How long should I take vitex?

Hi Sarah Elizabeth,

You can take Vitex long term but you should let your body rest during menstruation. It usually takes 3-6 months and sometimes beyond to achieve desired results. Herbs take consistency and patience. You should not go beyond 18 months of taking this herb. If your cycle is not regulated after long term use you may want to ask an herbalist if there is a better option for your personal fertility challenges.

Vitex and acne. In this study, a Chasteberry preparation was used in women with menstrual cycle abnormalities. Acne was either eliminated or improved during treatment.(6)

In another study, 117 women with four different types of acne were treated with a Chasteberry preparation for 1-2 years. Improvement was seen after 6 weeks and by 3 months, about 70% were free of acne. Some treatment relapses were observed after 3-6 weeks.(7)

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Hi Danielle,

It would be nice to know of your sources of this information. I have not heard of Milk Thistle nor Evening Primrose Oil increasing estrogen in the system. Milk Thistle is a wonderful liver tonic, it protects the liver’s metabolic function and helps to renew it’s cells, which aids clearing excess hormones, such as estrogen. Evening Primrose needs to be taken from the beginning of your cycle up until ovulation. There is some controversy over Flax, there are some studies saying it may increase estrogen in the body and others that say because it contains a good source of fiber it helps to remove excess estrogen. Until one study wins over another I can’t say which is the correct one. Use your best judgement. Too much of any one thing can be hard on the body over time. If you have been taking these for over a year you may want to give your body a break.

Vitex is an incredible hormone balancer, which adapts to women’s different needs. Vitex has been shown to normalize heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), relieve amenorrhea (absent menstrual cycle), and decrease polymenorrhea (too frequent periods). Vitex needs to be taken for 3-6 months or longer to be effective. This herb is taken everday except while on your period.

Have you looked into taking DIM? DIM balances the hormones by breaking down estrogen and removing it from the body. Estrogen is a major culprit to many of the fertility issues women face today. Endometriosis, PCOS, and Ovarian Cysts, are all estrogen dominant conditions.

It is important to know when you are ovulating to use Progesterone Cream effectively. Have you thought about using home Ovulation Charting?

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Hi Amanda,

I am not familiar with this product. I recommend you ask your practitioner about this herbal supplement. We don’t sell this product and we prefer the ProGest Cream. I hope you can find some answers about this product, have you tried contacting the company? Here is a statement from the company that manufactures Progon B, “Bezwecken products should only be taken under the supervision of a licensed health care practitioner who is knowledgeable about Bezwecken products.”

All the Best,

Dalene

Hi,
Just wondered, I take 1500 mg of Vitex all month long. I fear that if by not taking it during my AF, I’ll throw my body off in some way and have to start all over again. I’ve been taking it for about 12 weeks now, and feel fine. I plan on taking it for 18 months unless I become pregnant again, I miscarried after 10 1/2 weeks in late March, and have been taking Vitex ever since to balance my body back. (I actually used Vitex and some other herbs to become pregnant in the 1st place, then quit once I became pregnant) I’ve only had 1 period so far, if I’m not pregnant at this very moment, then another one should be rounding the corner any minute now.

Hi! Can Vitex & Evening Primrose Oil be taken together for infertility???

Hello!
This is my first time writing and its all new to me so I have a few questions. My hubby and I have been ttc for about a few months now with no luck. I haven’t EVER been regular- my periods are usually a surprise when the come and they usually come every 3-4 months. Just recently my period was over Easter and then again on May 23rd for about 6 days and its the end of June and nothing yet so Im guessing it will be another few months. It took all of the women in my family a few years to conceive and I would rather not wait that long if I can help it so I’m going to be very pro-active. I have been taking a prenatal vitamin for several months now (also will be starting evening primrose oil) and after reading about Vitex I think I will start this as well. My main concern is that I DONT know when I ovulate and I havent started to track (yet)– SO– is it still ok to take Vitex?? I know I should stop it when my period starts then start it once its over. If you have any other suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. Anything I should be doing or not going?
Thank you!!

Hi,
I have been taking Vitex since January, mostly in the liquid form. I’m taking it because we are ttc and after charting for over a year, I’ve noticed my luteal phase is shorter than normal (around 9 days). There have been a few 10-12 day luteal phases in the past 6 months with taking the vitex, but the past 2 months have been 8 days and I’m a little concerned this isn’t working. I also had a ovulation on day 40 about 3 months ago. Is there something else that would be beneficial for me? Should I continue to take vitex? Perhaps Vitex and progesterone together?I have been to my doctor and they don’t seem to interested in looking at my chart and they just prescribed me Clomid (which I read can thin the lining of the uterus) which I am not 100% sure I want to take at this point. Thanks - any help would be appreciated! I just want to know what to do.

Dalene,
Yes I started taking vitex because as we were ttc, I noticed the short luteal phase and read that vitex was a good option for that. My cycle can be very irregular - from ovulating on day 19 to day 40 with luteal phases from 8-12 days (average of 9). I was hoping to balance out my cycle with vitex. I am taking it everyday day except during my period and I take about 2 squirtfuls (in the drop form, I fill up the dropper twice) every morning. I saw my doctor about not concieving after a year and they did the hormone testing and everything came back fine (thyroid and prolactin). I tried expressed to them that my luteal phase was probably the problem and she gave me clomid. There wasn’t really any discussion and no chance for me to actually show or tell her what I think is happening with my body (I think I would know better than the doctor) and no time was spent sitting down looking at my situation. I’m not comfortable taking clomid at this time and would like to try a more natural route. I believe I am ovulating. I have a distinct temperature rise on my charts every cycle and a period every cycle.
I hope this is enough information. I appreciate you taking the time to help me!
Thanks again,
Julie

Hi Julie,

I think taking the Vitex, one dropperful 3x’s a day would be best. I noticed at the Fertility Shop the recommendation is a bit confusing and I am working to get that cleared up.

Having a doctor that is not concerned with what you have to say and is willing to perscribe strong fertility meds. to you without having much of a disscussion is worrysome to me. I think it is extremely important to have a clear line of communication with your doctor. It is your right to always seek a second opinion or find a doctor that is a better fit. Have you considered working with an herbalist in your area? Finding someone who could work closely with you and that will listen to you and work with your thoughts on your body would be a great.

I am not sure why your periods are beginning to become more irregular while taking the Vitex, everyone is different, if this continues you may want to consider discontinuing use, but I think taking it 3 times a day would be the first thing to try. How long have you been taking it? I can’t see our previous message, so I don’t remember, sorry.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Hi Dalene,

I have been taking Vitex since January, but most regularly since March/April as I wasn’t always consistent at first. It makes me wonder if I’m just getting all balanced out or if it just isn’t working. I think you are right, I need to find someone who will actually work with me.

Thanks for all your help!

Hi Dalene, Hethir,

I sent a message awhile ago about taking vitex for my long cycle. I started taking it all month except during menstruation. My cycle was shorten from 60 days to 39 days and this time 18 days! I didn’t have any pain at all last cycle, but this time I did, but bearable compared to the pain I usually get. Cystic acne has reduced alot. However, I was shocked to get AF after 18 days with abit of breast tenderness. I was expecting more clear signs of ovulation but I got AF instead. My temperature remained high before AF. If I really did ovulated, I probably did on CD 10 or 11. I didn’t take my temp that day, so there’s a piece of information missing.

I’m now on CD1 of new cycle. Should I change how I take Vitex? I’m taking about 600mg (a tablet) 1 or 2 times a day. Please help.

Hi Julie,

For the first consistent cycles using Vitex, it takes a while for the body to regulate the menstrual cycle. Each cycle may not be exactly the same amount of days apart. Hope that makes sense. This herb works slowly over time.

All the Best,

Dalene

Hi Dalene,

I’ve been taking Vitex Blackmores brand since last 2 cycles. There’s 660mg vitex extract in a tablet.
I know that Vitex is doing something for me. It’s just that 18 is abit worrysome, as I don’t know what to expect this coming cycle.
When I didn’t have pain at all, I thought it was because of vitex. Maybe it was also because I ate lots of bananas and drank more chamomile before AF?

Thanks Dalene, I will try to be consistent taking it twice a day.

I have been thinking about starting Vitex, because I do not have a monthly period. And I have PCOS. My husband and I have been trying to have a child for six years will this help?

Hi,
I have short luteal phase problem only. I took vitex not knowing that it could bring on ovulation earlier - I ovulated 2 days early and that is a problem for me. What is the recommended dosage and when can I take it during the cycle so that it only lengthens the luteal phase, but does NOT bring on ovulation early?
Also, what is a good herb/product for increasing EWCM?

Thank you.

Hi Dalene,
Yes - I mean increasing the egg white cervical mucous (I.e. fertile mucous).

Thanks for responding.

Hello,

After reading your website, I went ahead and bought Vitex, Dong Quai, Maca, Bee Pollen Complex, Yarrow, and Parsley.
What would your recommendations be on doses, and are these all compatible with eachother?
The main reason I am starting these is because of Amenhorrea (lack of menstration), it will be a year in September, since I last had a period. My body is very unbalanced hormonally. I am hoping to regulate my period and become pregnant ( I have had 2 successful pregnancies (2 daughters, ages 6 and 3), and possibly had a miscarriage last september. I had a very long period that lasted about 3.5 weeks. My OBGYN perscribed birthcontrol. I stayed on it to stop the bleeding, then one more month after that to “hopefully” regulate my period…after I stopped taking it, which was October of ‘08. I have not had another period since.
Ok, that’s the jist of my story.
Thanks,
Karis

Hi Karis,

Could you please tell me in which form you purchased these herbs, tinture, loose leaf, capsules, ect? Thanks.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

hi, thanks for the advice. how often would i need to take it and how much? Also would i stop if i became pregnant?
thanks again

Just wondering why not take vitex during your period?

I honestly did not know that. I wondered why you shouldn’t take it during your period though when I saw the response to several questions about vitex.Also I think someone may have asked this as well but can you take evening primrose oil and vitex together?
Thanks
Kim Halstead

First I’d like to say THANK YOU for all the info above - so nice that you have taken the time to help us!

A little background on my situation:
I was never really regular in my teens, so around 18 I went on bc for approx 2 years, dr. said it would make me regular. The bc did work, but I hated the way it made me feel so I went off it and I didn’t get a period for several years. Then I went back on it for a couple more years and was getting my period. I stopped in 2004 for the same reasons before and I haven’t gotten my period since. I have always felt as if my body went thru a cycle (ie: feeling tired, breast tenderness, moody, even some cramping) but never a period.

I’m 29 and recently married my husband and want to have a baby so I started taking Vitex June 15th. The product is from Solaray Vitex Chaste Berry Extract 225mg has .5% Agnuside. The bottle says to take 2 a day. I‘ve been taking 1 in the am and 1 in the afternoon. I have also started taking my BBT within the last few weeks.

Not sure if this is helpful but here are some other supplements that I continue to take regularly: Acidophilus, D-Mannose w/ Cranberry extract, Omeaga-3, B-Complex, Women’s Multi, Calcium and Magnesium.

Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated to help me get regular and conceive!

THANK YOU!

Hi there,
Just a few questions…
I have a similar story. I have never gotten my period on my own… it’s only been with the help of BC. I started taking BC when I was 17… I got off of it of January this year. I am now 22. I still haven’t gotten a period. I was told that I may have PCOS and my doctor put me on Metformin right away. I decided it wasn’t worth the nausea and got off of the Met after only being on it a month. I am now taking Vitex hoping that it will be a more natural route for me. I take 2 a day for now and will switch to taking 3 a day (1,000 mg).
Should I try this out for a while before I go to an herbalist? Is it likely that Vitex will help someone like me who doesn’t know when I ovulate or when I will have a period?

I feel a little hopeless. My husband and I are wanting to try for children as soon as possible but I’m hoping this natural way works so I don’t have to do anything that may have long term effects on my body.

Thanks!
Laura

I’ve been taking vitex for a few months now.. When i started taking it, i took it midcyle and didnt get a period for nearly 2 months. I went back to the shop where i brought it and the girl told me to stop taking it and let my period come naturally which i did. She told me to take it on my 1st day of my cylce which again i have done and now haven’t had a period for 6 weeks. I have stopped taking it and waiting for my period to come.. i’m not sure whether to start it again when i get my period or just give it a total miss.. The girl from the shop told me that it usually takes a while for the body to adjust and to give it another try. But i’m feeling confused and not sure what to do. I need some advice

sandra

Hi,

my prolactin levels are too high and haven’t been menstruating over a year, so I bought vitex agnus capsules (400 mg per capsule), I’m also on a raw food diet since the beginning of August. On the bottle it says, take 2 capsules twice daily, which would be 1600 mg per day. Would I have to start with a lower dose or not? I’m also in my second month of using maca root powder, but I’m not sure if that is helping to lower prolactin levels (I know it helps with fertility though).
The other thing I ordered is White Peony herb.

Not sure how all these things together will work out?

I went off the bc pill June 1st and have had no period or cervical mucus since then. I began 1000mg of Vitex 11 days ago and just got my period — needless to say I am thrilled at 48 years old, I don’t have any time to waste! I was wondering, since I am at such a high risk for miscarriage due to my age, shouldn’t I continue Vitex thru my pregnancy until the first trimester? I understand it could get me thru the critical stage and really be beneficial.

I was on depo provera for 12 years came off of it and went on micornor for a year. I have been off all bc since May of 08 but am not having period. I don’t think I am ovulating. I tried Vitex and had intermittent periods but started having them every 2 weeks so got scared and stopped taking it. I am trying to conceive but don’t want to do anything to make my situation worse. Can vitex help? is there any chance that it could make things worse. Before I went on depo provera I had very heavy periods that were very painful but they were very regular. Now I don’t have any. I only tried Vitex for 4 months.

I took it all month long with out stopping. I had started originally on a low dose 400mg appxo and then increased to 2 tabs a day. I had been monitoring my basal temps each morning but after I started have periods every 2 weeks I went back down to one pill. At that point my basal temps just levelled off and did not increase or decrease. I live in canada and don’t feel confident purchasing meds on line. Can you recommend something I can purchase here through a natural food store?

Hi Amanda,

There are no gurantees to a speedy conception with any herb or product. Learning more about how Vitex works would be the best place to start. 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 axins (hormonal feedback loop), correcting the problem at the source. Without knowing more about your situation I have no way of knowing if Vitex may be a good option for you.

You say that your menstrual cycle is pretty regular, have you thought of trying Fertility Charting? This may be a great tool to help you learn the best times to try and conceive!

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Hi Catherine,

After 18 months it is good to take a break for a week or two. You would stop using Vitex for 1-2 weeks to let your body rest and then you could begin to take it again. The suggested dosage for vitex is 900-1000mg, so the amount you have been taking is low. It is also good to stop for your period while you are on vitex. For some suggestions on egg quality you may want to check out this guide: http://natural-fertility-info.com/increase-egg-health . In addition eating a nutrient dense fertility diet is also important for egg health and a healthy cycle. You can learn more about this here: http://natural-fertility-info.com/the-nutrient-dense-fertility-diet/

What was your cycle like before you started using the Vitex?

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Thanks so much for your response Dalene. Before I started taking the Vitex I was on a fairly regular cycle of 26-28 days but I lost some weight quickly and had an annovulatory cycle last summer which completely freaked me out so that’s when I started taking the Vitex. I learned about it searching for information on-line but didn’t come across this website, I wish I had, it is wonderfully informative. Thanks again, Catherine

Hi. My endocrinologist is insistent on me doing a “Progesterone Challenge”. I know it’s a synthetic form of progesterone, so I’m concerned about that. But she says by the outcome (my understanding is, she is anticipating a withdrawal bleed) and the recent blood work, she’ll better be able to tell me why I’m not getting my period.
Can I still continue to the take Vitex while I’m taking the “Provera” - 10mg 1x day for 10 days?

Again, thank you so much for all your comments! I feel like your site has been a life line for me!

Christina

Thank you so much for all the post on this site. I have actually learned a ton. I am going to go and buy vitex this evening and start using it to see if it will help regulate my periods as well. But i was wondering if there was a list somewhere to explain all the acronyms in these posts. I’ve figured some of them out but a lot are still a mystery. (ie. ttc, af, etc.)

Thanks.

Hello, ive been taking vitex from the beginning of my cycle this month and didnt realize that your not supposed to take it while on your period, i have taken it while on my period and have had an abnormaly long period, could this be why?

Hi,
How long do you have to take vitex for before your first period comes.

I found out that I have pcos some time in January this year and ofcourse, I was devastated. Another barrier. In 2005 I got pregnant but lost it. It was an ectopic pregnancy and I lost my right tube with it as well.
So coupled with the fact that I only have six months in the year to get pregnant (cus i only have one tube) I now had to deal with this pcos thing.
Anyways, my doc put me on clomid, which messed up my cycle and caused me two develop two very large cysts in both ovaries, measuring 5cm and 6cm respectively. They were very painful especially whenever having sex. So the doc gave me bc pills. When I started taking it, my acne disappeared and the cysts started to get small but it was also defeating my immediate purpose. It was also preventing me from getting pregnant. So I did some research to find a herbal alternative and I found vitex. I started taking vitex on the 26th September 2009 @ 400mg-three times per day. I also took a herbal cleanse before I started taking the vitex to help get that bc on of my system. Anyways, not long after I noticed that milk started coming out of my breast. I was a bit worrieed but research revealed that high prolactin levels was the culprit so I continued with the vitex. Seventeen days after starting vitex I went to the doc and discovered that all my cysts have mysteriously disappeared. I was still having the discharge from my breast then but to date it has also stopped. And my period came exactly in 28 days from the last one. I believe in vitex, and am very hopeful. I look foward to having a vitex pregnancy success story. I wish all the ladies here luck.Take care.

I did some research and I found out that women with pcos should reduce or cut out beef and cheese fom their diet because studies have shown that it causes the cysts to grow. I must say, I find this site very useful as I have read up on the pcos diet from here.
I kinda wish I lived in the U.S because where i live the cost of living is very high. I live in a Caribbean country. Eating healthy is very costly. Anyways thanks for the advice.

I have never been regular. My cycles went from 30 days to 100 days with an average of 65 days. Since I am thin, non of my doctors thought I can have PCOS until I saw an RE. After more than a year of BBT charting I realized I do not ovulate. I was put on Metformin and Clomid. I ovulated on this combo and I got pregnant very quickly.
When we started trying again I tried Vitex. I started with 1200mg for 4 weeks then I went down to 800mg for another 4 weeks and finally to 400mg. I ovulated on 800mg but I did not ovulate while I was taking 400mg so I upped my dose again to 800mg and I stayed on that dose until I got pregnant. My cycle length has not changed but I started ovulating every other cycle. I got pregnant but I lost the baby.
We are back in the game again. We tried Metformin and Clomid together but I did not get pregnant. I stayed on Metformin but I would also like to add Vitex. My question is how much Vitex should I take? I have some experience with Vitex, and I know that 400mg was not enough for me, but on 800mg and 1200mg I did have improvements (at that time I was not taking Metformin though).
Also can you tell me how to compare the pill and the liquid extract strength? I have heard the liquid works better so I am going to order some. The suggested amount is 20 drops 3 times a day. Is that equal to 1200mg (pill form)?
My final question is about the fact that Vitex increases the LH. My LH is already very high ~18-19 mIU/ml (fortunately my FSH is good). Is not high LH a problem? Is it safe to take Vitex for me? I do not want to cause more problems than I already have. I asked my doctors. One said it is safe since it is just an herb but he admitted he has never heard about it …. The other said do not to take it since she has never heard about it.
I need your advice!
Thank you.
Erika

I have PCOS and have been ttc for the last one year.

May I know if I can take the following to help with my situation?

Vitex
Maca
DIM
EFA
Milk Thistle

I have been taking all of the above morning and night. Please let me know if any of them counteract one another?

Thanks!

By looking at my temp. charts, I haven’t had a confirmed ovulation since May 15th of this year so I’ve been using my opk results. But this cycle my temps/opk have conflicting results (opk/cm say cd 16, temps say cd20), not only this but my cycle seems to be longer now. I’m on cd24, I had a temp. increase this morning so I know that my period will not be starting at my usual time, I have a 24 day cycle. Since I haven’t started yet, I know that my LP phase has increased because it was 9 the last 2 cycles. I have been taking a product that contains some vitex (.5% of an 1080mg mixture of vitex, L arginine, green tea) for 4mths, 3x a day. Should I take more vitex? Can you take too much vitex? Following your previous advice, I’ve also been taking maca/royal jelly/and spurillia. I just turned 40 so I’m starting to get a little bit sacred. I really do not want to see an RE if I don’t have to. I’d rather do natural treatments.

Considering the temendous amount of success with vitex in women sufferring with pcos, I must admit that I can’t help but feel totally optimistic about my chances. As u may recall, I have had an early event of success with vitex under the stipulated time it really takes to work. In less than three months my acne is gone, so are my cysts and prolactin levels are good.
So now that I have missed my period, I can’t help but wonder if this could really be it for me. I am afraid to test because I think I would be less disappointed if I wait it out, than test and get a bfn. Is it possible to get a positive on the day period is expected?
I don’t really have any symptoms other than lower back pain and slight cramps in my boobs now and then. Do women with pcos get symptoms just like other healthy young women. Is there a possibility that the vitex has stopped agreeing with me and has wrecked my cycle? I am just a bit curious, worried yet optimistic right now. Thanks for your help in advance.

I am only one day late. Period was suppose to come on the 17th November 2009.
Is there a chance that the vitex may have affected my cycle negatively? I am just 2 afraid to test. I don’t really have any prominent symptoms other than lower back pain and slight cramps in my boobs now and then. Do women with a history of pcos get symptoms or only in healthy women. Thanks again.

I am 48 years old and have been taking 1000mg of Vitex each day for 3 months but was told to discontinue use prior to having gall bladder surgery two weeks ago. Since going off Vitex I got my period (which was 47 days since my last period) and am suffering severe breast pain due to fibroid breast. I am planning to go back on Vitex after my period stops but was wondering if that will be like “starting all over again?” Have not had much success pinning down ovulation either through ovulation predictor kits OR cervical mucus. The days between periods are just really a wreck!! Could you offer some advice!!

Thank you!
Tina

Hi Tina,

It may or may not be, I cannot say for sure how your body will react to the Vitex after going off and then back on again. It will probably take some time for it to adjust.

Without knowing more about your lifestyle, fertility goals/challenges and health history it is difficult for me to answer your question. In your case you may want to consider a Natural Fertility Consultation.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Thanks Dalene!!

Hi Patricia,

Yes you can take Evening Primrose Oil at the same time you are taking Prenatal Vitamins.

General Evening Primrose Dosage is 1500 - 3000 mg once daily. Take
from your period till ovulation, than switch to fish oil. The
dosage for increasing cervical mucous is initially 500mg, three
times a day for a total of 1500mg per day. If you don’t get results
in your first cycle, increase your dosage to 3,000 mg a day in your
next cycle. Evening Primrose Oil can cause uterine contractions in
pregnancy, which is why you should not take it past ovulation (in
case you get pregnant.)

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Hi Whitney,

Sorry to hear about your troubles. The first best thing to do would be to learn about a whole food nutrient dense diet like the Natural Fertility Diet. Next learn about the Fertility Cleanse! Birth control contains synthetic hormones which can confuse your body and build up in fat and liver cells. The Fertility Cleanse Kit will help to rid your body of these excess sythetic hormones, it may also help to tone and cleanse your uterus. Birth control has been found to weaken the uterine lining. Some of the herbs in the clense may help to improve the tone again. Be sure to get plenty of exercise as well.

Traditionally Vitex is a great herb for regulating menstruation, but it may take around 6 months to be effective. There is not going to be a quick natural solution if you are looking to get pregnant in the next two months. The Fertility Cleanse kit lasts for one month and then you may want to begin Vitex, but this may not be a good choice for a quick solution. Natural remedies work best over time. Even though natural remedies take months I still think the Fertility Cleanse may be beneficial.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Hi Desiree,

DIM may be taken all month long. It is safe to use with Vitex.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

hi there

im so glad i found this website. it really answers alot of questions.
although right now im facing alot of problems and i wish someone could help me.
i dont have the money to keep running to a doctor…

i was on the pill for 6 years - triphasal and then i stopped as i have been trying to conceive,
unfortunately my periods became really eratic. at one point i bled for 3 weeks and had to go to a doctor who prescribed the pill to stop it. thereafter my period has been skipping 2 -3 months…
doc put me on provera… it worked for 2 months and thereafter i got 2 periods on the 3month while still on provera.
i read about parsley tea as a natural herb to induce menstruation. it worked …
i got my period 3 days later
i thereafter read about vitex.. i have been taking the natura feminon type…
tincture: 10 drops 3 times daily…
i read on this site that you shouldnt take it while menstruating so i stopped.
but my period hasnt… its over 3 weeks now and im drained and tired…
its a steady flow… kinda heavy… what should i do…
im so depressed by this. im 30 this year and all i want is a baby…

please reply.

thanks
janine

Hi Janine,

I am so sorry to hear of your distress.

Are you taking an iron supplement? I like Floradix Iron + Herbs. You can find it at most health food stores. You may want to look into taking an iron supplement due to the fact you are losing so much blood.

Because I don’t know you personally and know nothing of your lifestyle or health history it is hard to say what herbs would be best for you.

You may want to see a Naturopathic Doctor to help with the bleeding. A Naturopath will go over your entire being; emotional, physical, mental states and will prescribe something natural for you that will benefit your whole body. Remember that Vitex can take up to 6 months to balance hormones, this herb takes consistency and patience. The amount you are taking for Vitex sounds about right, increase your intake by a few drops and see how that works for you.

Do you have cramping? If you do you may want to look into Crampbark. If there is uterine cramping without cervical dilation, cramp bark has been traditionally used to help stop uterine spasm and contractions.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Hi Maggie,

Because I work for this site and Hethir has her own line of products I am loyal to her brand. I am not familiar with those brands and because they are not ours I cannot advise you on them. Please ask the manufacturer of those brands your questions. Two things to look for when purchasing herbal remedies- are they ethically wildcrafted or organic?, and where they are manufactured. You may be able to find out their quality by asking someone in the Wellness department of the store in which you purchased them.

The dose for both sounds high in comparison to our traditional Vitex application. Are the caps blended with anything else? And I am not sure what the dilution of the liquid is to say whether or not 2ml would be accurate for that tincture.

Use your best judgement.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Hi Jeanna,

It is hard for me to say whether you are taking the proper amount. Are you following the recommended dose for the product you are taking? Have you been taking the Vitex consistently for those 7 months? Consistency is key with herbal remedies, you can not skip or slack on taking them. I would need more information to answer this question properly. Do you know how many milligrams each cap holds? Where you purchase the product and the product brand is important.

All the best,

Dalene

Hi there. I am 19 almost 20 and my periods were not so regular. I was on BC but it made me sick so I decided to go off of it. I have started Vitex about 20 days ago. It has already been a miracle! I just got my period today, it was a 35 day cycle. My pills I get at Vitamin World, and they are 400mg each. The bottle days to take 2 pills 2 times a day which is 1600 mg. is this safe? It is what the directions say. And I seem to be fine. MY breast arent really sore like they are before period and my acne has improved alot!!! Thank goodness! Nothing has seemed to cure it but Vitex! So my question is, is 1600mg a day too much? I ake it along with dandelion root for the bloating, and with vitamin c and fish oil. is this an okay combo and with the milligrams?? thanks!!!!

Hi Nicole,

Have you read our Prepare for IVF page? Any of the supplements or herbs talked about in this guide should not be taken while you are on any IVF medications. This program should be completed before you begin your medications. Ideally, give yourself 90 days to prepare with these supplements and the fertility diet before beginning your IVF medications or treatments.

To increase IVF success rates naturally, you may want to take a 3 step approach.

Cleanse
Cleansing is the first part of the program, consisting of clearing out the body of toxins, excess hormones, and old tissues.

Nourish
The second part of the program focuses on nourishing the eggs and preparing the uterus for implantation.

Nurture
The final part of the program contains therapies specific for the IVF procedure.

To learn about this 3 step approach click here: Prepare For IVF

Our Increase Egg Health Kit and the our Prepare for IVF Kit contain the same herbs/supplements, but our guides for each are slightly different becuase there a therapies specific for IVF.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Hi Jeanna,

You may not be taking enough. The general traditional application for Vitex is 1000mg a day. The liquid is not better, it is different, but it is sometimes easier to adjust the amount your are taking with drops rather than capsules. The liquid also absorbs quickly because it is in an alcohol extraction.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Hi Lele,

If your cycle is normal and your tests came back fine why are you choosing Vitex?

We have found that the traditional application for Vitex works great… 1000mg of a day of Vitex all month long except during menstruation.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Hi Dalene Barton,
Well my story is that I have one Adorable baby boy who’s now about a year and 2 months…about three months ago I was pregnant while I was breast feeding my child so once I found out that I was pregnant I didn’t stop breast feeding but I just tried to cut it gradually…anyways the fetus died at about 6wks even though I heard his heart fatal beat at that time when he was at 6wks but I knew he’s dead at about 10wks of pregnancy…so I lost the baby dunno the reasons maybe my weak body(161cm-49kgs) nurturing two inside out……lead to the stop of growth and stop of fatal heartbeat
well the thing is that since then I’ve been so wanting to have a baby sooOo much…so I’ve been looking over the internet researching to get pregnant and avoid miscarriage…

so now I’m using vitex 1500mg a day 2 in the morning and one at night along with vitamin E 400 two pills a day and Folic Acid 800mcg and those two all together in the morning….

so am I overdosing anything there?? I’m on CD10 now, my period is 28….when should I stop taking vitex??? stop it gradually?? or keep taking it?? should I have sex 4days in a row starting from today to conceive>>>I’m looking to conceive with twins…my family does have a history

PLEASE reply me ASAP
Thaanks

Hey I have hyperprolactinemia. My prolactin levels are high. Which causes me not to menstrate. I ordered Vitex and am very excited to see if it works. is there anything i need to do with these pills to maybe increase the chances of it working? thanks

Hi Sarah,

Vitex has been proven safe to take while breastfeeding, for future reference.

1500mg of Vitex seems like a lot. The traditional application for Vitex is 1000 mg. a day and 1200mg being the highest amount. The RDA for 100% daily allowance for Vit. E is 120mg or 30 IU. You are taking the correct amount of Folic Acid. We have found that taking Vitex all month long except while on your period works well for many women. If you chart your cycle you should know when your best times are to try and conceive. This seems about right for you.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

So Vitex is not needed for ever? After 18 months you need to stop taking it?

Hi Brooke,

Vitex can be safely used for up to 18 months. After 18 months you would want to give your body a “break” from it for 2 weeks to one month, then you could begin it again.

All the best,

Dalene

hi Dalene,
thanks for your response. i chose vitex because i have low progesteron in the second phase and i also have lots of cysts in my breasts during the second phase and i was hoping it would help even things out. we’re also ttc. so far no changes in breasts but it’s only been a month.
A

I left out Royal Jelly, I am taking that as well.

Hi Evian,

It is safe to take all of these herbs at the same time. If you think you are on your period and have bleeding now, please stop taking the herbs. If you are not bleeding it is ok. Without knowing more about your fertility challenges, lifestyle, health history, ect. I cannot say whether all of these herbs are the best choice for your situation.

All the Best,

Dalene

Hi Renee,

We do not recommend taking herbs and Metformin or any fertility medication at the same time. There has not been enough research to show if Vitex will effect Metformin’s performance. It is ok to take Vitex and Evening Primrose Oil at the same time.

Please talk to your doctor about combining herbs and fertility medications.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Hi Renee,

Traditional application for Evening Primrose Oil is 1500 - 3000 mg once daily. May be taken
from your period till ovulation, than switch to fish oil. The
dosage for increasing cervical mucous is initially 500mg, three
times a day for a total of 1500mg per day. If you don’t get results
in your first cycle, increase your dosage to 3,000 mg a day in your
next cycle. Evening Primrose Oil can cause uterine contractions in
pregnancy, which is why you should not take it past ovulation (in
case you get pregnant.)

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Darlene, Hi I just started taking Vitex three weeks ago. We have been trying to get prego since oct. I was on BC for four months and Depo for six. My problem is I always feel pregnant. my nipples are sore all the time. I feel like I am going to throw up alot. I also get hot quit a bit. Do you think my hormones are just off balance and vitex will help? thanks for your time, LES

hi,
I have a question about a product called D-chiro-lnositol it suppose help PCOS because I was diagnose with Pcos last year!!! and I was wondering if i should take it during my period or stop while I’m in my period

Hi Christina,

We are not medical doctors and do not give advice on fertility medications. Please ask your doctor about this medication and how to properly take it.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Hi. I have been taking Vitext 2X/day for 3 months. My cycle has always been pretty regular–26-28 days. I am having a tubal reversal done in March and was looking for some help once I start to ttc. I’m 44. For the first time ever, I am experinecing mid-cycle bleeding this month. It’s been 3 days of light, pretty bright red bleeding. I didn’t know that I should NOT take the Vitex during my period and have taken it straight through the last 3 months. Could the Vitex be causing this bleeding? My inclination is to stop taking it but I’m not sure. My doctor doesn’t know anything about Vitex. i’m concerned for alot odf reasons but mostly because I’m going to start really tracking ovulation after the reversal and having this extra bledding is throwing me off. Any thoughts? Thank you. I am so stressed about this. Also, what are the ramifications of taking Vitex all month, including during your period? Lastly, if I do decide to discontinue the Vitex. How long will it take to be out of my system?

Dalene,
I have had four miscarriages and two healthy children. This morning I had a positive pregnancy test. I have been taking the same vitamins and herbs every night. What I need to know is if these are safe to continue taking while pregnant.
Vitex 400 mg
Maca 525 mg
DIM Plus
Raspberry Leaves 960 mg
Thanks so much for your help in this. I really don’t want to have another miscarriage.
Brianne

HI Dalene
Im just curious when I should stop taking VITEX before starting an IVF cycle?? I will be taking testosterone patches from day 24 then clomid as well as gonal can you take VITEX while on these drugs or is it best to stop before starting??? Im thinking that my period will be due next saturday and then i will be starting from day 24 from that!!!

Thanks Natalie

Hi Natalie,

We do not recommend taking any fertility herbs while on fertility medications. It may be easiest on your body to gradually wean yourself off of the Vitex a couple of weeks before beginning fertility medications. Slowly decrease your dose each day until you stop taking it. That way you don’t throw your hormones out of balance by stopping cold turkey.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

HI Dalene
Thanks for that i take 1 1000mg tablet a day so taking it every second day would be like giving myself 500mg a day is that ok i think i due to start about the 16th March so I will stop 2 weeks before that as from today I will start taking a tablet every 2 days…Also is there any research that says vitex helps with Premature ovarian failure, will the vitex help with my egg quantity and quality with this next ivf cycle??? I have been on vitex for a little over 2 months???

Thanks again
Natalie

Hi, hope you can help.

My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for 10 years now. Ever since My period began at 13 I have never been regular and spotted almost everyday until I was 18 when i visited the dr and he put me on dianette
(pill). However as I was diagnosed with pcos at this time and told i may never be able to get pregnant we started trying 6 months after being on the pill. After stopping the pill my periods were absent for months (which in away was a relief from bleeding all the time). We started treatment 1 yr later from naturaly trying. My DR (NHS) wasnt that helpful and put me on some sort of tablets and kept reviewing me every 6 months or so. We then decided to go private and since were having blood test etc have had it all from ovarian drilling (labroscopies twice) clomid, metformin, IUI, gondrophins, IVF etc…my IVF was successful to a point i produced 21 egges which all fertilsed we had good grade embryos but just didnt seem to stick to the uterus and would be expelled from my body. I didnt like the way I was being treated at the clinic and had enough of 9 yrs of heavy treatment. After all all these meds were eventually going to catch me up. We contacted a nutrition in London who took my saliva test and my husbands and my hair sample. The results showed that I had problems in the second part of my cylce which made sense i was not produding enough progestrone to keep the embryo alive (even though my progestrone creams were increased during IVF). She told me to eat only organic which i have been since the start of 2009. She also prescribed me with variable supplements which I started to 22 nov 09. Please note that while I was on treatment i would have normal periods etc because of all the meds inc HRT etc. I stopped IVF in feb 09 and was having normal regular periods either because of our organic diet or the meds still in my system.

Until later in the year when i was 5 weeks over my period (at this point i stopped my organic diet as we were moving abroad and life was very hectic i ate a lot of junk which i regret so much) i started taking supplements as prescribed (fertility for woman, omega 3, vit c, mag) she also told me to take agnus castus vitex but i didnt yet!!!! then i was 12 weeks over my period (not pregnant) when i decided to take vitex. 14 days after taking vitex i was spotting between light to medium (which wasnt quite like a period because there was no flow). The spotting lasted on and off for 20 days. Then on the 21st day i was very heavy (i call this day 1 - mon 15 feb 2010) I was very heavy with jelly type of clots throughout the day for 7 days please note during these 7 days there wasnt much flow only when i visited the ladies and passed the clots. (even though this stopped on day 7 i am still spotting even today). The clots were very large and i have never experienced this before. as the week progressed i would feel weak with headaches dizzness although no cramps or peroid pains..I then took ferous sulphate as i knew my body was being affected by the blood loss. I stopped taking the vitex friday 19 feb (day 5) was i taking this too long and shouldhave stopped earlier say on day 1??? I also drank raspberry tea and ginger tea to support my body which did help. The clots then stopped 2 days later.

Please note that my spots on my jaw line have cleared up and my complextion is much nicer - not sure if this is due to the vitex. My question is i started taking vitex yesterday morning on rising 800mg and before going to bed 800mg. And noticed before going to bed the clots apeared again. I woke in the nght to find heavy bleeding again with clots again. This morning (26 feb)i didnt take the vitex as im pretty sure its because of this.
Please note that i usually only take 800mg every morning after rising not in the evenings. It says on the bottle to take 2 capsules twice daily total 1600mg and so i did last night.

Please note that i am a healthy individual bmi 19-20, i have always had healthy weight (aprt from when i was younger and in my teens i was very thin) I have just turned 30, carry more weight in my tummy area have bad skin (much better now), hair growth problems i have noticed more on my face in recent weeks!!! i have also noticed hair loss in the sides of my head front near the temples. Please advise whether i should continue the vitex how i need to take this etc. I have also started my organic diet on 6 feb again and I am thinking of having accupunture again this time to regulate my periods (i had it last time with ivf). May thanks for reading my very long post…its the first time i have posted and would appreciate your suggestions. Many thanks nadia.

Hi Nadia,

The general suggested dosage for Vitex is 1000mg a day, 1200mg begin the most. 1600mg seems like it may be too much. The key to this herb is consistency over time (6-12 months). Your information is a bit confusing, while you were spotting/bleeding were you continuing the Vitex? Vitex should not be taken while having menstrual bleeding. Have you considered our Natural Fertility Consultation? Seeing your information clearly on a form where it can be organized would be helpful and it would be easier to guide you.

Even though you say you are eating an organic diet, I am concerned what organic foods you are eating. Just because it is organic doesn’t always mean it is good for you, example organic cupcakes or chips. Eating a whole food diet is important. Are you a vegan?

This is the comments area of our site and this sort of post may be best sent to my inbox here- info@natural-fertility-info.com

Best Wishes,

Dalene

I too suffer from PCOS. I started taking Vitex back in oct 09 and got my cycle in jan 10. Yipppeeeee! My cycle lasted for 7-8 days. It’s now march and i haven’t had another cycle as of yet but what i am experiencing is light brown-ish discharge, like my “after the period period”. I’m attritbuting this to my hormonal fluctuations and think it’s just my body adjusting. My question is do i continue taking the vitex or stop. My brain is telling me to continue so i don’t get off track but it’s an uncomfortable time. I feel like i’ve been on a continuous cycle for about 6wks or so. So as you can imagine i’m frustrated, well annoyed is more like it. *smile*….help

Hello!

I dont exactly know where to begin but hopefully you may be able to help! I am 25 years old and soon to be 26. Up until Jan23 of 09 I had never had a period. I started my first one Jan 23, it last for 5 days, then another in April, which lasted for 4 days. My last and only was June first. I have not menstruated since then, although I get cramps and pains often. I was diagnosed with PCOS back when I was 19. I did research on natural remedies for primary amenorrhea and a lot of websites and forums kept talking about vitex. So I did a lot of research on vitex and finally went out and bought the tincture. I started taking it with tea, 2 times a day then upped it the three. I understand it takes awhile to get into your system, but seeing as how I have never actually had a cycle, will it help to bring it on?
I was also curious, I have always wanted to get pregnant, and read in a few places that pairing maca root with vitex has had great success. Is there anyway you can help me?

Hi Dalene,
My cycles have always been 27 days. I took Vitex for a few months to help with my cramps/breast tenderness and to help me conceive. My regular period is about 3-4 days (one or 2 red then ending in brown), but my last Vitex period was 8 days (4 brown then 2 red then ending in 2 brown). To top it off, it did nothing for my cramps or breast tenderness.
That being said, my first period, after getting off Vitex, was due 3 days ago. I’ve never been late like this. There’s no bleeding. There’s no bloating. Cramping comes and goes, but they’re mild. Three negative pregnancy tests. My period isn’t even within 24-48 hours (when it’s within that time frame I can find brown while checking cerxix).
What’s going on here?!

Hi Krista,

If you had regular cycles before beginning Vitex why did you choose to take it? Vitex takes 6-12 months to be effective. The first few cycles may be different as your body adjusts to hormonal shifts while trying to balance out. Vitex is not for everyone, with what little information you have given me it is hard for me to say what may be going on with your body. I can only give you general guidance. You may want to consult with an herbalist in your area.

Best Wishes,

Dalene