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Thin uterine lining

What is the endometrium or uterine lining? 

The endometrium, or uterine lining is the innermost layer of the uterus. Each month at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, this lining is shed via the vagina (aka your period). 

Leading up to ovulation the uterine lining begins to build up again in expectation of a potential pregnancy. The hormone estrogen is vital to the formation of a healthy endometrium.

Following ovulation and until menstruation, the endometrium begins to secrete essential nutrients and fluids needed to nourish an embryo and prevent the endometrium from breaking down.

Why is the endometrium (uterine lining) so important for conception? 

When you get pregnant, the uterine lining remains in place and the tiny growing embryo embeds itself into this lining approximately five or six days after conception. This process is known as implantation. A thick and healthy endometrium is crucial for a pregnancy. Think of a seed in the ground, it can only grow if it has a continued supply of water, sunlight, nutrients, etc. In the same way, a growing embryo is 

However, in some cases, the lining is too thin which can prevent pregnancy. If you’re having medical check-ups, the uterine lining thickness will be one of the things they will check via ultrasound along with how many follicles are growing on your ovaries.

What is a normal uterine lining thickness? 

Ideally, the uterine lining will be 7-8 mm thick for successful implantation of a foetus. When the lining is thin, usually less than 7mm, the body cannot sustain an embryo and a growing foetus.

What causes a thin uterine lining? 

  • Past operations including a D&C following miscarriage
  • Bacterial or viral Infections that have damaged the uterine lining
  • Uterine fibroids 
  • Low oestregen levels: oestregen is one of the reproductive hormones that helps build the uterine lining. If your oestrogen levels are too low, that could be the cause of a thin uterine lining.
  • Lack of blood flow to the uterus: part of the process of building the uterine lining involves increased blood flow to the uterus carrying nutrients, hormones and oxygen. 
  • Repeated use of the fertility drug Clomid is known to negatively impact endometrial thickness
  • Long-term use of birth control pills is also suspected to temporarily cause thin endometrium 
  • A history of anorexia (low body mass index) may affect the endometrial lining

Will a thin uterine lining always prevent pregnancy? 

For some women, a thin uterine lining is a natural state for them and they are still able to conceive and carry a full term pregnancy.  For other women, it can be a contributing factor to fertility issues. 

In order to grow a thick endometrial lining, the uterus requires a good supply of blood. Improving blood flow to the uterus with womb massage can help increase your chances of a healthy conception and pregnancy.

What can help improve the uterine lining?

I use a combination of abdominal and back massage known as Sobada ( often nicknamed womb or uterine massage) which can thicken the uterine lining by improving blood flow to the uterus. I combine the Sobada treatment with reflexology in order to balance the body and encourage your body to produce a thicker uterine lining. 

Sobada can be helpful for women who have had surgery that damaged the uterine lining and also in cases where there is no known cause for the thin uterine lining. 

Some women respond very quickly to treatment and see a measurable improvement within the first month following treatment. In other cases, longer treatment is required.

What else can help improve your uterine lining: 

Nutrition: Good general nutrition (a variety of fruit and vegetables every day, good quality protein and unprocessed carbohydrates) will help. Eating beetroot on a daily basis is also known to improve the uterine lining. 

Exercise: Regular moderate exercise to improve blood flow to your reproductive organs. This is especially important in this day and age when most people are sitting at desks or not moving much throughout their workday. 

Brisk walks, easy bike rides, gentle yoga classes are all great ways to get your blood pumping. You can do this type of exercise several times a week without putting too much stress on your body. Ideally, you will find an exercise you enjoy doing so it feels pleasurable and not like a chore. 

Eliminate or limit substances which may restrict blood flow. Caffeine and nicotine are not good for your circulation. Find support so you can quit smoking and cut back on coffee and other caffeinated drinks to one cup a day.

I’m a holistic therapist and I am here to help you!

 

I love helping women to overcome their fertility challenges and other issues related to your cycles, pregnancy, periods and/or anxiety. 

I treat women with abdominal and womb massage techniques known as Sobada (formally the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage) and reflexology.

I’m also an Advanced EFT Tapping practitioner and I work with women in particular issues around anxiety, depression, stress levels. 

I teach Fertility Awareness to help women better know their bodies and improve their chances of conceiving or prevent pregnancy naturally.     

I live in Modi’in, Israel and that’s where I spend my days helping women during their fertile years, pregnancy, menopause and other hormonal conditions. Bodywork sessions (massage and reflexology take place in my clinic in Modi’in but EFT Tapping sessions and Fertility Awareness education can take place online or in person).

Learn more about working with me here.

Testimonials

I went through such a journey with Annette. I came here because i couldn’t get pregnant. During the process of healing a lot of pain, I fell pregnant and gave birth to a wonderful son. 

I came back to Annette again after the birth for some peace and quiet and an hour to myself once a week which allowed me to feel more present also at home. 

Annette is a wonderful person. She is so present and is wonderful at holding space and she brings healing in a simple and easy way which is really amazing and shouldn’t be taken for granted. 

I feel like every woman needs a space where she is able to heal herself and give herself an hour of peace, quiet, love and for me Annette is the perfect address. 

A huge thank you and so much appreciation that I came to you and gave myself these treatments. 


Sveta, Rehovot

Dear Annette, there are no words to thank you and appreciate you enough for everything you have done for us. Because of you we were able to bring life to the world and we will always be so appreciative to you. Wishing you and your family a wonderful year with blessing, health, happiness and joy.

Ya’ara and family, Modi'in

Annette, I came to you after a recommendation from a friend because I was feeling stressed about not falling pregnant. After two treatment I was pregnant! After each treatment, I had a feeling of energy, relaxation and quiet.

Naomi, Modi’in

I went to see Annette because we had problems conceiving. I really enjoyed the treatments, especially her kindness, her true desire to help and her optimism that we can succeed. Arvigo treatments are the best. As a result of the treatments my period has stabilised and we are ready for the new baby 🙂 . I've already recommended it to a couple of friends who have fertility problems. I think that the chances are high and it's not painful and absolutely natural. 

Elena, Modi’in

I went to Annette for treatment because of very painful periods and general stress. Her treatments (Sobada and reflexology) relaxed me and there has been a significant reduction in pain when I get my period. I would recommend Annette’s treatments. The self-care treatment she taught me to do at home lets me relax and connect with my body. This time out itself is helpful in addition to the massage which touched all the right spots. Really effective and worthwhile. Thank you!

N.C., Modi'in

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