In the past, chasteberry extracts were used to treat a variety of gynecological disorders and skin conditions. Today, chasteberry is promoted as a dietary supplement for symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle, infertility, and other conditions.
What does chaste berry do to hormones?
It turns out that chasteberry components can increase blood levels of progesterone. This happens in kind of a round about way. Chasteberry stimulates the pituitary to produce luteinizing hormone which in turn signals the ovaries to produce more progesterone.
Does chasteberry lower testosterone?
Vitex can increase progesterone levels4 and reduce elevated prolactin9,17 and testosterone16 levels, all of which contribute to the restoration of regular menstruation in women with amenorrhea.
How does vitex affect dopamine?
VITEX (CHASTE TREE BERRY) (VITEX AGNUS-CASTUS):
This herb is dopaminergic. The berries of this plant are used primarily in women for complaints of premenstrual syndrome. Animal studies have shown that vitex inhibits prolactin and appears to selectively stimulate D2-type dopamine receptors.
What is chasteberry vitex used for? – Related Questions
When should you not take Vitex?
Vitex agnus castus is one of the best-recognized herbs in Europe for promoting lactation. It should not be used during pregnancy. Numerous herbs are used traditionally around the world to promote production of breast milk. Herbs that promote milk production and flow are known as galactagogues.
Is Vitex better morning or night?
The German Commission E monograph recommends a daily intake—30–40 mg of the dried herb—in capsules or in liquid preparations. Vitex is typically taken once in the morning with liquid for several months consecutively.
Does vitex cause weight gain?
Vitex agnus-castus fruit is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth appropriately. Uncommon side effects include upset stomach, nausea, itching, rash, headaches, acne, trouble sleeping, and weight gain. Some women notice a change in menstrual flow when they start taking vitex agnus-castus.
How quickly does vitex work?
For optimal results, Vitex should be taken long-term. Clinical research shows that Vitex may start working within 10 days, but full benefits may not be experienced until 6 months or longer.
Can I take vitex everyday?
There are two schools of thought on how to take Vitex. Most herbalists say that you can take it every day for up to 18 months, unless you get pregnant. Some other sources say to take it for two weeks before ovulation than stop, just in case you are pregnant. With my clients I usually suggest taking it all month long.
Can vitex cause liver damage?
The aqueous extract of Vitex doniana though used for the management of some illness such as diarrhea, jaundice, anemia, mental illness, rheumatism and as tranquilizer in man, has been observed in rats under the conditions of this study to be toxic to both the liver and kidney.
How long does vitex take to balance hormones?
Vitex is a relatively slow-acting herb. Therefore you need to commit to taking it for up to 6 months to see any change in your cycles or improvement of symptoms.
Can vitex mess up your cycle?
Agnus-castus may also cause irregularities in people with regular cycles, though this has been rarely reported in clinical trials (9).
Why you should not take vitex?
Because vitex affects your estrogen and other hormones, you shouldn’t take vitex if you have hormone sensitive cancer. Parkinson’s disease. Vitex affects dopamine activity. In theory, this might stop medication for Parkinson’s disease from working.
Can vitex be harmful?
The most frequent adverse events are nausea, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual disorders, acne, pruritus and erythematous rash. No drug interactions were reported. Use of VAC should be avoided during pregnancy or lactation. Theoretically, VAC might also interfere with dopaminergic antagonists.
Can vitex make PCOS worse?
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 hormonal panel blood test from your doctor), you should not use Vitex.
How long should I take Vitex for PCOS?
Studies have found Vitex agnus castus to be amongst successful phytotherapy option for women with PCOS. Phytotherapy is a practice of treating with plants or plant components. However, because herbal medicines are slow-acting, it takes about 3.2 months on an average to see positive results.
Is Vitex good for ovarian cysts?
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.
Does Vitex make you ovulate?
5. The patented blend consisting of a combination of Vitex, Maca and active folate regulates the menstrual cycle, stimulates ovulation and increases the likelihood of pregnancy. 6.