What does vitex do and would it work for me?

[elf]

I have mild PCOS and take glucophage. Last month at the fertility doctor, I made a good size follicle but never ovulated. My progesterone was 3.5 on day 15 (too high to ovulate).

would vitex help me?

[finnegansmom]

I've read that vitex is good for women with PCOS but that it helps to produce progesterone so I'm not sure. I am interested in vitex, I've heard it can help luteal phase defect which I clearly have. I can't figure out when to take it though...

I'm taking maca though now and it seemed to help move my O day up a few days which is good I think (I was Oing around 20)

[babygrey]

Originally Posted by elf

I have mild PCOS and take glucophage. Last month at the fertility doctor, I made a good size follicle but never ovulated. My progesterone was 3.5 on day 15 (too high to ovulate).

would vitex help me?

Hm. So, I'm no expert at all on either Vitex or PCOS, and not sure I can answer your question. But, maybe I can offer some starting points that you might be able to bring to an herbalist...

I've heard Vitex is useful for women with PCOS b/c of the estrogen dominance that comes along with PCOS- (Vitex helps balance the estrogen/progesterone levels) but, clearly, if your progesterone was too high to O, you don't have estrogen dominance. So, it seems like Vitex would actually make your problem worse, not better, bc it could increase your progesterone levels even more.

I would consult someone with expert knowledge of herbs before you dove into Vitex.
s, sounds like you've been through a lot.

[justimaginelove]

Hi elf,

Vitex is so effective and popular is because of its ability to balance hormones while not containing hormones itself. Vitex supports hormonal balance in the body by having an effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (hormonal feedback loop), correcting the problem at the source.

Vitex has been found to help normalize ovulation, improve a short luteal phase and reduce Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), all known fertility inhibitors. In one study, vitex helped normalize progesterone levels and increased the luteal phase from 5.4 days to 11.4 days.

Vitex increases luteinizing hormone production while mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This indirectly boosts progesterone production and chances of achieving and maintaining a successful pregnancy.

Do you know if you have low estrogen?

If you are having high progesterone before ovulation Vitex may not be a good choice. Have you considered eating a PCOS specific diet? This way of eating may help to reduce insulin resistance. Resistance to insulin increases the bodies insulin levels which effects normal ovulation by preventing the body from ovulating or limiting the maturation process of the released egg. If you would like to learn more about the PCOS Diet click here: http://natural-fertility-info.com/pcos-fertility-diet

If you know when you ovulate Vitex may be more beneficial in a case like yours if taken after ovulation up to your when your period begins.

I don't recommend taking medications with herbs unless you are under the supervised care of a professional herbalist or you discuss it with your doctor and they give you the ok.

I hope this helps you understand Vitex more.

Best wishes,

Dalene Barton, CD, Herbalist