What is vitex used for?
Vitex is a plant-based supplement that may affect hormone levels. Some research suggests it can improve symptoms of PMS and menopause, and help with infertility, PCOS, and hyperprolactinemia. Vitex agnus castus, one of the best-known adjuncts to fertility treatment, is beneficial for anovulatory cycles, hyperprolactinemia, hypothalamic dysfunction, hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis modulation, and promoting a regular and normal menstrual cycle.Vitex may modulate prolactin, a hormone that is responsible for the production of breast milk. Elevated prolactin can cause irregular or missing periods, PMS, and more.Research on the hormone-balancing abilities of vitex shows that it notably reduces menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, breast tenderness, pelvic discomfort, and interrupted sleep. Vitex is also recommended to ease hot flashes.When you’re trying to get pregnant, Vitex supports regular ovulation. If you’re experiencing frequent annovulatory cycles, you can take this natural treatment to support the return of your fertility.
How long should I take vitex for PCOS?
Vitex in this case can help to suppress prolactin levels and increase ovulatory cycles. But Vitex is a slow-acting herb. You will need to commit to taking it for up to 3 months to see any change in your cycles or improvement of symptoms. May enhance fertility 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.Vitex can help raise your progesterone levels and lower your prolactin levels. It may help your premenstrual symptoms and ease breast pain and tenderness. The evidence isn’t clear whether it helps fertility or other period and hormone problems, though.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.Frequently used to relieve PMS and menopausal symptoms, it can also improve female fertility, balance hormones, and increase the production of milk during lactation. Vitex is also known to relieve headaches, repel certain insects, and act as an antibacterial & antifungal treatment.It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking vitex, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications. Vitex may interact with some drugs, including oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapies, and dopamine antagonists.
Who should avoid vitex?
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. If a woman notices a decrease in PMS symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings, and an improvement in the regularity and length of her menstrual cycle, these may be signs that Vitex is working for her.Research on the hormone-balancing abilities of vitex shows that it notably reduces menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, breast tenderness, pelvic discomfort, and interrupted sleep. Vitex is also recommended to ease hot flashes.In fact, the average woman takes about three months to notice its effect on PMS or cycle symptoms . This three-month timeline is common because it often takes that long for your body to ovulate a few times with Vitex’s support and adjust to new hormone levels.Vitex has a long history of use in formulas to treat PMS, mastalgia, male gynecomastia, adolescent acne, amenorrhea, ovarian cysts, hot flashes, bleeding irregularities, and menopausal complaints.
How quickly can vitex work?
With its emphasis on long-term balancing of a woman’s hormonal system, vitex is not a fast-acting herb and is unlikely to give immediate relief to the discomfort associated with PMS. For premenstrual syndrome, frequent or heavy periods, vitex can be used continuously for four to six months. Doctors typically suggest 40 drops of a liquid, concentrated vitex extract or 35–40 mg of the equivalent dried, powdered extract to be taken once per day in the morning with some liquid. Vitex should be taken for at least three menstrual cycles to determine efficacy.
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. Vitex (Chasteberry): Known for its ability to balance progesterone and estrogen levels, vitex may help reduce fibroid growth and relieve symptoms like heavy bleeding.Sometimes bioidentical progesterone replacement is an option, and there are also supplements to increase progesterone to consider. Vitex, or chasteberry, is at the top of the list.