What is Vitex?

Vitex is the common name for the Chaste berry. It has been used for many centuries to treat women with hormonal imbalances. Vitex works on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. It increases the production of the luteinizing hormone .It also slows the release of the follicle stimulating hormones. This allows for a shift from estrogen to progesterone in the body causing a rise in the progesterone. Vitex is not a hormone .The changes in the progesterone levels are an indirect effect of the Vitex. This herb has been used in treating woman dealing with premenstrual syndrome as well as women that have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). A lot of women with PCOS do not have a period every month and thus do not ovulate. This is caused by a hormonal imbalance .The woman will produce an egg each month but there is not enough progesterone to allow the egg to release. Vitex can be very helpful to these women by allowing the body to produce more of the progesterone needed to cause the egg to be released .If the egg is not released each month it forms a cyst. Women with PCOS also can have a high prolactin level; Vitex can help lower this level as well.

When taking Vitex you will not have immediate results. Vitex needs to be taken for three to six months to notice the benefits of this herb. When taking Vitex to help with premenstrual syndrome you should notice a big improvement in the third to fourth menstrual cycle. Vitex is safe to be taken for up to 18 months at a time. Every woman is different so their dosage will vary, but on average the general dose would be 60 drops of a Vitex tincture three times a day .It can also be drank in a tea form. You can find the Vitex in pill form at any herbal or vitamin store such as GNC, or Vitamin world. Vitex makes a great alternative to fertility medicines. It doesn't force the body into doing something it wasn't able to do, such as ovulation. It allows the body to find its own hormonal balance and act like it was intended. Vitex is great for women who are coming off the birth control pill .It can take several months even years for their cycle to return to normal after stopping the pill. Vitex can reduce that time greatly. Another use of Vitex has been to prevent the chances of miscarriage by taking it through out the first trimester.

Some disagree with taking the herb while pregnant though. Vitex has also been known to increase the flow of breast milk after birth.

Vitex has been helpful in woman dealing with menopause. It can help reduce the symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, and irregular periods. Vitex can also help woman with a heavy menstrual cycle. Vitex cannot be taken during the same as Clomid.

It seems to counter react with it causing the Clomid to fail. Vitex has been known to have little if any side effects. Make sure when buying Vitex you find one that has standardized ingredients, or you are gong to be wasting money. Check with you Dr. before starting Vitex if you are taking any other medications. Remember to allow the Vitex enough time to work. This is usually 3-6 months but you can see improvement sooner then that. I have seen woman with PCOS take Vitex and become pregnant with in three months. I tried it and I had a period in two weeks after not having one for 8 months. Every woman is different so results from taking Vitex will vary.