While I'm waiting for my induction into the UBC Centre for Reproductive Health, I took an online test at Vancouver's Acubalance Wellness Centre. The test is meant to be a first step for their "Making Babies" program - which I'm not in - but like any Cosmo girl, I love quizzes and questionnaires and I couldn't resist! 

 Apparently, I'm so special that I get TWO fertility types - "TIRED" and "STUCK" - two "types" that very neatly correspond with my previous TCM self-evaluation.

 I'm pretty sure they should expand their categories to other fertility types, such as "He Just Has To Look At Me And I Get Pregnant" or "Bitter, Cynical, Unbeliever," or "Unwavering Optimist" - but I guess "Tired" and "Stuck" fit me pretty well.  

*raises eyebrow*

SYMPTOMS:
Often feels weak or lethargic
Prone to getting sick
Gets out of breath and sweats easily, gains weight
Poor appetite
Prone to bloating, gas, and loose stools
Low sex drive
Short luteal phase
Feels cold: hands, feet

WESTERN MEDICINE:
Hypothyroid
Low progesterone
Luteal phase defect
Metabolic disorders

TCM PERSPECTIVE:
This type is called kidney “yang” deficiency in TCM, and reflects a broader hormonal imbalance going beyond reproductive hormones and encompassing the thyroid, adrenals, and pituitary gland. Weakness in these systems affects metabolism, circulation, and thus reproduction.

ADVICE
More animal Protein
Avoid raw and cold foods
Alcohol in moderation
Consume warming soups and stews, and spices: cinnamon,
ginger, cayenne, turmeric, cardamom, cloves, cumin
Regular moderate exercise

SUPPLEMENTS:
Royal jelly
Wheat grass
Chromium (boosts metabolism by enhancing the action of insulin)
L-arginine
Chasteberry (helps sustain post-ovulatory progesterone)

SYMPTOMS:
Stressed out, easily angered
Tension headaches, nervous stomach, high blood pressure, or muscle tightness
PMS Symptoms including breast tenderness and mood swings, painful periods, irregular cycles, clotted menstrual blood.

WESTERN MEDICINE:
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Uterine polyps
PMS
Mittelschmerz (pain during mid-cycle)

TCM PERSPECTIVE:
The tightness of the Stuck type stems from poor energy and blood flow throughout the body, or what is referred to as qi and blood stagnation. Over time, it can lead to stagnation in the reproductive system, which can cause ovulation problems and inflexible fallopian tubes. Blood stagnation can cause painful or stop-and-start periods, and can lead to reproductive system obstructions such as endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, and cysts.

ADVICE
Regular aerobic exercise
Plenty of fiber
Stress reduction
Hot water with lemon in the morning
Complex carbohydrates
Avoid soy products
Avoid alcohol

SUPPLEMENTS:
Zinc (especially premenstrually)
B-complex vitamins
Magnesium
Calcium

 I'm following quite a few of those recommendations already, but I'm going to try the hot water with lemon in the morning - that sounds enjoyable and positively British. I've already cut out cold liquids - it's crazy how much of a difference that made. My hands were warm, and I wasn't shivering constantly.  I might go back onto Vitex (Chastetree berry), and I have Mr. Shortcake on the hunt for Red Raspberry Leaf tea (uterine tonic, safe during pregnancy) as well. I feel like I'm the Little Engine That Could.

So even if my body is "Stuck" and "Tired," and my mind is "Sick" and "Tired"... chant with me now,

I Think I Can

I Think I Can

I KNOW I Can.

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 p.s. If any of you are on a TTC journey, make sure to check that quiz out!