What does vitex do for female fertility?
Vitex is one of the primary herbs to be considered for stimulating the ovary and encouraging ovulation, thus increasing progesterone secretion. It should be given in a 3 mL daily dose of a 1:3 extract. In the present study, Vitex probably increased the progesterone level and thereby regulated luteal phase dysfunction. Previous studies indicate that the extract of Vitex fruit regulates the imbalance in the levels of sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone in PMS.Women who produce high levels of prolactin, however, can experience a shorter luteal phase during menstruation, which makes it more difficult to become pregnant. Known to decrease the production of prolactin, vitex thereby helps to lengthen the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and improve the chances of conceiving.Scientific Evidence: Research shows that Vitex may boost fertility in women with luteal phase defects when the second half of the menstrual cycle is shorter. This can make conception more difficult. Studies suggest that Vitex reduces prolactin levels and lengthens the luteal phase, aiding fertility.Researchers believe that vitex works by decreasing levels of the hormone prolactin. This helps rebalance other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone — thus reducing PMS symptoms (4). In one study, women with PMS took Vitex agnus-castus during three consecutive menstrual cycles.
Can I conceive while taking vitex?
A 2019 study of 189 women with menstrual disorders showed that treatment with an herbal supplement containing vitex, maca (Lepidium mayenii), and folate helps regulate the menstrual cycle, stimulates ovulation, and increases the chances of getting pregnant. Vitex can promote ovulation and menstruation but does not work for everyone and can, in some cases, worsen PCOS. At the same time, vitex can relieve the androgen excess caused by high prolactin. Read 4 causes of androgen excess in women.This sounds like a perfect scenario for PCOS sufferers, but there’s a problem. Vitex can actually worsen PCOS for some because their LH levels are already high. If you know your LH level is high (if you don’t know, ask for a hormone panel blood test from your doctor), you should not use Vitex.
Can vitex work immediately?
It usually takes a few menstrual cycles of consistent use to notice Vitex working. Most women see some effect by about 3 months, and significant improvements by 6 months . Vitex is a slow-acting herb, so you won’t typically get immediate results. Some women even achieve pregnancy after a few months of Vitex (more on that below). In one study of women with fertility issues, those taking Vitex experienced improved hormonal balance after three months, and a notable percentage conceived during that time .
What to avoid while taking vitex?
Vitex. While delicious, it’s important to note that Vitex should not be taken with certain medications such as birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or fertility drugs such as clomiphene (Clomid). The main described target of Vitex agnus-castus is female reproduction. It can up-regulate ovarian cycle and fecundity via a wide spectrum of mediators from hypothalamic, pituitary and ovarian hormones up to intracellular regulators of proliferation, apoptosis, oxidation and dopamine receptors.Vitex is one of the primary herbs to be considered for stimulating the ovary and encouraging ovulation, thus increasing progesterone secretion.Vitex also blocks prolactin secretion in women with excessive levels of this hormone; excessive levels of prolactin can lead to breast tenderness and failure to ovulate.