Anyne taking/heard of Vitex to help conception?

[runnermum]

hi there,
in another thread I heard about a supplement/herb called Vitex. I have googled it and Blackmores sell it. Suppose to help with regulating hormones etc.

anyone know more about it ?

[meow]

I was having short cycles (about 25 days) and suspected I was ovulating on about CD18 so I took it from ovulation to when I got my period for 2 cycles and after that I started ovulating on CD15 with 29 day cycles and got pregnant 2 months later. I think it helped me to regulate my hormones after being on hormone contraceptives for about 15 years.

[Indadhanu]

hi, vitex is supposed to help support the LP and help maintain progesterone (I think... thats how I understand it anyway) and a regular (14-16day) LP length.

This reminded me of a post that deal with this kind stuff...I've linked it... Its about herbs, and vitex is talked about a lot. Have a look, and have a look at the older one too, it is linked in the first post.

Herbal Remedies & Supplements for TTC

[sushee]

runnermum, if you're undergoing IVF or IUI, you are advised not to use Vitex in conjunction with FSH. Just thought I'd mention that.

[runnermum]

thanks sushee - I am currently NOT on a Stim cycle - so no FSH. thanks anyway, much appreciated. And thanks for replies ladies, -keep them coming!

[stillhoping]

I was on a herbal mixture made especially for me and it included vitex. Worth getting one made for you from a naturopath. It helped me and would try it again if having troubles next time as well. Good luck

[Heki]

I have only recently stopped taking Vitex, I took it for about 9 months to try and get my cycles under control, my first cycle on it was my longest ever (wow a whole 27 days!) but then they went back to there normal irregular short selves with no major change.
Vitex is supposed to work on the petuitary (scuse spelling) gland and make it regulate your hormones better. It's also great for older women for the same reason, my mum took it for a while after having a hysterectomy and it helped a great deal with hot flushes ect.
As you can see it didn't help me concieve...
Good Luck!

[Loula]

I was advised not to take it as i suffer from PCOS and was told not to take it esp when doing IVF as it can cause you to OHSS

[runnermum]

hi Loula - I appreciate your note. I will check with my FS before I start taking anything new.

[Lucia]

Runnermum,

If you are interested in looking into the herbal side of things - it might be worth you visiting an actual Chinese Herbalist as they can then monitor exactly what they are giving you and make sure that it doesn't interefer with anything that you may be going through with IVF. If youa re doing natural FET - then you can take what they give you as far as I am aware.

[runnermum]

thanks Lucia - I actually already see a chinese herblist and take herbs. has not made a difference yet.

thanks for your reply - hope you are well.

[Lionfish]

My friend tryed fert treatment and TTC for 3 years she took 24 vitex tablets(blackmores) and fell PG! She had to stop taking them because she actually fell Pg and you cant take them while PG. So after my failed IVF cycle I thought I would give it ago, at the least thought it would help me regulate my hormones so I am on them but nothing yet! But it takes along time I guess to get back to normal anyway after all the IVF drugs. Good Luck