Hi Lilylou,
Welcome to Belly Belly!
When you choose your vitex supplement just be aware that there are many differing strengths. It is widely thought that the tincture is the most readily absorbed and thus the most effective. It has quite a bitter taste but just take it in some juice. It is also important to take it in the morning when you get up.
If you have a short luteal phase that you wish to lengthen taking vitex alongside B6 is really beneficial. The B6 helps to stabilise your hormones -it especially helps with the production and regulation of progesterone - this is why it is often prescribed for women who suffer from PMT. B6 is also helpful when you do conceive to ease morning sickness!
B6 is very safe in pregnancy. Vitex is prescribed by some practitioners in pregnancy however I personally err on the side of caution and wouldn't recommend taking any herbs in pregnancy unless prescribed by an accredited and recommended therapist...
Just be mindful that a cheaper supplement isn't always the best way to go. I would strongly suggest going into a really good health food store and speaking to the person behind the counter - often they will have a naturopath or herbalist on staff. I would also talk to them about the dosage. It is my belief that you need to begin to take vitex in the first half or follicular stage of your cycle. You are needing to lengthen the second half or luteal phase of your cycle, so you need to encourage that production (and sustain it) of progesterone. Herbs don't work instantly and I believe it takes a couple of months to see a great result, though I have heard women report quicker results than that. I would take it for your full cycle along with the B6 but just pop into a store as I said and get some advice from a practitioner. Just so you know Vitex traditionally is given to women who are threatening to miscarry to help maintain the pregnancy so I wouldn't be afraid of taking it in the later part of your cycle. I am just really cautious with herbs as they can be quite powerful little weeds, so once a pregnancy is confirmed I would discontinue unless advised by a practitioner. I will be really interested to hear how you go so please keep in touch...
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