect Fertility
Low iron in Chinese Medicine is referred to as Blood Deficiency. Blood is absolutely essential for the nourishing the body and proper functioning of the reproductive organs. Some of the symptoms of blood deficiency include fatigue, dizziness, and paleness. When blood deficiency is present in the body it means the reproductive organs are not receiving sufficient nourishment, this can affect the function of ovaries causing conditions such as low AMH, as well as high FSH.
Blood deficiency can also lead to irregular menstrual cycle, affect ovulation, all of which can affect fertility. Women who have low iron levels (Blood deficiency) may also experience anovulation (a lack of ovulation). The lack of oxygen causes poor egg health and development. The egg stores in the ovaries weaken over time, becoming unviable. In fact, it can inhibit pregnancy at a rate of 60% compared to people with sufficient iron stores in their blood.Â
In a 2006 study, 438 women given iron supplements had a much lower risk of ovulatory infertility.
The spleen also plays an important role in producing and circulating blood and Qi. If the spleen is not in proper working order, this may lead to an imbalance in blood and Qi which may then result in low levels of iron.
Impact of Low Iron on AMH and FSH
If low iron levels forestall the normal ovulation process, then we might expect to see signs in the hormones. Iron deficiency and AMH and FSH levels are intrinsically linked. Low AMH and high FSH are the characteristic signs of infertility. But why do low iron, AMH, and FSH levels demonstrate this pattern?
Low AMH (Kidney Jing Deficiency)
Low AMH levels = Poor ovarian function (diminished ovarian reserve)
Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is the marker of your ovarian reserve, which refers to the remaining quality and quality of a woman’s eggs. Iron deficiency anaemia causes AMH levels to fall faster. Chronic iron deficiency, for example, increases inflammation, which can impair ovarian function and AMH production. It also increases oxidative stress.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), low AMH levels signal a diminished ovarian reserve. This is associated with a Kidney Jing Deficiency – Jing is the energy or essence of the body. Low Jing levels can reduce the chances of conceiving. Additionally, Blood Deficiency (low iron) can fail to nourish the kidney, exacerbating the issue, further lowering AMH levels.
High FSH (Kidney Yin Deficiency)
High FSH levels = body’s struggle to stimulate ovaries
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) serves a completely different role. High FSH levels indicate that your body is working with fewer eggs or fewer follicles developing each month. That means your pituitary gland – when FSH is released – isn’t receiving the signal from the egg cells to stop FSH production, so it continues to rise and rise.
While this result alone isn’t significant, alongside low AMH levels, it points towards a lower reserve of eggs for your age. Iron deficiency and FSH levels, therefore, go hand-in-hand. As chronic iron deficiency depletes the egg reserve, you can expect the FSH level to keep rising during each menstrual cycle.
TCM views high FSH levels as indicative of an imbalance between Kidney Yin and Yang. Kidney Yin Deficiency, which cools and nourishes the body, can lead to an overactive FSH response as the body tries to stimulate the undernourished ovaries.
On the other hand, high FSH may also stem from Blood and Qi Stagnation or Deficiency, impairing ovarian function and prompting the body to increase FSH production in compensation.
Treatment for Low Iron and AMH/FSH
Thankfully, treatment for iron deficiency and AMH and FSH is possible. Because iron deficiency anaemia and AMH and LSH are linked, remedying the former can help resolve the latter. TCM treatments, in particular, aim to restore balance and harmony to the body by addressing the root cause.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture refers to the practice of inserting fine needles into specific centres of energy in the body. It can support the management of iron deficiency by improving Qi and Blood circulation, enhancing Spleen and Stomach functions, as responsible for the transformation and transportation of nutrients, including the production of Blood.
According to one study, acupuncture-based weight loss enhanced the therapeutic effect of iron replacement therapy in obese individuals with iron deficiency anaemia. Another study confirmed that needling at specific acupuncture points led to a significant increase in haemoglobin levels.
Acupuncture has been also shown to enhance microcirculation and increase blood flow throughout the body. Greater circulation supports the delivery of oxygen, nutrients (including iron), and more to cells and tissues while also lowering systemic inflammation. The latter point may further improve iron metabolism.
Iron Supplements For Fertility ( AMH + FSH)
Si Wu Tang
Si Wu Tang by GinSen are hormonal balance tablets that can be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, assist with symptoms arising from anemia, fertility concerns and balance the overall female hormonal system. Expertly formulated Si Wu Tang is a natural blood builder ideal and rich in many health benefits.
Iron Nutrient Blend (Anemia Remedy)
Iron Nutrient Blend is previously known as Anemia Remedy is an advanced formula that works by promoting blood nutrients to increase blood energy level and blood circulation. these herbal supplements for anemia restore blood deficiency (iron deficiency). It can be used to restore symptoms resulting from iron deficiency as well as balance hormones, address women’s health concerns and promote fertility.
Iron-rich Diet
Since low iron in pregnancy go hand in hand, women trying to conceive must ensure they are getting plenty of high-quality iron in their diet.
TCM recommends adding foods that are rich in iron and also support the Spleen and Liver, which play a crucial role in blood production and regulation. Foods such as red meat (especially liver), leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, legumes, and whole grains are highly recommended. Additionally, incorporating blood-nourishing foods like beets, dates, and black sesame seeds can help replenish and enhance blood quality.
Chinese medicine also emphasises on the importance of warm, easily digestible foods to support the Spleen’s function in nutrient absorption. This means cooked vegetables over raw, including soups and stews that are gentle on the digestive system, and avoiding cold and raw foods that can weaken the Spleen.
Final Thoughts
Here are some key takeaways:
Iron deficiency reduces AMH levels, indicating diminished ovarian reserve and impaired egg quality due to increased inflammation and oxidative stress.
Iron deficiency causes higher FSH levels, signalling fewer developing follicles and a depleted egg reserve.
Low iron disrupts the balance of reproductive hormones, worsening fertility issues by affecting both AMH and FSH levels.
Addressing iron deficiency enhances microcirculation and nutrient delivery, supporting better ovarian function and hormonal balance.
Iron deficiency, LSH, and AMH are closely tied together – each informs the other. If you feel tired and lethargic and you’re TTC, it’s worth getting your levels tested.
For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help you with iron deficiency and AMH, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
