Vitex ?

[ValH]

I'm gearing up to attack this next cycle with "guns a-blazing." After two days of crying and feeling sorry for myself, it makes me feel better to come up with a plan.

I've already decided I'm going to up my B-6 dosage, but probably just during the luteal phase (i.e. take B50 until O, and then B100 after O). Now I'm thinking about adding Vitex to that mix.

For those of you that have used or do use Vitex, what were your experiences with it? When did you take it? I've read about people taking it only before O, all the time but not during AF, only after O, every day, twice a day... I'm so confused! Do you think Vitex will help with LP spotting (usually starting around 8dpo)? Any side effects?

Thanks ladies!

[just_lily]

I am a Vitex newb, but I will tell you what I know.

I am taking 800mgs a day. My capsules are 400mgs each, so I take one in the morning, and one at night. I started it about CD5 or so, only because that is when I managed to make it to the health food store and pick it up.

So far no side effects. But I am only half way through my first cycle.

It looks like I O'd three days earlier this cycle, so I think that is a positive sign! I am also taking maca, B6 and and zinc so I am not sure what I can attribute directly to vitex. I am really hoping my LP will be longer than 8 days this time around!

[ValH]

Thanks for the reply!
So do you plan on taking the Vitex every day during your cycle, or just certain times (i.e. before O, not during AF, etc)? I've read some different suggestions for when to take it.

[just_lily]

I read that too, so I am just planning on taking it every day. I'm not sure what stopping at times would do, other than save you some pills. Maybe someone can enlighted us both.

My bottle says to take one capsule one to three times daily until your cycle regulates, and then to take one daily for maintenance. Nothing about stopping during AF or anything.

[ValH]

I think I'll try it the same way, then - taking it every day. I'd love to hear some success stories of women taking vitex, so you ladies, feel free to chime in!

I thought I would be able to start the Vitex this cycle, but now I'm not so sure. I'm leaving town on Sunday, and am crunched for time until then. If I can find some way to buy it today, then I'll start it this cycle. If I can't, then it'll be next cycle... though I'm really hoping to start this cycle since I know it's supposed to take some time to regulate everything.

[KaliShanti]

Has anyone spotted on it? I am waiting for my first PPAF and thought I'd take it to start regulating things since last PPAF time I didn't EVER have regulary cycles. But after 2 weeks I now have blood mixed in my cm but it's SO light never reaches my undies... so it's not AF. Been like this for 3 days now..

[MommyMatsumoto]

Thanks for this thread, ValH! I'm going to start Vitex next cycle (which would be cycle #8) if this cycle isn't successful! I'm also interested to hear what everyone has to say about Vitex.