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Natural Alternative to Clomid?  

post #1 of 20
9/3/07 at 11:48pm
Thread Starter 
I've heard of using soy but are there any others? We're TTC #2 and got pregnant with DS #1 on Clomid but I'm not sure I'm ready to go that route again.
post #2 of 20
9/7/07 at 11:48pm
Thread Starter 
anyone??????????
post #3 of 20
9/7/07 at 11:58pm
Taryn, I'm going to start taking Vitex. I tried soy when we were TTC DD and it was horrendous. Hot flashes and an anov cycle!

My issue is a short luteal phase (plus the long PCOS cycles, well, at least I O!) and vitex is supposed to help with that. If it doesn't work in a few months I'll use Clomid again.
post #4 of 20
9/8/07 at 2:06am
Some try soy isoflavones which is similar to Clomid, or some say anyway. I personally tried it and did not care for it. I got less EWCM while on it.

There's lots of info about this on this site here. They have a more current thread, but I don't have the link for it. It's somewhere on the Alt Remedies board though, I believe.
post #5 of 20
9/8/07 at 2:08am
I used Licorice root as a substitute for clomid and got pg that cycle. I learned about it from a mom with pcos who had great success getting pg each time using it.

The only thing you have to be careful of is if you have high blood pressure because the sugar content can make your bp rise. You take it 5 days just like clomid then stop.


ETA I also used vitex that cycle but only after ovulation because vitex mimics natural progesterone and I was afraid that it would prevent me oing if I took it before ovulation. Since progest is only present after O. It is safe to take while pg so that helps it can even help prevent m/c.
post #6 of 20
9/8/07 at 2:13am
WE used Vitex (aka chasteberry) and all I can say was it worked for US!!!
post #7 of 20
9/9/07 at 11:08am
Thread Starter 
Yeah I started Vitex about a month ago and got my 1st PPAF last week so I guess thats working! I'm still taking Metformin for PCOS too but I'm going to make a Goat's Rue tincture soon and switch to that. I'm just impatient already. LOL.
post #8 of 20
9/9/07 at 3:56pm
Where does one find licorice root and how do you take it? Also how does vitex work? TTC after a loss of about 3yrs ago.
post #9 of 20
9/9/07 at 4:01pm
I take licorice for my stomach. You have to get DGL Licorice or it will affect blood pressure. You can find tabs in most natural foods stores. I've never heard of it being used for fertility. It isn't working for me, that's for sure!
post #10 of 20
9/9/07 at 6:25pm
I took 3 pills LR a day from day 2-6. Then stopped just like clomid and I oed on cd 15-16. I ordered it offline from vitacost.com they have very cheap herb prices there.
post #11 of 20
9/9/07 at 6:45pm
good luck taryn!
post #12 of 20
9/9/07 at 9:53pm
Royal jelly, the stuff queen bees eat is suprised to work like clomid. It didn't exactly work for me, but I got impatient and did clomid the next month.
post #13 of 20
9/11/07 at 10:57pm
How are you supposed to take royal jelly???
post #14 of 20
9/11/07 at 11:02pm
I think I tried everything listed above ttc #1. I have pcos adn ended up having to take a round of clomid. #2 no clomid or herbs for that matter and I was still breastfeeding. I was 4 years with #1 and assumed I would need something again but Suprise suprise ( a great one at that) so you never know you may not even need it this time around. I use licorice root to control pcos symptoms but it is not to be taken while pregnant so be carefull with that one. (advice of my naturalpath)
post #15 of 20
9/11/07 at 11:09pm
Subbing...
post #16 of 20
9/12/07 at 1:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MCatLvrMom2A&X View Post
ETA I also used vitex that cycle but only after ovulation because vitex mimics natural progesterone and I was afraid that it would prevent me oing if I took it before ovulation. Since progest is only present after O. It is safe to take while pg so that helps it can even help prevent m/c.


Ok I have to ask about the vitex mimicking progesterone and preventing ovulation thing.... I have always read/heard along these lines:
Quote:
It works by stimulating and normalizing the pituitary gland, which regulates the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body.
that is quoted from an article on Susan Weed's site Vitex article


Vitex is usually advised to be taken the whole cycle, as a slow-acting herb that works on the endocrine system encouraging it to produce the hormones which are appropriate at that time (estrogen or progesterone)


do you have any info on vitex actually mimicking progesterone itself ? I'd be interested to know more, having been on vitex for quite awhile myself.
post #17 of 20
9/12/07 at 2:14pm
I'll be honest, I'm not sure exactly how the royal jelly should be taken, I got a jar of it at GNC, and took one spoon full daily for the first half of my cycle, with the logic of "if it helps queen bees make 1000s of eggs, it should help me make one". LOL That cycle I ended up with an ovarian cyst that I think was due to the royal jelly, which is also something lots of people get with clomid.

Oh, and be careful with the vitex and aware of your body. It does work great for some people, but for me personally, it really messed up my cycles, I had a lot of weird spotting and it took months for my cycles to return to normal after I quit it.

(it took me 2 years to concieve my little one, and after doing TONS of stuff we used one round of clomid which worked, but it was also the round after the royal jelly, so I wonder if that helped or not)
post #18 of 20
9/19/07 at 10:29pm
I've heard wonderful things about Vitex and how it has helped so many people. I tried it and was taking the supplements for about a month and got too impatient, so I decided to go see my doctor instead. Vitex is a slow acting herb (3-6 mos), so patience is what you'll need if you decide to go that route. One side effect I did notice though was itching, my legs itched all the time! : Anwaayyys, good luck!
post #19 of 20
9/27/07 at 5:53pm
I used Vitex the whole cycle, I got pg but miscarried 1st trimester 5 times. They did every test imaginable but couldn't figure out why I kept miscarrying. 6th time I took it the whole 1st tri-DS is 9weeks old!! It worked for me.
post #20 of 20
2/22/08 at 2:23am

more vitex information

Hi; I just started vitex this last cycle (pre-ov only), and AF came today. I also have used progesterone cream (after ov) and preseed during/just before the goal-oriented event ("GOF" I just learned) for a year. Been trying for 2 years, 38 years old, no kids YET, am wary of the RE scene because I went 5 years ago (when with ex) due to no periods thanks probably to protein diet, and didn't like the clinical atmosphere, the immediate plans to put me on clomid without yet testing me for anything.... They did test me some and found no abnormal hormone leveles.

Anyway, everything I've read online about vitex says (1) don't take it if pregnant; (2) don't take it and clomid at the same time. Here's one of the links: http://womens-place.com/ttc/vitex.php

Because of poor-to-no CM I'm also going to start evening primrose oil, and I may try the royal jelly too-- supposedly increases egg quality???

If any observers can relate experiences (OR have my miracle answer!) I'd love to hear.

p.s. This is my first post and I've really gotten some warmth and encouragement scanning through these threads.
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