Question:
Hi Hethir, I have been taking vitex for 3 weeks now and I am on day 35 of my cycle, am I supposed to stop taking the vitex on a certain day so my period will start. I did hpt it was negative.
Answer:
There are two schools of thought on how to take Vitex. Most herbalists say that you can take it every day for up to 18 months, unless you get pregnant. Some other sources say to take it for two weeks before ovulation than stop, just in case you are pregnant.
With my clients I usually suggest taking it all month long.
Vitex does not contain any hormones in it yet acts by balancing the hormonal system. I personally take it daily (luteal phase imbalance); when I find out that I am pregnant I will stop.
As for your cycle being 35 days, if it was not normally that long; it may be a sign that the vitex is working to balance things out. Sometimes when the body is healing, it will seem a little more out of whack for a very short time and then comes back into balance.
Vitex and progesterone can be taken at the same time (remember progesterone is taken only after ovulation until menses or if you become pregnant, for at least the first three months.)
You can learn more about vitex for fertility here.
Hethir Rodriguez is the Founder and President of Natural Fertility Info.com. She has been a Certified Herbalist for over 19 years, holds a Bachelors degree (BS) in Nutrition Sciences and is a Certified Birth Doula and Massage Therapist specializing in fertility massage. Since founding Natural Fertility Info.com in 2007, Hethir’s research, articles, and guides have been read by over 40,000,000 people, currently averaging at over 1,000,000+ readers per month. Hethir has dedicated her life to helping provide a source for high quality, research based information and support for those on their journey to becoming parents.
hello, I am trying to get pregnant. I have a 7 years old, I was on birth control for 4 years the IUD cooper. I got out of it a year ago and since then ive been trying to conceive but no result. my period comes pretty much the same day every month. I have a 30 day cycle I will say. I don’t really know my luteal time frame. I am 26 years old and don’t have heavy bleeding or experience difficult PMS. Usually light cramps few days before. so I am considering vitex. My period comes tomorrow and I was going to start day 1. how many times a day do I take vitex?
Dear Jessica,
Have you considered holding off on Vitex to learn your fertile window and exact day of ovulation, as well as luteal phase length? This may be the best first step! There are many tools to help you learn these things. We share them in our guide Detecting Ovulation: How to Get Accurate Results.
If you choose to try Vitex, general suggested use of 500-1000mg daily taken in one dose first thing upon waking all cycle long.
My best!
Are there any harms in taking Vitex if you are pregnant and don’t know yet? Or it is fine to continue to take until you find out?
Dear Jessie,
Vitex is fine to take when actively trying to conceive. Upon first determination of pregnancy it can be weaned off of. One may wean later if they’ve had previous miscarriages, or if their herbalist or midwife suggests otherwise. Here is more information about Vitex use in pregnancy…