Question about Vitex...(yes, another one-sorry! Can't find the answer anywhere)

[ammil87]

Hi! I'm new to this board. I've been doing some research on ways to regulate my cycle. We are not necessarily TTC right now but will be soon. My cycles are almost non existant. They last roughly 70 days. So I was looking into vitex to promote more regular ovulation.

My question is: Is it safe to take during the entire cycle or only before ovulation? Thanks!

P.S. If anyone has any good experiences with this please share!

[shellnurse]

I beleive you take it after ovulation. I took it for 3 months straight and it caused me to stop ovulating as the proesterone builds up and causes the body to beleive it's already pregnant- much like BCPs. Ask an herbalist for instructions on proper use!!!!!

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Since vitex works by helping progesterone I only took it after O it is safe to take when you are pg and actually you shouldnt just stop it right away when you get a bfp since that can cause progesterone levels to drop and cause a m/c. When I got with it I had the progesterone test done and went on suppliments then I stopped the vitex.

[ZoeyZoo]

I took it the entire cycle and conceived the month I started taking it. I had recently taken BCP and it really messed up my hormones when I stopped. I stopped taking it when I found out I was pregnant. I didn't really know how to use it but I did conceive in my case and did not miscarry.

I later went to a ND who told me I should have taken it from ovulation on. Many people take it through the 1st trimester or until the heartbeat is heard before they stop.

[Amandamanda]

Originally Posted by ZoeyZoo

I took it the entire cycle and conceived the month I started taking it.

me too. i took it an entire cycle (3 capsules a day). i wanted to regulate my cycles because i was breastfeeding. i got pg the next mont month.

[wholewheatchick]

I just started taking Vitex, and I read online to take it every day except when you are on your period or when you are definitely pregnant. I suppose it would be ideal to talk with an herbalist about it...we don't have one around here though.

[Latte Mama]

I only took it to bring back AF as I am still breastfeeding and it hadn't returned. I took it twice a day for about 5 weeks and AF returned. I stopped taking it and AF returned regularly again a second time at 34 days, not bad!

[justimaginelove]

Hi, I am an herbalist. Some herbalists recommend that you take it only after ovulation, but I have found that women have better results when taking it all month long except during menstruation. It is also safe to take during the beginning of pregnancy to help regulated progesterone levels. Once pregnant slowly wean off of it.

Directions for use
Capsules: 1,000mg a day is the suggested amount to use. Take vitex capsules all month long except during menstruation.

Tincture: Take 10-15 drops of vitex extract, taken 2-3 times a day all month long except during menstruation.

However, unlike powerful hormone drugs, vitex works slowly to normalize the body. Maximum benefits are often achieved after 6-12 cycles with vitex.

Learn more about Vitex uses here: http://natural-fertility-info.com/vitex

Best Wishes,

Dalene