Vitex… Fertility Super Herb?

Vitex… Fertility Super Herb?

Vitex is one of the most powerful herbs for women’s fertility and menstrual health. There are numerous studies and testimonials of Vitex and it’s effects on the body. One of the reasons Vitex is so effective and popular is because of its ability to balance hormones while not containing hormones itself. Vitex supports hormonal balance in the body by having an effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (hormonal feedback loop), correcting the problem at the source.

Fertility problems. Vitex has been found to help normalize ovulation, improve a short luteal phase and reduce Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), all known fertility inhibitors. In one study, vitex helped normalize progesterone levels and increased the luteal phase from 5.4 days to 11.4 days. In addition, two double-blind studies show vitex extract increases a woman’s fertility and chances of successful conception.

Fertility issues that may be helped by vitex:

PCOS
Endometriosis
Dysmenorhea (painful menstrual cramps)
Long Periods (longer than 4 – 6 days)
Cystic Acne
Corpus Luteum Insufficiency (CLI)
Unusual menstrual bleeding
Uterine fibroids
Ovarian cysts
Hormonal imbalances caused from getting off birth control

PMS. In one study, vitex outperformed vitamin B6 for relieving PMS symptoms like depression, headaches, water retention and constipation. 77% of women taking vitex reported PMS relief, compared to 60% of those taking vitamin B6. In addition, vitex has been clinically shown to relieve breast pain related to PMS or hyperprolactinemia.

Increase mother’s milk after childbirth. In one study, vitex significantly improved milk flow and milk release for nursing women when compared to placebo. Vitex is most helpful if milk flow is low after childbirth. (Ask a lactation consultant if you’re unsure.) European research confirms its safety for breastfeeding infants.

How does Vitex work?

Vitex supports healthy hormonal balance and menstrual cycle…

For fertility, Vitex increases luteinizing hormone production while mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This indirectly boosts progesterone production and chances of achieving and maintaining a successful pregnancy.

Vitex decreases high prolactin levels, which are associated with breast pain. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates milk production and breast growth during pregnancy. High levels in the absence of pregnancy are often the result of a very common women’s endocrine’s disorder called hyperprolactinemia. High prolactin levels are also linked to fertility problems.

Vitex is an incredible hormone balancer, which adapts to women’s different needs. Vitex has been shown to normalize heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), relieve amenorrhea (absent menstrual cycle), and decrease polymenorrhea (too frequent periods). Vitex even eases inflammation of the uterus or ovaries, so it’s good choice for women prone to painful fibroids or cysts, too.

How to use Vitex…

Directions for use

Capsules: 1,000mg a day is the suggested amount to use. For best results use vitex capsules all month long except during menstruation.

Tincture: Suggested usage is 10-15 drops of vitex extract, 2-3 times a day all month long except during menstruation.

However, unlike powerful hormone drugs, vitex works slowly to normalize the body. Maximum benefits are often achieved after 6-12 cycles with vitex.

Vitex questions…

Can I use Vitex while I’m on progesterone?
You can use vitex together with natural progesterone. But, if you’re taking oral progestin drugs (synthetic progesterone), you should first discuss using vitex with your physician because it is not known how the herb might affect your treatment.

Can I use Vitex if I am going to get IVF?
Consult with your doctor before using vitex if you’re planning on having IVF. Many physicians will suggest their patients avoid herb use altogether during an IVF cycle. Because vitex does influence hormone level, some researchers speculate it might interfere with IVF or fertility drug treatments.

Does Vitex interfere with medications my Dr. prescribed?
Vitex is quite safe when used in its whole form. However, because of its influence on hormonal balance, it is suggested to avoid use with birth control drugs or hormone replacement therapy.

What is the best form to use Vitex in and why?

Whole herb vitex extracts and capsules are the most widely used and the most studied.

Fertility Vitex Capsules

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Resources
Here are some vitex studies relating to the use of the Chasteberry:
Vitex and Fertility. In this study, a Chasteberry preparation was used in a study of 3,162 women to assess the effectiveness of vitex for corpus luteum insufficiency. 77.4% had menstrual cycle disturbances of various types and the others suffered from a range of gynecological problems which included symptoms of corpus luteum insufficiency. The average length of treatment was 5 months. Hormone cytology and symptoms were used to assess the treatment.

The women reported the treatment as completely effective (33%), significant improvement (55%), and no change (7%). Their doctors reported very good results in 68% of cases, adequate in 22%, and no change in 7%. (1)

In another study, 20 women with secondary amenorrhea took a Chasteberry extract for 6 months. Lab testing was done to measure progesterone, FSH, and LH, and pap smears were done at the beginning of the study, at 3 months, and at 6 months. At the end of the study, the researchers were able to evaluate 15 of the women. Ten out of the 15 women had a return of their menstrual cycles. Testing showed that values for progesterone and LH increased, and FSH values either did not change or decreased slightly.(2)

In a third study, 18 women with abnormally low progesterone levels were given vitex daily. After 3 months of treatment, 13 showed increases in progesterone and 2 became pregnant.(3)

Vitex and hyperprolactinemia. In this study, 52 women with luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels) were given either vitex or a placebo. Prolactin levels were normalized after 3 months in the treatment group and deficits in luteal progesterone production were eliminated. Two of the women became pregnant.(4)

In another study, 13 women with high prolactin levels and irregular cycles were given a vitex compound. Their prolactin levels fell, and normal menstrual cycles returned to all of the women.(5)

Vitex and acne. In this study, a Chasteberry preparation was used in women with menstrual cycle abnormalities. Acne was either eliminated or improved during treatment.(6)

In another study, 117 women with four different types of acne were treated with a Chasteberry preparation for 1-2 years. Improvement was seen after 6 weeks and by 3 months, about 70% were free of acne. Some treatment relapses were observed after 3-6 weeks.(7)