Anyone use Vitex?

Jessrof

I am still waiting to O for the 3rd cycle (had weird bleeding we are calling a period for all intents and purposes)...  I used vitex to help regulate my cycles and fix a LP defect to get pregnant with my son, but I cant remember the dosage...   

Twinkie0612

Please don't take vitex. It messes with your hormones and can more problems than it solves.

Jessrof

It was recommended to me by my LC and midwife to try to get things jumpstarted but they both had dosages from 100mg-1500mg a day, which is quite a large range.... 

Jessrof

I have spoken to my healthcare provider (midwife) and she recommended this.... She told me to try the lower dosage and work my way up if it doesn't work, but I was just looking for insight from others to be hone in the dose.

Jessrof

An OBs answer is to wean my son.... which I am not willing to do at this time. 

Jessrof

According to the infant risk center and LLL, vitex is safe for breastfeeding and is actually used in some cultures to increase milk production at a low dose.   

KingLED

Jessrof said:

I am still waiting to O for the 3rd cycle (had weird bleeding we are calling a period for all intents and purposes)...  I used vitex to help regulate my cycles and fix a LP defect to get pregnant with my son, but I cant remember the dosage...   

Jessrof said:

According to the infant risk center and LLL, vitex is safe for breastfeeding and is actually used in some cultures to increase milk production at a low dose.   

The dose you should be taking is 0mg and anyone that takes it without consulting their MD first is a fucking idiot.  That's my opinion.

Jessrof

Thats a bit hostile.  I am not intent on fucking with my hormones... I was recommended to take it and am deciding the best course of action as of now.  I took it before with no ill side effects but as stated, that was then, this is now.  I am just trying to find a way to get my body ovulating again.  I have had bleeding since my son was 9 months old but have yet to ovulate.  That was 8 months ago.  Time to get this show on the road... Sitting around and waiting for something to happen seems silly when there might be things I can do about it.  I am not a crack pot that is trying to get a script for clomid and only to end up to be the next Kate Gosselin... I am just trying to help my body find a balance.  

I have take steps, such as cutting out nursing sessions and introducing cows milk to my toddler, as well as opks and temping.  I am trying to find the next step that I can try to help me. Thanks for your time

KingLED

Jessrof said:

Thats a bit hostile.  I am not intent on fucking with my hormones... I was recommended to take it and am deciding the best course of action as of now.  I took it before with no ill side effects but as stated, that was then, this is now.  I am just trying to find a way to get my body ovulating again.  I have had bleeding since my son was 9 months old but have yet to ovulate.  That was 8 months ago.  Time to get this show on the road... Sitting around and waiting for something to happen seems silly when there might be things I can do about it.  I am not a crack pot that is trying to get a script for clomid and only to end up to be the next Kate Gosselin... I am just trying to help my body find a balance.  

I have take steps, such as cutting out nursing sessions and introducing cows milk to my toddler, as well as opks and temping.  I am trying to find the next step that I can try to help me. Thanks for your time

You know what will help?  TIME.  You're still nursing your kid, which can have a HUGE impact on ovulation. 

Manateearmz

So if your midwife recommended it why didn't she tell you the dose?

Sounds to me like you're going off her recommendation from your previous pregnancy.

If you're still BF then your cycles should be different, why are you in a rush to "jump start" anything?

Jessrof

She cited multiple studies that had a very large range and instructed me to take the lower dose and work my way up....   I have been on the fence about taking it because of the lack of solid dosage info and was looking for insight, not hostility.  I am eager to finally conceive because we, as a family, would like our children to be closer....  for personal and professional reasons.  

Jessrof

Thank you for the link.  According to Dr. Hale at the Infant Risk center, it is safe for mother and toddler, but I am going to follow up on that again... Thanks

KingLED

Jessrof said:

She cited multiple studies that had a very large range and instructed me to take the lower dose and work my way up....   I have been on the fence about taking it because of the lack of solid dosage info and was looking for insight, not hostility.  I am eager to finally conceive because we, as a family, would like our children to be closer....  for personal and professional reasons.  

Jessrof said:

I am still waiting to O for the 3rd cycle (had weird bleeding we are calling a period for all intents and purposes)...  I used vitex to help regulate my cycles and fix a LP defect to get pregnant with my son, but I cant remember the dosage...   

Backtrack much?

Jessrof

Not back tracking at all.  I can not remember the dosage I took when ttc my son.  As I stated previously, my midwife and LC gave me a large range.  

Jessrof

That is very true.  Some women do not ovulate until completely weaning.  And if that is the case for me than so be it... My goal was to tandem nurse but if that is not in the cards then oh well.  I am just trying to help anyway I can to see if I can help and after speaking with my LC and midwife, who both know my personal goals, they recommended vitex. That is why I am even considering it

Manateearmz

I'm still confused as to when she instructed you to take it. Was this recently?

Jessrof

The hostility is rampant... 

I am fully aware of what drives a woman's cycle.  Vitex helps achieve a balance of hormones... which for my purpose may or may not be a positive thing. (such as decreasing prolactin).  It seems you ladies are awfully hostile towards me just for asking a simple question.  I was recommended this my two professionals, so if I was steered wrong then get mad at them, but being ugly to me doesn't seem correct.  Vitex has been used for centuries for many uses.   As with anything, my midwife and LC left the decision up to me because it is my body.  I am sorry that I wanted to find other women and their experiences to help me choose an ideal plan, or to hear other women's negative experiences for that matter.  But it appears you ladies do not have first hand experience with this supplement.  

All I was looking for was insight, and instead I was attacked.  Seems that there would be better ways to go about it, dont you?

Jessrof

It was Monday, when I went in for my yearly with my breastfeeding toddler attached.  She knew very well that my goal was to conceive and continue to nurse my toddler. 

Manateearmz

BUT WHEN?!?!

KingLED

Jessrof said:

The hostility is rampant... 

I am fully aware of what drives a woman's cycle.  Vitex helps achieve a balance of hormones... which for my purpose may or may not be a positive thing. (such as decreasing prolactin).  It seems you ladies are awfully hostile towards me just for asking a simple question.  I was recommended this my two professionals, so if I was steered wrong then get mad at them, but being ugly to me doesn't seem correct.  Vitex has been used for centuries for many uses.   As with anything, my midwife and LC left the decision up to me because it is my body.  I am sorry that I wanted to find other women and their experiences to help me choose an ideal plan, or to hear other women's negative experiences for that matter.  But it appears you ladies do not have first hand experience with this supplement.  

All I was looking for was insight, and instead I was attacked.  Seems that there would be better ways to go about it, dont you?

Sure.  Actually listen to what we're saying and don't just assume we're attacking you because you asked.  We're adamant that it's a fucking terrible idea that you seem dead set on doing no matter what is said because your LC and MW suggested it at some point in time with no actual instructions or relevant information. 

If you're going to refuse any information given, what do you want us to say?  Go ahead and take the 1500 mg dose.  Seems like a brilliant idea.

Jessrof

She told me I could begin it at any time of my cycle, if that is what you are asking...

Jessrof

Like tomorrow if I wanted to. 

KingLED

Jessrof said:

It was Monday, when I went in for my yearly with my breastfeeding toddler attached.  She knew very well that my goal was to conceive and continue to nurse my toddler. 

So wouldn't it be far more logical to make a phone call and get her all mighty recommendation than to get online and ask a bunch of people for opinions you don't want to hear?

ETA:  I don't know what I was thinking trying to bring logic in to this conversation.  Sorry.

KingLED

Jessrof said:

She told me I could begin it at any time of my cycle, if that is what you are asking...

No, I asked what you were expecting us to say.

Jessrof

If I was hell bent on taking it, I would have gone out today and bought a whole damn bottle.  But I did not.  So if we could quit saying that I am "hell bent" on doing it, that would be great...mmmK

KingLED

Jessrof said:

If I was hell bent on taking it, I would have gone out today and bought a whole damn bottle.  But I did not.  So if we could quit saying that I am "hell bent" on doing it, that would be great...mmmK

Manateearmz

Oh FFS. This is going nowhere.

Did your midwife instruct you to take this while trying to get pregnant this time, or are you going off her recommendations from when you were trying to conceive your son?

I think it is odd that somebody would say "ya go ahead and take this thing that fucks with your homones at whatever dosage you see fit".

In all honesty if that's how she practices you need a new midwife.

The ladies here are trying to HELP you. But you are dead set on taking something, so do as you want.

Manateearmz

So hey you guise while we're all here.

I really want to lose some weight before getting KU. Anybody know what dosage of Fen-Phen I should take?

PrimRoseMama

I would not take Vitex at all. Forget it completely when nursing. Nope. No way.

NavyFlyer

Don't take it. I had issues going off BC (short luteal phase, no CM..) I took those stupid "FertilAid" pills with vitex in them. It f'ed stuff up even worse! I was at least ovulating regularly before and the first month I took them I ovulate TWO weeks late! Stopped them and went back to normal. Waste of money.

LilMsCantBeWrong

MrsRexManing said:

I also have a nursing 17 month old. If I were you I'd forget about the herbal supplements or whatever and just give your body time, and if that's not working, cut out more nursing sessions. From personal experience, STTN brought back ovulation. It's a personal decision, but at that point you may just have to weigh whether it's more important to you to continue your nursing relationship or to have children as close together as you'd like. 

Also, nobody here is shy about sharing their opinion. Love it or leave it. 

You mean, we can't always have everything in life exactly the way we want it at exactly the time we want it? 

kwicks

I'm hesistant to be devils advocate for fear of flaming, but I live on the wild side so what the hell.

As most of you read , OP asked about our experience with vitex. I myself have looked into it. Hell,I have bought some but have yet to take it. I think most of us would look into every option we could when it comes to TTC.

Whether or not it's right for her to take is her decision, one she obviously hasn't made yet. So I don't think we should get riled up on someone legitimatly trying to gather information and others experiences, whether we agree on the product/choice/whatevertheshit. Just my opinion FWEIW.

janda426

Am I the only person who would never listen to a doctor who told you to self prescribe yourself...?

mmb248

@Jessrof and @Kwicks - don't take Vitex. I took it and it completely screwed me up.

I'm mobile so I can't do it, but if you search the bump for my name and Vitex you can see where I've posted my cautionary tale several times.

ETA: stupid auto correct on names!

KingLED

mmb248 said:

@Jessica and @Knicks - don't take Vitex. I took it and it completely screwed me up. I'm mobile so I can't do it, but if you search the bump for my name and Vitex you can see where I've posted my cautionary tale several times.

LINK  to her comment so you don't have to search.

mmb248

Thanks @EllyD14

lebradford

kwicks said:

I'm hesistant to be devils advocate for fear of flaming, but I live on the wild side so what the hell.

As most of you read , OP asked about our experience with vitex. I myself have looked into it. Hell,I have bought some but have yet to take it. I think most of us would look into every option we could when it comes to TTC.

Whether or not it's right for her to take is her decision, one she obviously hasn't made yet. So I don't think we should get riled up on someone legitimatly trying to gather information and others experiences, whether we agree on the product/choice/whatevertheshit. Just my opinion FWEIW.

I see what you mean. However, I don't think anyone had a problem with the original question necessarily. It seemed like when people gave advice, OP was mad that she didn't get the advice she wanted. I think that's why people are frustrated.

There are people here who have had significant troubles TTC, but who take the time to research things, talk to their doctors, and wait, frustrating though it may be, to do things the right way as opposed to the fast way. It typically gets under people's skins here when it seems like someone wants to just pick the fastest route, asks for advice, is advised against it, and then gets mad. Then sometimes those same people (or same types if people) come running back for more help when it blows up in their face. (Like they screw up their cycles with Vitex or get benched after taking unmonitored Clomid or something.)

Just offering a little perspective on the reactions. :-)

catmagick

OP, I am an herbalist.  I work with herbs and recognize them as strong medicine.  I believe in the power of herbs as a great alternative to allopathic medicine.  That said, I fully believe that Vitex shold only be taken IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM (and then only on the advice of a qualified professional of course).  You don't have a problem!  You're only "problem" is that you're breast feeding!  That's why you're not ovulating!  It doesn't make any sense.  I understand your MW suggested it and all, but I, like everyone else here, am really confused on the dosages suggested.  I don't think you should be taking this while breastfeeding and I really think you have a decision to make: wean your toddler so you can get KU sooner or wait. 

Jessrof

I just wanted to say thank you to those of you that saw all my posts as what they were, someone looking for information to help in making a decision.  I never got upset that you weren't telling me what I wanted to hear.  I just found it offensive that it was automatically assumed that I was going AMA and just picking up what I could at my local GNC and going for it.  Thank you to those that shared their experiences with vitex.  I will you all luck in the ttc journey.

jcsumm0

catmagick said:

OP, I am an herbalist.  I work with herbs and recognize them as strong medicine.  I believe in the power of herbs as a great alternative to allopathic medicine.  That said, I fully believe that Vitex shold only be taken IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM (and then only on the advice of a qualified professional of course).  You don't have a problem!  You're only "problem" is that you're breast feeding!  That's why you're not ovulating!  It doesn't make any sense.  I understand your MW suggested it and all, but I, like everyone else here, am really confused on the dosages suggested.  I don't think you should be taking this while breastfeeding and I really think you have a decision to make: wean your toddler so you can get KU sooner or wait. 

She doesn't necessarily need to wean to get pregnant.  Yes, some women do, but many women get pregnant while nursing, and many also have success with partially weaning to bring back ovulation.  It's not black and wait, and I don't want women to think they have to choose their desire to grow their family over their desire to meet their child's needs.

OP, you may consider just waiting another cycle or 2 to see if you start to ovulate again.  Sometimes it takes a while for the body to respond, especially if you've been cutting back on some nursing sessions.

catmagick

jcsumm0 said:

catmagick said:

OP, I am an herbalist.  I work with herbs and recognize them as strong medicine.  I believe in the power of herbs as a great alternative to allopathic medicine.  That said, I fully believe that Vitex shold only be taken IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM (and then only on the advice of a qualified professional of course).  You don't have a problem!  You're only "problem" is that you're breast feeding!  That's why you're not ovulating!  It doesn't make any sense.  I understand your MW suggested it and all, but I, like everyone else here, am really confused on the dosages suggested.  I don't think you should be taking this while breastfeeding and I really think you have a decision to make: wean your toddler so you can get KU sooner or wait. 

She doesn't necessarily need to wean to get pregnant.  Yes, some women do, but many women get pregnant while nursing, and many also have success with partially weaning to bring back ovulation.  It's not black and wait, and I don't want women to think they have to choose their desire to grow their family over their desire to meet their child's needs.

OP, you may consider just waiting another cycle or 2 to see if you start to ovulate again.  Sometimes it takes a while for the body to respond, especially if you've been cutting back on some nursing sessions.

True, and I stand corrected.  I guess I just meant since she is not having any luck (she did mention she is trying a partial wean) then she has to make a choice.  But you are completely right.