Fertility
Cycle Charting/ Fertility awareness Methods (FAMs)
FAMs are methods of monitoring your body’s natural signs or symptoms of fertility. Through the knowledge gained by
charting these symptoms or signs, you can decide from cycle to cycle whether you wish to achieve or avoid a pregnancy.
Once your natural cycle is charted, it gives a clear and visible correlation to the hormonal profile of the cycle.
Pregnancy rates increase for the majority of women wishing to achieve a pregnancy using this knowledge alone, since cycle
charting is highly accurate in pinpointing ovulation. The knowledge gained from the charting gives us valuable information
regarding some common medical causes of cycle abnormalities associated with infertility. It also allows us to time
investigations appropriately, and to treat any abnormalities at the appropriate time in the cycle. We treat co-operatively
in your cycle to mimic normal hormonal function where possible. This is the restorative approach to fertility.
Infertility
Restorative Reproductive Medicine uses evidence based, non- invasive treatment for couples trying to conceive. For the
woman, we frequently diagnose and correct disorders of ovulation, hormonal disorders, and surgical conditions which
commonly go undiagnosed in routine infertility evaluations. For the man, our treatments are effective in improving low
sperm numbers, poor motility, and improving the quality of the sperm. This restorative approach is a far less expensive,
and an effective and acceptable alternative to Artificial Reproductive Technology (ART). Often the diagnoses found through
the comprehensive assessment can be the cause of the underlying ‘unexplained’ infertility, recurrent miscarriage, ectopic
pregnancy, premature labour, and even failed IVF treatments. We also can arrange surgical referral to assist in the
diagnosis of surgical conditions that can contribute to infertility. These conditions commonly are endometriosis,
adhesions or scar tissue, or tubal problems. These conditions can be diagnosed and treated at the time of laparoscopy.
Women presenting with infertility may frequently not have the typical symptoms of endometriosis such as painful periods.
We believe that the diagnosis of the underlying causes of infertility and reversing those abnormalities is the key to
infertility management, and is more empowering for women as they can conceive naturally. Fertility rates in international
studies applying the techniques used at Fertility Fundamentals have rates comparable to that of IVF, and, in some groups,
rates that are more favourable. Pregnancies for women who conceive naturally are less complicated since they are less
likely to have multiple pregnancies, and babies born to women who conceive naturally are also healthier.
Miscarriage
We offer comprehensive assessment and management of miscarriage or recurrent miscarriage which looks for underlying causes
such as infections, clotting abnormalities, disorders of ovulation, hormonal disorders, and surgical conditions. We also
offer natural bio-identical progesterone support for women in pregnancy who have low progesterone levels or who have a
history of miscarriage.
Male Factor Infertility
Infertility is a condition that affects the couple, and their relationship. We diagnose and treat male infertility. Our
treatments are effective in improving low sperm numbers, poor motility, and improving the quality of the sperm. We can
also assist in erectile dysfunction.
Preconception Care
If you are wanting to get your body in a healthy way before conceiving, we can arrange a comprehensive health check
including a hormone profile to improve your general health and improve your chance of conceiving when the time is right
for you to begin your pregnancy journey. This could include instruction in a FAM
Obstetric Shared Care
We provide accredited obstetric shared care to continue your pregnancy journey through to birth. This is provided in
partnership with the SA Obstetric Hospitals (Flinders Medical Centre, Women’s and Children’s Hospital).
Avoiding Pregnancy
Any of the 3 methods of fertility awareness methods (FAMs) can be used to successfully avoid pregnancy with proven success
rates of greater than 99% (perfect use) for avoiding pregnancy.
For more information, visit:
www.creightonmodel.com
www.billings.life
www.acnfp.com.au
or contact one of our educators
Post Natal Depression
We offer bioidentical hormonal treatment for post-natal depression. Hormonal treatment for PND is extremely effective, and
often within a rapid time frame (24-48 hrs) in the majority of cases. This can be effective treatment without the need for
anti-depressants, or in conjunction with anti-depressants. It is also safe with breastfeeding. It has been evaluated
extensively in USA.
Menstrual disorders / abnormal bleeding patterns
Normal cycle length is between 26-35 days. If you have longer or shorter cycles, you may have an underlying hormonal
abnormality. This can sometimes present as brown spotting or bleeding throughout other parts of the cycle, or PMS. This
can be investigated and may require medical treatment. We can normalise heavy or very light periods, as these also often
relate to a hormonal imbalance. We can also assist in management of painful periods.
PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is often undiagnosed. We can offer an accurate assessment and diagnosis of PCOS. Symptoms may
include irregular or infrequent periods; acne and / or increased hair distribution of the male pattern – i.e. face, arms
and abdomen or chest and back. It may be causing increased weight, although some women with PCOS can be of normal weight.
It can increase your risk of metabolic disease such as high blood pressure; diabetes or elevated blood sugar or insulin
levels. weight gain. Not all patients with PCOS have all of these symptoms. Untreated, the syndrome is associated with:
- reduced fertility
- mental health disorders including poor self-image, anxiety and depression
- abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus
- obesity
- development of diabetes or high blood pressure later in life if not already present at diagnosis
- increased risk of cardiovascular events in the long term (heart attack and stroke)
Even if you are not trying to conceive, we can assist you to understand, manage and treat this condition to achieve
hormonal balance, regular cycles, reduction of acne and excess hair growth, and weight loss.
Hormone imbalances/Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Hormonal imbalances may present as short or long cycles, with heavy or light periods, as irregular bleeding in the cycle
or as PMS. We can accurately diagnose the underlying abnormality and our treatments will help to normalise the hormones of
the cycle. Our treatments work cooperatively with your cycle to achieve hormonal balance and we use bio-identical hormone
supplementation if hormonal supplementation is required.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a complex condition that requires a multifaceted approach. Symptoms of endometriosis can include pelvic
pain predominantly during periods, but it can also cause more chronic pelvic pain not just associated with menstruation.
Other symptoms can include bloating or fatigue. Approximately 80% of women with infertility will be found to have
endometriosis on laparoscopy, and up to 40% of them will have little or no symptoms. Accurate resection of the
endometriosis provides enhanced fertility. Endometriosis is also associated with hormonal imbalance and disordered
ovulation. Our treatments can normalise the hormonal and ovulation disorders associated with endometriosis. We can refer
for a surgical option for consideration of resection of endometriosis if that is required, or to other allied health
practitioners such as pelvic floor physiotherapy, psychology, nutrition therapists and others. All of these strategies can
assist in symptom management and improved well-being.
Menopause
Menopause symptoms can be managed with bioidentical hormones to improve wellbeing and functioning.