Menstrual Cycle Problems and Infertility Helped by Chiropractic

The Asian-Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study in their third-quarter 2023 edition that documented a case of a woman suffering with menstrual cycle problems and infertility who was helped by chiropractic.

The study authors begin by noting that longer menstrual cycles are linked to increased pain and blood loss, low mood, increased anxiety, infertility, and poor sleep. A longer menstrual cycle can have far-reaching effects on a woman’s overall health and quality of life. The Mayo Clinic’s website reports that a normal menstrual cycle is between 21 and 35 days and normally lasts 2 to 7 days.

In this case, a 38-year-old woman went to see a chiropractor for help with multiple health issues. The woman was suffering with irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, as well as tension in her neck, shoulders, and low back. In addition to her main health concerns, the woman also noted that she was suffering from poor sleep, poor circulation, low energy, allergies, constipation, and symptoms relating to stress and anxiety.

The woman received a chiropractic examination which included a health history, spinal thermography, surface EMG, heart rate variability readings, orthopedic and neurological tests, and full spine x-rays. The results of the examination verified the presence of multiple vertebral subluxations.

According to the Sherman College of Chiropractic’s website, "A vertebral subluxation occurs when one or more vertebrae in the spine become misaligned, compressing spinal nerves and disturbing optimal nerve function. Chiropractic’s primary focus involves locating, analyzing and correcting these misalignments."

Specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were started at the rate of two visits per week for the first six weeks. After 12 visits, a re-evaluation was performed to compare the exam findings and the woman’s self-reported symptoms to prior to starting chiropractic care.

The results of the re-examination showed objective improvements in all the tests initially performed. The woman reported improvement in all her symptoms and her overall mood. In addition, the woman’s menstrual cycle had become more regular and decreased from 60-90 days prior to care, to a more normal 43-day cycle. The most profound result of this case, as noted by the study authors, was that the woman finally became pregnant.

The study authors summed up this case by stating, "Infertility is undoubtedly an emotive issue with the potential to contribute to psychological stress. In this case, subluxation-based care was directed at restoring optimal nervous system function, and was concomitant with a reduction in menstrual cycle length and immediately preceded the patient becoming pregnant."