By increasing the luteinizing hormone, ovulation is promoted, and progesterone levels are improved as a result. Due to the properties that enable the herb to boost progesterone levels, it can be very helpful in preventing miscarriages. Vitex or chasteberry increases luteinizing hormone and inhibits the release of follicle stimulating hormone, which thus boosts the levels of progesterone production and improves the chances of getting pregnant and maintaining the pregnancy.
Though the prolactin hormone stimulates milk production and promotes breast growth during pregnancy, high levels of it are linked to fertility issues. High levels of prolactin can also lead to hyperprolactinemia in women, which can lead to problems in conceiving. Vitex can decrease the levels of prolactin being produced in the body, and increase your chances of pregnancy. Vitex also helps normalize menorrhagia heavy menstrual flow and amenorrhea absent menses , and decreases polymenorrhea very frequent periods.
As it is capable of reducing inflammation of the uterus or the ovaries, it works well for women who are prone to painful fibroids and cysts. Herbal remedies take their own time to show results, but when you do start seeing them, they are long-lasting. Also, these herbs have fewer side effects. Vitex works in such a manner. Here is how to take Vitex for fertility and to regulate the menstrual cycle:.
In order to give the herb some time to optimize the hormonal levels, it is best to begin taking it three months before you would like to conceive. The time can be utilized to slowly change your diet, if needed, and develop healthy eating habits. A balanced diet along with this herb can help you conceive and maintain your pregnancy. You will need to take the herb for at least six months to regulate your menstrual cycle.
After six months, it is recommended that you evaluate your condition and see for any kind of improvement. If there is no improvement, take a break for a month and then continue to take the herb.
To see the best results, take Vitex on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. When taking the capsules, start with a dosage of 20 mg per day. If you are taking the tincture, go for about 60 drops a day. The last half of the cycle or the luteal phase is the period between ovulation and the beginning of the next menstrual cycle. This is often the best time to take this herb. However, some women can also take the herb throughout the month. You will have to take the herb for at least three months to notice any changes.
It may work slower than usual in some women, hence, they may have to take it for up to six months to see any changes. Vitex comes in numerous forms like dried herbs, capsules, and tincture. It seems to be getting lighter but was so heavy to the point I was using pantie liners never had that before! Is this normal? I started taking Vitex November 9th and started my spotting on November 22, My partner and I had intercourse prior to me knowing that it was going to spot and i immediately thought i started my period but since then it has been spotting only, i do have PCOS and havent had my cycle in about 3months.
So my question is, is the spotting a result of the medicine working and if i continue to take vitex will it be a real full period? My best advice, especially with PCOS, is to work with a practitioner to help you balance your hormones. I have high prolactin levels which has caused me to have infertility and I read that Vitex helps. Is that true? Hi there, Quick question I have been ttc for over a year now following a missed misscarige last December. I have been to a fertility clinic and am being told I have higher fsh levels and low AMH.
My fsh is only at 13 not sure what my AMH levels are just that they are low. My question is will taking Vitex work for me to conceive a child. I have pretty regular periods ranging from 25 to 29 days. I went to see a naturopath who recommended I Take vitex to help me conceive.
And if I do get pregnant how do I wean off of it? Thanks so much. Hi Bethany, vitex alone is not a magic pill. It may help regulate FSH, but that effect could differ from person to person. It can certainly help. Hi am 22 have not seen my period for one year now have taken combination 3 for two months but still the period did not come…Am spotting two days ago I started taking levofem can I take the vitex along side the levofem.
Hi, I am currently 38 weeks pregnant. I am wanting to start taking vitex and Maca root after the baby is born to help aid in hormonal re-balance. I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism from a previous pregnancy.
How soon can I start taking these? Does it affect milk production or any other factors that the baby may need? Hi Mary Vance. I have been taking Vitex for about 2 years I was doing a break every 4 months. The packaging said I should take mg capsule morning and evening. But some companies only recommend taking mg in the morning.
But 2 months ago it stopped working. I have done blood tests and the result is hyperprolactinemia ng — this is during my 1-month break. I do not have pituitary tumor. What would be the best dose?
I had two normal cycles and I started Vitex this current cycle. The very following day, I had severe cramping and spotting which turned to the heaviest bleeding I have ever experienced in my life, including the biggest clots I have ever passed.. I have never had mid-cycle bleeding before. I have never had such pain around ovulation.
With that said, yes, correlation does not equal causation and it may just be that I started Vitex at the same time the symptoms started and something else is causing the heavy mid-cycle bleed. However, after doing a lot of digging around, it appears that Vitex is extremely powerful and should be used with caution.
It is potent and can work wonders for some people, but I believe they need more understanding on how exactly it affects our bodies and a sound body of literature supporting its use.
Just a thought? Shannan, there are quite a few clinical trials on the efficacy of vitex in treating menstrual disorders, PMS, etc; however, herbs are very strong and affect everyone differently. Hi, can you take Vitex mg and supplement with Progesterone cream post ovulation for short luteal phase? Mira, yes you can take progesterone and vitex together but please make sure and monitor your hormone levels via testing.
Hi Mary. Since the procedure my periods begin with 3 days of spotting, followed by 4 days of light bleeding, the finally my period which last 5 more days for a total of 12 days of bleeding. My husband and I are trying to conceive, which we did 3 years ago but ended up being ectopic. Do you think Vitex can be a solution to this irregular bleeding? I also want to add other symptoms of low libedo and vaginal dryness at sometimes and heavy bleeding for the first 3 days of my cycle.
You should also do a full thyroid panel. Hi… thanks for great article. I am Stopped breast feeding 8 months back and since then my periods are not regular, rather missing. So I visit my ob and she did some test, my LH is high. I was reading about this and came to know about Vitex. Would you recommend me to start it. I have never ever used contraceptive pills in my life, I have right weight and I eat very healthy and clean.
Sk, I cannot make any recommendations to you unless you are a client of mine and i know your health history. Hi Mary, I was taking vitex mg per day for almost 3 months and got pregnant. I went for my 7 week ultrasound followed by a 9 week ultrasound and no heartbeat was detected at either time. Is this possible? I also have controlled hypothyroidism and take levoxyl daily. Also, I plan to start it again, so would you recommend stop taking it all together once getting a positive pregnancy test or weaning off of it and with what kind of tapering dosage?
I was diagnosed with pcos by the looks of my ovaries, no blood tests but I was hoping this would help since I was completely fine with quite regular 30ish day cycles before I went on the pill. Liza, the only way to know would be to monitor your blood work you can order your own on Direct Labs and how you feel. My name is Cynthia I started taking Vitex yesterday and today I am bleeding is this normal? Also, I started taking it to help with my menstrual cycle always so heavy, plus I have fibroids.
I hope this will help with my cycle. But, I would love to give my husband a child. I am using vitex for 3 months now bc i stopped the pill and my cylcle was a mess, in the first 2 months my cycle was ok but nothing happened in my skin which was my prior with vitex now in the third month my cycle is super late but my skin is cleared, so..
Hi Mariana, yes, it may take vitex months to work, but if it works for you, you should notice improvements after 3 months. Does Vitex cause mid-cycle spotting or bleeding at first? Is this normal or should I be concerned? Hi Monica, no, it should not cause spotting, but everyone responds differently. It may take a few months to adjust.
Or if you have PCOS, it may exacerbate symptoms. My AMH is low,irregular periods. Can u please tell me how much mg capsule I have to take? I have read that different dosages have different effects and that high dosage can actually have bad effects. Now I have been on gaia for 3 days but the information on internet scares me.
It says dosages of mg are used to increase progesterone… So what should I take? I have been dealing with luteal phase defect since August following getting off birth control May It is characterized by spotting anywhere between days before getting my period since getting of BC, my cycles were always days long, but have improved in the past months with days long.
I had extensive blood testing for thyroid done in February due to Hoshimotos running in my family, and all is good except for slightly elevated antibodies. I have been working with 2 functional medicine doctors, one who pushes chaste tree and does not like progesterone, and the other who recommends a natural progesterone.
Thank you for your input! Hi Erika, I do not personally recommend progesterone and vitex together. I have started the gaia vitex. I am only on day 2 and I feel exhausted and fatigued. It is mg and I think it is too much for me.. How can I take less of this to balance it out. Hi Lindsay, yes, as mentioned in the article, you take vitex daily.
Discontinue if you become pregnant. Do you recommend to wait a little bit and then start taking Vitex? Hi Kristin, although rare, anyone can have a reaction to vitex or any herb.
When it comes to vitex can you take this pill long term, I know you you can take breaks during your period cycle and then back on but am I able to stay on this pill for years or is that bad for your body?
Caite, I address this question in the article. The herb may lose effectiveness after 6 months, but it depends on the person. There is more info toward the end of this post if you go back and re-read. Your email address will not be published.
Welcome to my site! I am a holistic nutrition consultant based in California, though I work with clients all over the world. I love houseplants, dogs, snow sports, the Golden Girls, and 90s hip hop. I specialize in women's health dudes, you're welcome here too! You'll find what you need to feel better here! Please stay a while and look around.
Leave your comments on my posts or contact page ; I'd love to hear from you! Candida MasterClass open for enrollment Kick candida for good! Enroll Now. Benefits of Vitex Lengthen cycles that have a short luteal phase. The luteal phase is the second half of your cycle when ovulation stimulates progesterone production.
Vitex increases luteinizing hormone LH which promotes ovulation, in turn boosting progesterone levels during the luteal phase of the cycle. Useful for women who have cycles shorter than 28 days. Increase progesterone levels for optimal fertility.
As mentioned, vitex stimulates LH and also supports production of the corpus luteum that secretes progesterone. Progesterone makes the lining of the uterus thick for implantation and is necessary to sustain a healthy pregnancy.
Vitex is a great way to balance cycles and optimize progesterone levels to prepare for pregnancy. May help prevent miscarriage due to progesterone boosting properties. Use to re-establish cycles after transitioning off hormonal birth control. Works especially well with amenorrhea post-pill. I myself used vitex in my 20s after my period was absent for nearly a year after stopping hormonal birth control, and it worked quickly and beautifully!
Balance menstrual cycles. Vitex not only works to lengthen the luteal phase; it can also be used to normalize irregular menses. Vitex can help milk production. Fenugreek works well here too. May reduce uterine cysts, fibroids, endometriosis. Who Should Not Take Vitex Do not take vitex if you are on hormonal birth control, though you can start it soon after you stop. Do not use vitex along with fertility treatments or IVF.
Do not use vitex if you are 18 and under. Mary Vance, NC. You might also like: No related posts. Katie on 5 November, at am. Now I use the Gaia capsules. Michelle on 18 March, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 19 March, at am. Nicole on 25 April, at am. Mary Vance, NC on 25 April, at pm. Melissa on 31 August, at pm. Catherine Esser on 31 August, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 1 September, at pm. Alexandria on 5 September, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 7 September, at pm.
Shauncia on 30 September, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 30 September, at pm. Maria on 30 September, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 1 October, at pm. It can take up to 3 months for vitex to start working. Lai on 16 October, at am. Mary Vance, NC on 16 October, at pm. I have only used and recommended Gaia vitex and have gotten the best results using that. Shauncia on 16 October, at pm. Rebecca on 22 October, at am. Heather on 24 October, at pm.
Mary Vance, NC on 25 October, at pm. Katy de Jonge on 28 November, at am. Mary Vance, NC on 28 November, at pm. Dani on 2 January, at am. Hi Mary, I came across your site and I also am coming up on a year of no period due to post pill amenorrhea. Mary Vance, NC on 2 January, at pm. Brittney on 10 January, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 12 January, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 15 February, at pm.
Agustina on 16 February, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 17 February, at pm. While that is a correct assumption, it works best if taken every day for a period of months. Anushi on 16 March, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 16 March, at pm. Lynne on 17 March, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 19 March, at pm. Addie on 29 March, at am. Mary on 16 April, at pm. Hi, can I use vitex with multivitamin. Mary Vance, NC on 17 April, at pm. Yes, you can take vitex with a multi. Melany on 22 April, at pm.
Mary Vance, NC on 26 April, at am. Yes, but make sure to check with your doctor. Kate on 29 April, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 5 May, at am.
Kate, yes, you might try using a combo of vitex and DIM. Zibiscus on 7 May, at am. Juli on 10 May, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 16 May, at pm. You can start taking it at any time during your cycle. Sharon Harsch on 23 May, at am. Mary Vance, NC on 24 May, at pm.
Grace on 1 June, at am. Mary Vance, NC on 4 June, at pm. Lynda B on 12 June, at pm. Tammy on 5 July, at am. Kari on 12 July, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 14 July, at pm. Mandy Martin on 17 July, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 17 July, at pm. Maria A. Ramirez on 7 August, at am. Mary Vance, NC on 7 August, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 9 August, at am. Katrina Bernal on 22 August, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 23 August, at am. Hi, hello Is it safe to carry on using vitex during pregnancy?
Mary Vance, NC on 25 August, at am. No, vitex is not safe for pregnancy. Jacinta on 28 August, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 28 August, at pm. Kelia on 11 September, at am. Mary Vance, NC on 12 September, at am. Erica on 14 September, at am. Sarah webster on 20 September, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 21 September, at pm. Can someone between the ages of years conceive using vitex supplement?
Mary Vance, NC on 28 September, at pm. Your chance of conceiving at age 49 is less than 1 percent. Read the post.
There are clear directions. Gina on 1 October, at am. Hi, I purchased mg Vitex Whole Foods brand. Tammy on 19 October, at pm. Emily F on 20 October, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 22 October, at am. Thanks for sharing, Emily, and congrats! Kim on 5 November, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 6 November, at pm.
Adina on 10 November, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 11 November, at pm. Miriam on 20 November, at am. Svetlana on 20 November, at pm. Hello, I would be happy to get some advice. Mary Vance, NC on 20 November, at pm. There are directions on how to use vitex in the post.
Laurel on 22 November, at pm. Helpful, thanks. Lottie on 2 December, at pm. Madison on 6 December, at pm. Esther on 16 December, at pm. MrsW on 21 December, at pm.
Shantel on 27 December, at pm. I just started vitex and im 3 dpo it wont bring on my period and mess with my ovulation will it? Mary Vance, NC on 27 December, at pm. Shantel, no, it should not. Sarah on 22 January, at pm. Thank you for a super helpful article! Supriya on 29 January, at pm.
Thanks in advance Supriya. Mary Vance, NC on 29 January, at pm. Supriya, you would need to ask your doctor about this. Sumathy Suppiah on 13 February, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 13 February, at pm. DJVW on 26 February, at am. Also if it is just mg will taking one tablet daily be effective?
Mary Vance, NC on 26 February, at pm. Edie on 14 March, at am. Mary Vance, NC on 14 March, at pm. Edie, vitex will not adversely affect estrogen levels. Gina H on 14 March, at pm. Neha on 16 March, at am.
Mary Vance, NC on 16 March, at am. D on 7 April, at am. Hello Mary. Mary Vance, NC on 9 April, at pm. Dottie Williams on 10 April, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 10 April, at pm. Leanne on 15 April, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 16 April, at pm. Gemma Wickens on 18 April, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 18 April, at pm.
Gemma, it usually takes about 3 months for it to start working. Ashleen on 22 April, at am. Mary Vance, NC on 22 April, at pm. Yes, Ashleen, you can take it continuously. Margaret on 11 May, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 14 May, at pm.
Candice on 20 May, at am. Masodda on 20 May, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 21 May, at pm. Masodda, You should not use vitex with hormonal birth control. Julie on 30 May, at pm. Mary Vance, NC on 30 May, at pm. I will be turning 34 soon, and the 12th week wherein there will ve no more depo at injection site will b the 25 July…please advise further. I googled side effects of qlaira and dont think this would apply to me..
I also have a history of pcos and I was on qlaira for 5 years to address this. Please I would be very greatfil for your input. Lara, thank you for your wealth of information!!
I actually do the 25 on and one week off, method it actually has been helping me tremendously! Dear Lara, regarding high prolactin, do you have any opinions about the treatment with cabergoline? My doctor prescribed me 0,25mg of cabergoline half pill per week for 6 months. I went to your book to check what do you prescribe for high prolactin and found vitex, so I wonder if you know about any cons of cabergoline. I am currently on a 1mg troche of testosterone per day.
Can I use Vitex while taking the testosterone? I took agnucaston just a month bass on irregular menstration. I got some relief from it during meno and had more recently tried taking just a small pinch of dried whole berries daily less has always seemed like more with this herb.
Is it still nourishing to the pituitary gland? Is It vitex combinable with Mirena iud? I have endometriosis and adeno and I have a pelvic cronic pain diary, so my gino recommends It for me.
Please see my post Endometriosis? Treat the immune system. I am wondering if Vitex would be a good addition to my regimen to naturally increase progesterone? If so, how would I take it in combination with the DIM? I did my research on natural remedies for my period that are kidney friendly and I stumbled upon Vitex. I asked my dr about it and she told me to give it a try.
Is there any other advice you could give me. I started Vitex because I have high prolactin and struggle with insomnia from time to time. Vitex seemed like the perfect solution — lower prolactin and help with sleep, but my insomnia has gotten much worse. Do you think it could be the Vitex, or would it be unrelated? I am a bit confused about what u said that vitex lowers prolactin, thereby increasing progesterone. Whereas, I have read in other articles that reducing prolactin increases oestrogen.?
Also, I have read conflicting info about Shatavari which I am going to try taking soon. Its all a bit confusing when trying to increase my oestrogen levels…i am looking for a herb that does so. If u can clarify at all,iwoild be grateful.!
I have irregular periods, my average cycle length is 57 days long according to my period tracker. But many months I go without having a cycle, then when it does come it can last anywhere from a few days to literally a few months. I did not have issues with migraine and nausea before. Is is worth continuing the treatment? Is it one of those treatments that you feel worse before getting better?
I am trying to lower my prolactine naturally by using the following herbs, roots and vitamins and minerals:. I am taking them all in liquid tincture form for best possible potency. In addition, I am taking vitex in tablet form in addition to the vitex liquid. I was wondering if that is ok. Dear Lara, I have high levels of prolaction around range , have regular periods of around days. I am 37 and planning for a pregrancy this summer.
My latest 2nd day LH was Which would defeat the purpose of Vitex. I started vitex for regulating my periods. I am now pregnant. Should I stop taking vitex immediately or wean it off slowly?
Or is it ok to keep taking it though out pregnancy? I am scared if i stop it abruptly I might have a miscarriage Please help. I did the same and weaned off slowly. Go down to 1 pill for a week, then every other day, then every 2 days, then stop. I also got a small dose progesterone pill prescribed by doctor to take through 14 weeks, as I was nervous. We both have low iron stores and are taking an iron supplement. My 16yr old daughter was born with a completely non-functioning pituitary gland and therefore is supplemented artificially with prescription medication.
I think we might need your book. Please I need your help!!! I suffered a brain injury years ago and after my doctor gave me a strong detox supplement called glutathione last year, I experienced massive hemorrhaging and still hemorrhaging to this day. I took that back in June Enough to fill up my long pads stacked on top of each other. I am anemic so I am close to a blood transfusion with dizziness and heart palps.
My condition further deteriorated after a month of high dose birth control back in August First they gave me Prometrium to try but I woke up with the worst hot flash in the world, like I was on fire inside.
I am only alive right now because of traditional acupuncture used to stop the bleed each month. Without it I would bleed for months on end with nonstop. There was no sign of it stopping when I entered her office in desperation last year. Right now progesterone levels is almost none existent at 0. So I am estrogen dominant but low in hormones?? Is it possible that Vitex can make things worse?? I am scared to give it a try but at the same time, I also dont have other options. What is wrong with me?
My system was already screwed up from that brain injury and its like the glutathione was the straw that broke the camels back. Should I try Vitex or give it a few more months for body to rectify itself? Please help…forever grateful. I forgot to add, I only turned 35 last year and my periods were improving before the glutathione mess. After the one month use of high dose birth control pills to stop bleeding, my prolactin was elevated but it has now gone back to 8.
It appears the birth control pills may have shut down my own production of hormones? Or maybe the glutathione caused them to be low?? Lol get educated. I know this is a late response, but for anyone else reading it and wondering the same thing, I take Vitex for long, very heavy periods, and it helps. Weird but true. My 14 year old daughter has had heavy and very, very long periods, more often menstruating than not, since she began at age She has taken chaste tree tablets which help a small amount.
She has been checked for medical issues and none have been found. The only suggestions are for her to take the pill or the Mirena IUD. My question is whether there are other supplements and which form and brand of chaste tree is best for a teen?
I wondered it this applies to post menopausal women with a mirena fitted but not on any oral HRT.? Thank you Lara. Any tips on how post menopausal women can boost their progesterone levels? Wanting to avoid oral HRT if all possible. Wondered if topical form was worth considering….. I have taken agnus castes daily for five years. I have had the progesterone Mirena coil for the past three. Do you think I should stop the agnus castus? I never take a break from it and have a few quite major hormonal issues.
Hi Lara I have a 43 days cycle. And irregular cycles. Recently i have started vitex for 25 days and not much effects until i decided to have a 5 days off and i started to get headaches and tiredness. But no period on the day 43 day.
Should i continue after the 5 days or should i stop. I saw signs of ovulation after i stop the vitex. Is it works for me or i should stop? When can I get my period back? I am still breastfeeding my 16 month old. Is it safe to take Vitex? Will it dry up my milk. I have used it once before to resolve estrogen dominance with great success. I have a short cycle now, too, at days. My daughter is 16 and taking vitex. She is taking it to manage extreme menstrual pain.
Is there anything else that I can give her that will help them. I dont want to put her in the pill. But she is in terrible pain the first day. What would be the best dosage of Vitex per day? I am taking it for unexplained fertility, though my cycles and ovulation are regular every month. I do however experience about two days of spotting each month before the start of my period. I just started taking Agnucaston about 10 days ago, which is 4mg of chaste tree powder per day.
Is this a sufficient dosage? I just started taking Vitex today and I have been using a natural progesterone cream, can I still take Vitex? While using vitex you should stop using progesterone. Hello dear Laura, Happy New Year!!! I have taken four month Vitex, for ovulation reasons, and PMS symptoms.
But i still experience issues with pms, insomnia, irritability, headaches. I also take other supplements recommended by you from magnesium, to B6, to zinc, to ashwaganda, iodine. I see some improvements of course, not major, but still. My question-i want to do another four month with Vitex …what is your suggestion? I forgot to mention, that my prolactin levels has been high in the past i was diagnosed with pituitary adenoma.
NOw i am glad i found you, and have your book, Last year i had blood test done, it was couple of days before my period, and prolactin was a but high. Thats when i started my four months Vitex treatment. But during period i am usually calm. This time was worse! ELI — Yes, Dr. My gyn just prescribed lo dose bc pill for peri symptoms all related to mood. My thyroid tested normal, no hormone levels taken. Will vitex alleviate mood swings in peri? I also read about progesterone cream but am not schedule oriented enough to remember when and when not to use.
Read Rescue Prescription for Perimenopause. I have been giving vitex to my 12 year old who started her period 6 months ago. Her period was previously heavy flow and terrible cramps, acne and pms. With vitex, her acne improves and her period gets lighter, and little cramps. But, she would spot in between cycles while on vitex.
Should I stop giving her vitex? What other supplements would you recommend for terrible cramps and pms? I appreciate your advice. I am 33 years old. My husband and I have been trying to have children for over a year now with no success. A friend of mine suggested taking Vitex. I took mg everyday as suggested on the bottle for 4 months. My period has never been regular but I also wouldnt say irregular either.
I noticed during this time my period was very erratic, I developed several lumps on my breast, my mood seemed depressed and also got headaches. I have been off for close to three months now and have been on my period for almost three weeks now. However the lumps have gone away and headaches are gone as well. Any suggestions? Thank you for your response. I think I have post pill pcos. My cycle before the pill came every month. Now I am married and wanting to start having kids soon.
Would it be okay to take vitex with the other supplements? I have been taking it for 2. Should I stop taking it completely now or wean off slowly? Hi I have been taking vitex for two weeks and was due for my period 3 days ago as my cycle is usually 28 days. I feel a total difference in my cognitive activity and mood.
My dose is mg 1x per day, is this too high? Is it ok to take Vitex and a prenatal vitamin at the same time? I was just recommend to give vitex to my 14 yr old girl. She has not yet started menstruation and her emotions are so low, she is so sad and frustrated. Is there something safer for her to take to balance her hormone ups and downs?
She has a healthy diet and takes a teen vitamin, fish oil and probiotics at present. I took Vitex for a while and loved it! Working on it though. I am perimenopausal and recently ws referred to a gyno for an ovarian cyst with septum which she wanted to remove but I asked for a couple of months as I knew it would go. Also had alot of bleeding and clots every few months. That knocked me around quite a bit. An ECG revealed a reading which they said usually had to do with medicines or supplements..
Im not sure now if I should continue with supplements and if vitex is good in my situation. My gp did prescribe bioidenticle progesterone on my request but I havent started yet as I thought Id like the iron infusion to work properly before I have another bleed…..
Is there anything I can do to avoid this? Hi I just ordered your book.. Good morning Lara, What is the dosage of Vitex you recommend for irregular too often period?
I take it as prescribed 2 capsules in the morning on empty stomach mg capsule, 3 mg agnuside. Been taking it for a couple of months and so far and had two periods in the last month…Should I reduce the dosage?
Or keep taking it as it starts working when taken during longer chunks of time? Thanks a lot in advance! A lot of people in the PCOS community use it. Hope that helps! I got spotting a week after period finished. I just requested my library carry this! I have been on vitex since I read it in your book more than 2 years ago. My problem is I simply cant stop taking it because half my hair falls out back and temples 3 months after stopping- every time!
Vitex gave me immediate relief first time i started taking it, pms dissapeared completely. I dont know what to do! I am so afraid of loosing my hair again.
All symtoms reappear as well.. Have you had patients like me? What do you tell them to do? Please help me! I started Vitex to help increase my luteal phase I normally start spotting days post O. I took my first dose on day 5 and ovulated on day I started spotting on day 22 only 6 days after O. Feeling a little discouraged and wondering if this is normal for the first cycle using Vitex or if this is a sign that it might not be for me. Would love any input!! I have a history of 2 year post pill amenorrhea.
Last year I began working with my GP, a gynaecologist and a fertility naturopath to try and solve it. I have tried a whole bunch of different treatments, none of which brought on my period naturally. During this time I did have withdrawal bleeds. I have just finished my period on the last of this pill pack and I want to try and get things going naturally again.
How long should I wait to start taking vitex? In theory, it should be fine to combine chaste tree vitex and natural progesterone capsules. Another good option for breast pain is iodine. Please read Why I prescribe iodine for breast pain. So I started using vitex because a friend said it worked for hormonal headaches. Anyways with in that week and a half There were activities in the bedroom? I want to take Vitex to get my period back.
I havent had my period for almost 12 years now. I have used Nuvaring for 14 years and my period just disappeared while I was using it. Before that, when I was 16, my period also disappeared for a couple of years and my gynecologist gave me progesterona.
At the moment I am I stopped using Nuvaring last january and I started yesterday with Vitex, one table a day before breakfast. I could have 2 tablets too, should I do that? I thought it was good starting slow. I am treating that too through diet and antifungals. I think not sure about this my candida has spread to my vagina but I dont have symptoms there, just a little bit of white discharge sometimes, it doesnt smell and it is not itchy.
Somehow I think it could help solving my candida problem. What about Vitex and endometriosis? Also what do you think about low AMH levels and taking Vitex? I am a month post birth and want to regain my fertility. I am breast feeding? Will vitex help me regain my fertility when breast feeding? Age is a factor for me so wanting to get pregnant again as soon as possible.
Hi there, thanks this has been a very useful article for me. I have been taking this herb for two years now to help manage pms, and it worked. However is seems perhaps I need to stop from what i have read. What has been your experience of Vitex and helping with PMS? I also gained belly fat — about 10 pounds in 1 month from Vitex.
I hope so for you, too! I got it from a naturopathic dr. On one of your posts I read how much and the strength of the Vitex to take…. You are not kind. I have sent an email and i was told to ask my questions through your blog. I did, I asked my question on July5, just gave up waiting for your answer. Very disappointed. OPKs were all negative and I had an ultrasound done yesterday which confirmed that ovulation did not happen.
I stopped taking it 4 days ago. Can you please tell me what is going to happen now? Will I eventually ovulate? Will my periods go back to normal? I cannot find any answers to these questions online and I am making myself physically ill with worry. Messing up my cycle was the last thing i needed while TTC! I really need your advice. I am a 30 year old female.
My cycles are usually regular but I get bad PMS bloating, cramps, breast pain fatigue. I started taking vitex on August 8th this month. I quit taking the vitex a few days ago because I read how other women took vitex and it delayed or stopped their period. I really hope my cycle will go back to normal. Please advise on what I should do. Can you please tell me if there have been any updates about your issue?
Hoping to hear from you! Is this normal? Should I cut the dose in half? I have low progesterone and trying to lengthen luteal phase in hopes of getting pregnant. I take Vitex for PMS and it has definitely helped eliminate breast tenderness and reduce the duration and intensity of my menstrual cramps.
My mood before my period is still a bit anxious and irritable, but can also include sadness and crying. Anyway, my question is: Should people who are taking Vitex for these reasons also be taking a break from it as you recommended for people using it to regulate their cycles?
If so, what is your recommendation? For PMS relief and breast tenderness. I ask my patients to stop it for a month every ten months or so, just to avoid any long-term attenuation of its effect. My cycles are between days. My period only lasts 3 days.
I have terrible PMS about 10 days before my period starts. We would like to have another child too. I would say that Vitex is not strong enough for perimenopause. Please see the perimenopause chapter in Period Repair Manual for details about dairy-free diet, turmeric, calcium-d-glucarate, and micronized progesterone capsules.
Hi Dr Briden, I have a PCOS diagnosis but have successfully been pregnant and given birth to two babies while taking Vitex before I knew it might not be the best choice! We are now TTC again and struggling. My latest blood test showed a Lh to fsh ratio. Would it be a good idea to avoid Vitex this time around? I did not continue taking it throughout the pregnancies! This is so interesting!! Do I ever need to re start taking it?
Why do I still have acne? What do you recommend doing for pcos? Hello and thank you for your work and the important information in your books and blog. Then I took Vitex in the afternoon and returned to my normal relaxed state.
Could missing the pill in the morning be a reason for that? Is there a dependency on opioid-like effect of it? Thank you very much! Hi Lara, Thank you for your website. I am taking tamoxifen for breast cancer and it has caused me to only have my period every days, which is causing other problems like a thickened lining.
Can I take Vitex to try to have a period? Thanks for your help, Caroline. Dear Lara, Thank you for the helpful information. I am on tamoxifen for breast cancer and it has caused my periods to only occur every 90 days or so, which is causing other problems such as thickened uterine lining.
Can I take Vitex to try to have a period again? Thank you for your help! Hi Caroline, Vitex would not be able to overcome the effects of tamoxifen. Also, Vitex could potentially increase estrogen, so you should check with your doctor before taking it. I am 46 and have been confirmed as going through peri menopause.
Ive had a bad month as i have very low mood,bloating and had a 14 day period it stopped and started again even heavier. Ive taken Agnus Castus before ti regulate my period from 18 days to 25 but then stopped when i had spottine and have since read to have breaks now and then. Hi, if using Vitex for fertility to help ovulation and progesterone levels, is there an issue stopping it once you become pregnant, since it would have been potentially helping create progesterone which is needed to maintain pregnancy?
I am curious about this too, would be wonderfull if lara responds because i heard stories about people having miscarriages because the stopped vitex cold turkey… some women say they continued until 12 weeks and others lean off slowly after confirming pregnancy… whats your opinion dr lara?? Please advise! My integrative medicine doc has put my 16 year old on Vitex. It has helped tremendously.
Now I am scared bc I read that you say not to give to teens. Have I done permanent damage to her pituitary? My daughter got her period at Does the fact that she got it young mean it was already regulated or I have still done damage?
I am stopping her today after reading your information. And a HUGE thank you……. I have 3 girls…. My own perimenopausal problems! I am recommending your book to every mother I know with daughters and have become so passionate so am considering a career in helping other girls fix their periods before resorting to birth control.
Thank you!!!! Interesting article. What would be your advice on taking it after menopause? I am 52 and went through menopause about 2 years ago. Lara, thank you! Your knowledge helped me a lot both physically and mentally. I am in much better state but I still have couple questions and I appreciate your input.
I have fibroid and fibrocystic breast, no PCOS. My cycles are irregular, but after I started magnesium after your book, I got normal cycles these last couple months, hopefully it will continue. I have just started taking iodine supplement. I have also ordered zinc and rhoidola. I have started the iodine because my breast becomes so painful after ovulation until my period, and also want to use it as cancer prevention after reading your blog.
However, in your book you suggested iodine as an estrogen detoxifier. So my worry is can iodine make my estrogen level lower? What is your opinion on that?
Hi Lara, I have a question about vitex dosing. I am 18 months postpartum and started it about 25 days ago to start my period and assess severe PMDD. I am Pretty sure I just Ovulated. Should I take a 5 day break, or continue until my period comes, then take a 5 day break? You need to read carefully… she clearly says that the break should only be 5 days starting on the first day of your period… not before. Thank you so much for sharing this info!
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