What is chasteberry Vitex used for?
Vitex agnus-castus, or chasteberry, may boost fertility and reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause. It may also repel certain insects. Most other uses are currently unsupported by science. It may cause stomach discomfort and other mild side effects, but it’s considered safe for most people.
What does Vitex do to hormones?
Vitex also seems to lower estrogen levels and raise progesterone levels. It blocks the follicle stimulating hormone and raises the luteinizing hormone, which changes the estrogen and progesterone.
What is vitex agnus-castus good for?
Vitex agnus-castus is used for conditions related to the menstrual cycle such as breast pain (mastalgia), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and more severe PMS symptoms (premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD).
What does Vitex do for a woman?
Vitex has been shown to help re-establish normal balance of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle. Vitex also blocks prolactin secretion in women with excessive levels of this hormone; excessive levels of prolactin can lead to breast tenderness and failure to ovulate.
What does chasteberry do to hormones?
Laboratory analysis has shown that chasteberry contains hormonal precursors that can prompt hormone changes within the body by activating those receptors. Various studies have found chasteberry to be effective in reducing breast pain and other PMS symptoms, but not for symptoms of menopause.
Who should not take chasteberry?
Chasteberry can affect levels of hormones that play a key role in pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, and even some breast cancers. You should not take chasteberry if you: Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Have breast cancer.
Does Vitex increase estrogen?
Vitex significantly increased the estrogen level in the Vitex + d-galactose group, compared to the d-galactose group (p < 0.05). Vitex also significantly increased the estrogen level in the Vitex + Aging group, compared to the Aging group (p < 0.05; Fig.
When should I take chasteberry?
Research suggests that taking vitex agnus-castus three times daily from the first daily of menstruation until day 8 of the cycle for four cycles reduces bleeding caused by an intrauterine device.
Does Vitex make you ovulate?
Conclusions:The supplement may be used by women trying to conceive. The patented blend consisting of a combination of Vitex, Maca and active folate regulates the menstrual cycle, stimulates ovulation and increases the likelihood of getting pregnant.
Who needs chasteberry?
MENSTRUAL DISORDERS, AMENORRHEA, AND FERTILITY Patients use chasteberry for a variety of menstrual irregularities and fertility disorders;14,24 in Germany, physicians prescribe the herb for luteal phase disorders.
Does chasteberry increase estrogen?
Because chasteberry can alter progesterone and possibly estrogen levels in your body, women with hormone-related conditions such as breast cancer should not use chasteberry.
Can Vitex mess up your hormones?
The concern is that vitex agnus-castus can interfere with hormones. Don’t use vitex agnus-castus if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Where can I find Vitex or chasteberry?
Chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is the fruit of the chaste tree, a member of the mint family. 4 It is native to western Asia and southewestern European territories, but is now also found in southeastern United States. 5.
Where to buy chasteberry?
Chasteberry can be used in the form of powdered extract, liquid extract, tinctures, and capsules. It can be found at any health food or supplement store, as well as at many local supermarkets, You can also purchase Chasteberry directly from a licensed naturopathic physician.
What does chasteberry do?
Chasteberry is often used by herbalists to regulate hormone imbalances in women and lower the testosterone levels in men. It is known for its effectiveness in the treatment of menstrual disorders, PMS, menopausal symptoms such as breast tenderness, hot flashes and mood swings, infertility and decreased milk production in lactating women.