A healthy uterine wall is essential for viable embryo implantation and a successful pregnancy. The uterine lining, also called the endometrium, is the tissue that lines the inner layer of the uterus, or womb.

Uterine lining needs to be of a certain thickness for an embryo to have any chance of embedding itself into the uterine wall, so it can begin to grow and develop. The uterine lining should consist of three layers and be at least 8mm thick to provide a feasible opportunity for a healthy pregnancy.

An overly thin uterine lining will not be able to sustain embryo implantation or provide the nutrients necessary for effective development.

How Can Acupuncture Help Improve Uterine Lining?

Acupuncture can help reduce and treat all the issues mentioned above that cause a weak uterine lining.

Acupuncture is an excellent way to:

• Increase blood flow
• Regulate hormonal balance
• Increase essential nutrients reaching the uterus
• Reduce stress
  • Stress has been known to impede blood flow
• Increase endometrial thickness and quality
• Increase likelihood of successful embryo implantation and a healthy pregnancy

But, what causes the uterine wall to become thin in the first place?

Factors That Can Cause Thin Uterine Lining

There are several factors that can contribute to an underdeveloped endometrium. Some of the main causes include:

• Poor circulation
• Reduced estrogen levels
• Prolonged use of birth control that contains Progestin
• Consistent Clomid intake
• Deficient endometrial health

Poor Circulation

Insufficient blood flow is a very common factor that can lead to a weakened uterine wall. If the uterus is not receiving enough blood, there will not be enough nutrients and oxygen to build a strong uterine lining.

Poor circulation can be caused by things like:

• Stress
• Inactive lifestyle
• Uterine fibroids or cysts – growths on the uterus that can prohibit natural blood flow
• Constriction of the uterine artery
• Improper uterine position – a normally positioned uterus will have a slight tilt forward, but about 1 in 5 women have a uterus that tilts back or the to the side. This can constrict blood flow.

Reduced Estrogen

Another factor that can play a role in weak endometrial lining is low levels of estrogen. The uterus relies heavily on estrogen to build a thick endometrium.

If insufficient levels of estrogen are being produced, it can result in hormonal imbalance and an under-developed uterine lining.

Birth Control

Taking birth control pills that contain Progestin for extended periods of time can cause issues in the uterus and uterine lining. The function of Progestin is not to prevent ovulation to avoid pregnancy, but rather it impedes the release of estrogen which reduces the thickness of the uterine lining.

Clomid Intake

Clomid is a fertility medication that is taken to stimulate ovulation. It functions by triggering the release of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) which are required for egg production and release.

However, Clomid also has the effect of blocking the estrogen receptors so that not enough estrogen reaches the uterus to build up the endometrium.  Use of Clomid for longer then 6 months can cause thinning of the lining.  Note: In Canada Doctors no longer prescribe.

Endometrial Health

Illness and infection can lead to deterioration of the endometrial tissue. This damage can cause restricted blood flow and reduced uterine wall function.

Solutions

There are several strategies you can use to increase the size and quality of your uterine lining.

A healthier and more active lifestyle, while maintaining a nutritious diet, is a good place to start.

In addition a proven and effective treatment for boosting endometrium health is acupuncture.  Acupuncture is safe and well studies.  There are proven protocols that can be executed by your practitioner to help drive more blood flow into the uterus, increase the amounts of nutrients your body makes and aid in better thickness and quality of uterine lining.  Acupuncture has no side effects and works well with prescriptive medications prescribed by your doctor and with other types of practitioners.  If you are struggling with thin lining or poor quality lining Acupuncture can help.