Vitex?

Ok so i have purchased my Vitex and im abit confused about how much to take? It just says 1-2 tablets before breakfast. I got the Natures Own brand.
How long before i notice a difference?? Im on day 4 of my cycle and i took 1 tablet yesterday.

any information would be a great help,
thanks
treelo

Hi Treelo,

I started taking vitex about 1 1/2 weeks ago. As I am still waiting for AF to come after D & C (will be 9 weeks on Monday). I have the blackmores brand - which states 1 tablet before meals 3 x day. From previous threads, it has been said that it can take upto 3 months to work properly. So heres hoping for a BFP for both of us soon (or at least AF for me!) Let me know how you get on.

Teelo, you probably know my story.. I have the Natures Own brand and take 2 before breakfast each day. I have been TTC for 8/9 months and had m/c's so started taking the vitex after reading so many success stories. I didn't need it to regulate my cycle as such, and didn't notice a difference at all physically but I did get pg that very cycle and you know what happened from there. I am back on them again now and hope to get pg straight away. Goog luck with it..

Im certainly praying for a miracle mumstar...for all of us.

Nic - yep im much the same. My cycle is not too bad but i seem to be getting AF two days early and i used opk's last cycle and i seemed to O a day or two early as well. This has only happend since the m/c. I just read that it can help with healthier follicles and getting pregnant, i guess im a bit worried though about the rate of m/c from people taking it, there seems to be a few.

treelo

Treelo the first time I took vitex I got pg - my son is now 8 1/2 years old. I had been having very irregular and long cycles due to the pill messing up my hormones. (I also took evening primrose oil for the first 2 weeks of that cycle too, it helps increase cm).

The second time I took it was after my d & c in March - given that I have a history of my cycles being easily disrupted (both times I bfed it was about a year before AF returned) I wanted to make sure that AF returned quickly so I could get on with ttc - anyway AF came 4 weeks to the day after the d & c, whereas I have read on here that some women have to wait longer.

It is really good for regulating your hormones. I have read that for some women it makes them ovulate earlier, others manage to extend their LP if needed.

I am taking it again this cycle (same brand as you and Nic - I take 2 tablets every morning) together with EPO, B6 and Folate. Not sure if my cycle needs regulating but can do with any help it can get I think!

Treelo - Oooh, I never really thought of that. I am going back to the Dr on Monday and will take the bottle with me and ask him. The people that are turning to Vitex, are the ones that having m/c's or it is taking so much time to fall pg, so maybe there is a possibility that there are underlying problems for the women taking vitex that have m/c's. IYKWIM....

Thanks SallyJ, I might look into the epo as well. And thanks for the positive story, did you stop taking the vitex as soon as you found out you were pregnant?

Nic - let me know what he says? im sure its just coincidence but it would be reasuring to hear it from a professional !!

treelo

I take the Blackmores brand - Agnus Castus Vitex. Mine says to take it 3 times a day. Both times I have been on it now, I conceived first cycle. Now you can't say that is a coincidence.

Go the Vitex.................

GL gals.

Sheree - when did you stop taking the Vitex when you got pg?

Shree- I certainly hope it's not a coincidence, this is my first cycle on vitex :pray:

Nicambhar - Yeah I stop taking it at ovulation.

SaraJane - Goodluck honey, I know plenty of people who have used it and fell on the first cycle.

Hmmm, confused now.. I have just googled some stuff on Vitex and miscarriage. It says not to stop it suddenly. One woman took it, but weaned off it by 20 weeks to keep her progesterone levels high enough to support the pg....

Here is some more stuff from the net ( ooher, I don't know if I am allowed to put this in here though )..

I use Vitex as a supreme hormonal tonic for women. Both extensive clinical studies, as well as over two thousand years of use in folk medicine, have proven the effectiveness of this remedy. It works by stimulating and normalizing the pituitary gland, which regulates the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body.
In a normal menstrual cycle estrogen is higher before ovulation and progesterone is higher after. Many women don't realize that an imbalance of these hormones can lead to the entire range of symptoms associated with PMS and menopause! Vitex usually has the effect of enhancing progesterone and decreasing estrogen levels.
Vitex itself has none of the hormonal building blocks that many of the medicinal plants used for the reproductive system contain. Instead, this herb nourishes and supports the endocrine system to find its own balance. David Hoffman, a well-known herbalist, says "Vitex will always enable what is appropriate to occur."
Almost all of symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle can be treated with this plant. It is the single best herb for treating the many possible symptoms of PMS: cramps, flooding, headaches, depression, water retention, constipation, acne, breast tenderness, and irritability. It can help normalize irregular or scanty periods.
It is especially helpful for women who are coming off the birth control pill. For many women, cycles remain irregular for up to two years after stopping the pill. Vitex can greatly shorten that time and helps ease the body into regaining its own natural rhythm.
It is a wonderful tonic to enhance the chances of conception through its ability to regulate ovulation and if taken through the first trimester, vitex will reduce the chances of miscarriage. After the birth, it helps a new mother to produce plenty of milk.
Vitex also offers many benefits to women who are menopausal. It helps to relieve many of the uncomfortable symptoms of this transition time, including hot flashes, irregular cycles, depression, and flooding. Vitex is also an indispensable remedy for women with uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts, or endometriosis. All of these conditions proliferate under the influence of estrogen and shrink under the influence of progesterone.
This plant may be taken in tea form, although I prefer the tincture (alcohol extract). The dosage of is usually 30-50 drops, three times per day. Like all herbs, Vitex works best when combined with a lifestyle that includes pure water, whole food, gentle exercise, and plenty of self-love. Although you won't find it in the wild, Vitex is easy to grow in our bioregion. Just remember to leave it plenty of space, since it can get up to seventeen feet tall!
Vitex is a slow-acting herb. I usually recommend allowing three full cycles for the plant to really work its magic, and many women take it for up to several years. In the thousands of years that it has been in use, there are no reports of even the mildest side effects. Vitex is a safe, gentle, and effective remedy, with something to offer women in every cycle of life.

I was never on the Pill should I be taking this stuff. Excuse my ignorance I am confused, my cycles before m/c were 28 days, my first cycle after m/c was 25 days.

Nicambhar - interesting literature. I am not sure it is the Vitex I am taking thought, they talk about a liquid which I think you can get this one in too, but I choose the tablet. I take Vitex - Agnus Castus. And it particularly says on the label that it shouldn't be taken during pregnancy. Anyway I do think Vitex is vitex thought, so I am not really sure. I have done it twice now to conceive and both cylces I fell for cylce and I also stopped taking the tablets around ovulation and I haven't had a problem. One successful pregnancy and one unsuccesful. I am not only taking it for pregnancy, but I am sure if it has worked twice it will work again, I am also taking it as I have this pain in my boobs and so far so good, pain has subsided heaps.

Wowzer - It is your call really, it is a natural herbal remidy for PMS but I do believe it gets everything working down there. GL.

Vitex is short for Vitex Agnus Castus, whcih is the botanical name for Chasteberry.

I *think* I took it up until I found out I was pg.

FWIW I did get a faint positive the day before AF came after my d & c - still wonder whether that was a chemical pg.

Yes that is right it is Chasteberry

mmmmmm some interesting stuff here, thanks guys, i really appreciate the input. i am very interested to hear what your Dr says still Nic, whether you stop after O or when you get a positive or do you gradually stop while your pregnant. I might do some more googling myself !!

I decided to take the two tablets today.

treelo

Hi Treelo,

As you already know, I have using vitex for 1 1/2 weeks now, as I am waiting for AF (from d & c), The last few days have down OPT, and all negative (well the lines were faint - so that is negative). This afternoon, I got a darker test line, which hopefully means I will be ovulating in the next few days. The mucous signs look good aswell. Can't say for sure if it down to vitex. But gee, what a coeincidence (however spelt). Hopefully, I do realease the egg and catch it. Time will tell. I will keep you posted. :)

Anybody googling some more, I seem to be getting a heap of conflicting stuff.
I might go and ask a Naturopath and also the Pharmacist and see what they say. Can't wait to get to the Dr now and ask him...

Hi all,

I've just been to my Naturopath to ask the same questions about vitex, as I have been wondering many of the same things. My cycle has been 28 days ever since D&C in early July, but my PMS has been quite intense every month since - extremely sore breasts, intense emotional lability (will cry at the drop of a hat), abdominal cramping etc. So I asked the naturopath about whether vitex would help, and she agreed for me to trial the vitex, but more for PMS rather than cycle regulation per se. So the dose she has put me on is 1x500mg tablet first thing in morning, from day 20 through to day 1 of cycle. She has also put me on a few other things to help 'relax' my system, all of which I would need to stop as soon as I was to find out I'm pg. She also indicated to me that if I didn't notice any significant difference in PMS next month, I should go back to her for review of the dose (ie it's likely she would up the dose). I'm still apprehensive about the whole thing, especially given there's so many different opinions about dosage and when to/when not to take it.

Yes Nic and i am getting all confused too, i have just put a post in the ask a professional section for platinum members, maybe that will be of some help.
Im starting to wish i didnt bother taking it...

Thanks for that info Kaib, i hope it works for you.

Hugs
treelo

Sorry I don't understand what the fuss is, in taking it - no offence. But I guess if you aren't sure, don't take it.

Shereejoy - the problem we seem to have is not in taking it, it obviously does a lot of good in many different area's and has helped many people, we wouldnt be taking it if we didnt think it would help. There is alot of conflicting advice on when to stop taking it and that is what we are trying to figure out.

Treelo - I thought about my post afterwards, my intention was not to offend anyone and I hope I haven't. Sorry for the misunderstanding. I am no expert, but my understanding and from what I have even read and also looking at the jar I have infront of me, says not to take it when pregnant, so that would be at ovulation as obviously we are all hoping we hit the jackpot. Maybe these women that have taken it during pregnancy are taking it under doctors advise or guidance. I wish you luck in finding out, but for now I would be stopping it at around mid cycle.

I took 1 tablet on waking. That's how you are supposed to take it as it gets your pituitary gland started for the day. You need to take it every day of your cycle as it can take weeks to work in some women, if you only take it in the first half of the cycle and then stop it may never work for you.

Everything I've read on it suggests not using it in pregnancy at all so you should stop taking it as soon as you suspect that you are.

It helps regulate the production and release of LH & prolactin which in turn affects ovarian follicle function and can increase progesterone.

I believe it helped me achieve my two pregnancies this year.

Well I am only going from my experiences which I don't believe was a coincidence that I took it from start to mid cycle both times first cycle and fell pregnant. Maybe it was a coincidence, maybe it wasn't.

Goodluck to you all with your decision.

Hey Satya, sorry to hear about your loss again, you were in the April Buddies group with me. I am also sorry to read you will not be ttc again. You poor thing. Take care of yourself.

I took the last vitex in the bottle this morning and the shop didn’t have any more. I’m 8DPO. Think it’s bad to stop cold turkey? I wish I could just buy a few days worth, but all the shops are out for a few days or a few weeks.

i tried vitex from the natropath for six months, but with no luck. It did cause my temps not to be so up and down and got my luteral phase to 14 days rather than 12.
I had to take in only part of my cycle and it was safe to use even if i fell pg, but to then stop.
HTH and interested to hear more of your reseach
Odette

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd add my experiences to the list.

I read a lot about Vitex on this very site, and decided to try it. First cycle, wham . . a BFP. I lost the baby at 10 weeks on 22nd October 2007. I am still in shock and feel very deep sadness.

I am by no means an expert on Vitex, but what I will say is that I would have felt a lot more comfortable about the reason for the miscarriage if I hadn't taken it. I'm not saying that Vitex causes miscarriages, but what I am saying is that there seems to be a lot of conflicting information about what it does for each individual woman, when to take it, how much to take etc etc. I would also be interested to see the rate of loss in women taking it, and if there was any pattern there. If there was, of course it would be banned or a warning would appear, however the research may not have even been done yet.

My personal opinion and decision is that I won't be taking it when TTC again, which I pray will be soon (waiting for AF at the moment). It is really up to each individual person and their beliefs when making that choice. I do believe it helped me concieve first attempt, however I need to conceive naturally without supplements this time to put my mind at ease. Hope that makes sense!

Good luck everyone.

I hear you Em and have wondered the same just recently too, but then know that my son survived.

This is my experience to date:

*m/c twins - weren't trying - no vitex
*tried for 4 months, then took vitex for one month fell with my son
*tried for a month, then took vitex for one month and fell instantly with the twins - ended in m/c
*tried for a month, then took vitex for one month and fell instantly - this is my current pregnancy and have been discharging (don't know the conclusion yet)

I am freaking about this current pregnancy, and if I m/c again, I too won't be taking vitex again! Its funny how my son was ok though????

I wish you all the luck in the world Shereejoy, and I'm sure you will be absolutely fine this time around. It seems like forever until the magical 12 week mark, but you'll get there soon.

I guess the Vitex thing is a little bit of an unknown bag of goods, as there isn't any research around (that I have found) and most people are using it simply because others are falling pregnant so quickly after taking it, and when you've been trying a while a BFP is a BFP after all!!

For me, I need to keep fit, eat healthy, keep off the caffeine/alcohol and get my BD timing right. I'm really hoping all of those things working together will bring me my little miracle.

Don't freak out if you can (I know that is near impossible), you'll be just fine.

Take care x

Gosh Em for someone who has never had a child and has also had a loss you are an inspiration of your positiveness. Good on you, I too am sure you too will have a baby soon, it has gotta happen. I hope and pray for you.

Just thought I'd add that my current pregnancy was achieved without the use of Vitex. My losses were very very early whilst taking vitex and I have to wonder if stopping taking it as soon as I suspected I was pregnant might have contributed to the m/c's. Anyway I don't have that issue this time as this one was conceived with no help whatsoever whilst drinking buckets of coffee and being stressed to the max and not even trying.

Thanks Satya,

I have decided to not take it anymore. I am only 5dpo so i dont think it will make a difference if i stop today.

Ems and Sheerjoy, thanks for your input too. you have helped in my decision.

treelo