How does chasteberry affect birth control?

It is also very important to understand that chasteberry may decrease the effectiveness of the combination hormonal contraceptives. 2 In other words, taking chasteberry while using the oral contraceptive pill, the contraceptive patch, or Nuvaring for birth control increases the chance that you could get pregnant.

When should I start taking Vitex?

Forty drops of vitex agnus-castus extract, added to one glass of fruit juice once daily before breakfast starting 6 days prior to menstruation and lasting until menstruation occurs, has been used for six consecutive cycles.

Is Vitex good for trying to conceive?

Vitex may improve female fertility due to its possible effect on prolactin levels ( 17 ). This may be especially true in women with luteal phase defect, or a shortened second half of the menstrual cycle. This disorder is linked to abnormally high prolactin levels and makes it difficult for women to become pregnant.

Can Vitex cause weight gain?

Uncommon side effects include upset stomach, nausea, rash, headaches, acne, trouble sleeping, and weight gain. Some people notice a change in menstrual flow when they start taking vitex agnus-castus.

Does Vitex lower testosterone?

A study by Jelodar and Askari25 demonstrated that the Vitex extract can increase the progesterone level and decrease the testosterone level, but Vitex does not change the levels of dehydroepiandrostenedione and estrogen in animals with PCOS.

How long should I take vitex?

For premenstrual syndrome, frequent or heavy periods, vitex can be used continuously for four to six months. Infertile women with amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) can remain on vitex for 12 to 18 months, unless pregnancy occurs during treatment.

Can vitex cause weight gain?

Can I stop taking vitex cold turkey?

For dosing details: First 3 weeks I took 3 capsules a day, morning noon and night. After I had my first period while on vitex I lowered the dosage to 2 a day. Now that I’m pregnant, they recommend to NOT quit cold turkey and to slowly ween your body off vitex.

Is Vitex safe for males?

Vitex agnus-castus is also taken by mouth to increase the flow of urine in men, for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and for reducing sexual desire. Historians say that monks chewed chaste tree parts to make it easier to maintain their celibacy.

When to use Vitex instead of birth control?

If you come off the birth control pill and find your periods do not return within a few months, Vitex is an effective natural treatment option.

When to stop taking Vitex for your period?

Vitex is a powerful adaptogenic herb that is often used post-pill to help your body make hormones again, help bring your period back, and help regulate your cycle overall. If you do decide to take Vitex, don’t take it for longer than 3-6 months maximum at a time, then stop and see how your hormones are without it.

Are there any side effects to taking Vitex?

Because vitex can also increase the production of estrogen and progesterone, it could cause a greater incidence and severity of contraceptive-related side effects. Sloan-Kettering specifically advises people taking hormonal contraceptives to avoid vitex supplements.

How does Vitex affect the hormones in the body?

Vitex directly alters levels of the hormones involved in fertility, conception and pregnancy. According to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, vitex can influence not only progesterone and estrogen, but also luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone — which are responsible for ovulation and fertility 1.