Vitex

Vitex, what does it do and how does it work?

Vitex (vitex agnus castus) is a medicinal herb that may be beneficial for hormone irregularities in women, including infertility, lack of periods and relief of PMS symptoms. Low doses of vitex increases estrogen and progesterone levels. Why is this important to women who have PCOS?

PCOS is an imbalance of sex hormones, including progesterone and estrogen. Women with PCOS commonly have few, if any, periods and may be infertile due to lack of ovulation. “During the reproductive years, the pituitary gland in the brain generates hormones that cause a new egg to be released from its follicle each month. As the follicle develops, it produces estrogen, which causes the lining of the uterus to thicken. Progesterone production increases after ovulation in the middle of a woman's cycle to prepare the lining to receive and nourish a fertilized egg so it can develop into a fetus. If fertilization does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply, the lining of the uterus breaks down and menstruation occurs (http://www.healthywomen.org/condition/estrogen )”. Without a balance in these two hormones, fertility drops. In women with PCOS, a decreased amount of progesterone may also contribute to the formation of cysts. Increasing progesterone may help with suppressing that formation resulting in fewer cysts.

While vitex is not a hormone, it works with the pituitary gland to secrete hormones. Vitex increases the level of LH (luteinizing hormone: regulates the menstrual cycle and egg production) while suppressing FSH (follicle stimulating hormone. To much FSH can cause overstimulation of the ovaries). This normalizes and restores balance to the hormones, leading to restoration of ovulation (vitex does not work for everybody! Please keep that in mind.).

By balancing hormones, vitex may help irregular periods, moodiness, sore breasts and bloating associated with PMS. While vitex is considered a “safe herb”, like all medications there may be some side effects. Itching, rash, headaches, nausea dry mouth and increased menstrual flow are some of the possible side effects. Severe allergic reactions include trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing, hives,tightness of the chest and should be cause for seeking immediate medical attention! Vitex is safe to take up to 18 consecutive months.

It is not recommended to take vitex with any of the following as the POTENTIAL for interactions is always there even though vitex is safe: Antipsychotic drugs (Such as: Abilify, Thorazine), Dopamines (such as: Mirapex, Symmetral), Birth control (pills, rings or patches). As always talk to your doctor before starting a new drug, even herbs!