Supplements and medications that thicken the endometrium

Supplements and medications that thicken the endometrium

In this article, we’ll review supplements, medications, and medicinal herbs that can help to thicken the endometrium.

Dietary supplements that thicken the endometrium:

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. Studies show that it protects the ovary membrane from being damaged by free radicals and that it is beneficial when dealing with fertility problems. Vitamin E also acts as a blood thinner and therefore facilitates blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. Studies have shown that it also contributes to thickening of the endometrium.

According to a study in which the vitamin E supplement was given to women with implantation problems for 12 weeks, there was a positive increase in the thickness of their endometrium. A 2010 study showed that vitamin E and/or L-arginine can also help to thicken the endometrium of a woman who has a thin endometrium. The researchers wanted to see if these supplements could increase blood flow in the uterus.

Vitamin E, administered at a dose of 600 mg per day, increased uterine blood flow in 72% of the subjects and endometrial thickness in 52% of the subjects.

Six grams of L-arginine a day increased blood flow in the uterus in 89% of the subjects and increased the thickness of the endometrium in 67% of the subjects.

To conclude, vitamin E protects cell membranes and prevents their aging, and also slows down aging of the eggs. In addition, vitamin E also helps to achieve a hormonal balance, especially in case of fertility problems.

The existence of the vitamin in the body is important for regeneration of the endocrine system (the group of glands responsible for secretion of hormones into the blood), for the proper secretion of hormones in the body, and even for hormonal strengthening of the endometrium, which is supposed to implant and nourish the fertilized egg.

Vitamin E also helps the blood to reach the uterus. Implantation of the embryo in the uterus and its normal development depend largely on blood flow to the area. The blood carries hormones essential for the implantation and for taking care of the fertilized egg in the uterus and, at later stages, it brings nutrients and oxygen to the embryo. Moreover, normal blood flow affects normal ovulation. Vitamin E helps with flexibility and dilation of the blood vessels, and makes sure that there is an adequate blood flow to the female uterus and reproductive organs.

Vitamin D

Studies show that low levels of vitamin D can adversely affect fertility. Vitamin D has receptors in the various organs of the body that are relevant to a woman’s fertility in the uterus and ovaries. A deficiency of the receptor to vitamin D has shown that vitamin D deficiency creates difficulties with egg maturation and general infertility.

Vitamin D also plays a role in the production of hormones. Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to infertility by disrupting the estrogen system and also lowering the AMH hormone associated with ovarian follicle growth. In addition, a low level of vitamin D contributes to the formation of endometriosis and the polycystic ovaries syndrome.

In a study published in 2013 that examined the effect of adding vitamin D supplementation to women with polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS), it was observed that there was a significant increase in endometrial thickness but not a significant increase in pregnancy rates.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, it was discovered that vitamin D aids IVF treatments by improving the quality of the eggs, the health of the embryos, and the likelihood of embryonic implantation in the uterus. The researchers explain the link between vitamin D levels and success rates of IVF treatments in that vitamin D has a beneficial effect on the endometrium, which affects the likelihood of embryo implantation in the endometrium.

Another study shows that the rate of live births is greater in women rich in vitamin D compared to women with a deficient or insufficient vitamin D condition.

L-arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid that helps to improve blood circulation. The body uses L-arginine to synthesize nitric acid, an acid that relaxes and dilates blood vessels and thus increases blood flow to the reproductive organs. In women, this contributes to the proper maturation of the eggs and to preparation by the uterus for proper implantation by thickening the endometrium.

Studies have shown the effectiveness of L-arginine in improving endometrial thickness because it dilates the blood vessels and so facilitates  blood flow to the uterus.

Medications for thickening the endometrium

Viagra

According to research, taking Viagra (sildenafil citrate) orally is a good way to improve endometrial implantation. According to this research, it is recommended that patients who are unable to conceive due to the thinness of their endometrium routinely take Viagra orally. According to another study, treatment with Viagra supplements improves the blood flow in the uterus and, as a result, stimulates the growth of the endometrium and implantation in cases of unexplained fertility, and thus yields a greater rate of conception.

Aspirin

Aspirin has a diluting effect on the blood, and some doctors believe that it can be used to reduce oxidative stress in the endometrium to facilitate embryonic implantation.

According to a study, a higher pregnancy rate and a better endometrial pattern were witnessed among patients who had a thin endometrium after being given aspirin; however, using aspirin as treatment was not able to significantly increase the thickness of the endometrium and the resistance of the uterine and ovarian flow.

Another study showed that a low dose of aspirin does not help IVF patients. Aspirin does not improve endometrial thickness, increase the ovarian response, or improve pregnancy rates.

Vitamin E, aspirin, and particularly, a combination of them

According to a study, they are effective in improving cerebral artery blood flow in women with repeated miscarriages caused by a damaged uterine blood flow.

Treatment with pentoxifylline medication

This medication is designed to improve blood circulation by reducing its viscosity, in order to help the embryo implant into the endometrium.

It is considered to be more effective medication than aspirin in some cases of an extra thin endometrium.

G-CSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor) injection  

G-CSF stimulates the cell culture when it is injected directly into the endometrium. A preliminary study of 4 women who had G-CSF inserted into their uterus had an encouraging result with endometrial thickening. (This procedure is very similar to insemination or embryo transfer.)

In another study, an improvement in the endometrium and pregnancy rates was also found to occur. However, the results of these studies are not unequivocal and not every study showed that it comprises an effective treatment, for example, one study did not find any differences in the endometrium of women over the age of 35. Another study showed that G-CSF did indeed thicken the endometrium but there were no differences in the rate of pregnancy. One should therefore view this remedy with a certain amount of skepticism and also bear in mind that this kind of treatment is not cheap.

Medicinal herbs for thickening the endometrium:

A variety of medicinal herbs can also contribute to the hormonal balance and improve the state of the endometrium:

Chinese angelica (angelica sinensis)

This plant is considered to be one of the most important plants used in Chinese medicine. It improves blood flow to the uterus, it is rich in iron for producing normal blood, it builds up the endometrium, regulates menstruation, helps with irregular bleeding, helps with polycystic ovaries, prevents pre-menstrual migraines and, in addition, it improves sexual desire and mood.

Maca (lepidium meyenii)

This edible medicinal plant originated in Peru and is considered to be a superfood, and is well-known all around the world for its unique ability to improve sexual functioning, fertility, hormonal balance among women, and energy levels. Maca is very rich in important vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. It contains traces of elements, such as potassium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. It is also the source of the Vitamin B complex.

Maca is beneficial to a healthy menstrual cycle, the endometrium, and ovulation. This is due to maca’s ability to aid the hormonal balance, nourish the endocrine system (that controls hormonal functioning), and increase blood flow to the pelvic area.

Maca also helps to balance and regulate sex hormones in women. Maca has an effect on the production of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, and helps to balance them where necessary, without containing the hormones themselves.

Maca also contributes to follicle health. Maca can help to stimulate the maturation of the follicles in the ovary (as seen in studies conducted on animals). It also contributes to the health of the egg. Maca offers a platform of nutrients that support physical health at the level of cells and also ensures a healthy hormonal balance that contributes to healthier eggs.

The maca supplement can be taken in different forms, like pills or powder. The powder is often mixed into shakes.

Evening primrose oil

 This oil helps with fertility problems. It is a natural source of omega 6, which means it can help to improve fertility by increasing the quality and amount of cervical mucosa. Because of the effects evening, primrose oil has on the uterus, this supplement must only be taken before ovulation.

It’s important not to start taking new supplements without consulting your doctor, as some supplements may affect others (or any other medication/supplements you are taking). Some, like evening primrose oil, require the guidance of a doctor or another medical professional to ensure that it is taken at the right time during the menstrual cycle.

To remove any doubt, the contents of this article is intended to serve as a general overview only, and the information it contains does not relate to a product, nor is it intended to provide guidance, it does not comprise a certified medical recommendation, and it is not intended to instruct the public or to be used by it as advice, instruction, or recommendation for the use, modification, or stopping use of any medication, and does not comprise a substitute for personal or other medical advice. Pregnant women, lactating women, children, and anyone taking prescription drugs must consult a doctor before using dietary supplements.