Why is vitex good for PCOS?
Vitex agnus castus (Chaste Tree Berry) Hyperprolactinemia and an altered response to progesterone are also associated with PCOS201,202; therefore, the progestogenic activity of V. PCOS symptoms. Vitex agnus castus (chasteberry) is being studied for its use in balancing a woman’s hormonal system – and thereby boosting fertility for some women. While you don’t need a prescription to try it, you’ll want to work with your healthcare provider to find the right product and dosage.Don’t use it if you are trying to get pregnant, or are pregnant or breast-feeding. Hormone-sensitive conditions such as endometriosis; uterine fibroids; or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries: Vitex agnus-castus can affect hormones and might affect estrogen levels.
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). Vitex may improve female fertility due to its possible effect on prolactin levels ( 17 ). This may be especially true in women with luteal phase defect, or a shortened second half of the menstrual cycle. This disorder is linked to abnormally high prolactin levels and makes it difficult for women to become pregnant.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.Herbs may be used as hemostatics, progesterone production enhancers, and antiinflammatories in the reduction of PGE2. Vitex is one of the primary herbs to be considered for stimulating the ovary and encouraging ovulation, thus increasing progesterone secretion.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.
What are the negative side effects of vitex?
In general, Vitex is well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events are nausea, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual disorders, acne, pruritus, and erythematous rash; urticaria, fatigue, headache, dry mouth, tachycardia, nausea, and agitation. 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.