Black cohosh

kstark631

Hey girls- I stopped taking BCP around 40 days ago and have been charting since. I haven't ovulated and my CM is variable. Before BCP, my cycles were very regular. I've done some research and some websites say that the herb Macafem/Black cohosh can help regulate hormones and therefore lead to O, even though if you look up "how to induce ovulation after BCP" most websites say you can't. Is anyone else doing this/considering it? I'm going to see what Vitamin Shoppe has after work today and I'll let you ladies know if it leads to anything.

megemoney

I'm sorry, based on what I have read, that stuff scares me.  I would speak to your doctor before taking anything like that. 

LisaBea

megemoney:

I'm sorry, based on what I have read, that stuff scares me.  I would speak to your doctor before taking anything like that. 

:This:  It's good to talk to a doctor before taking anything you have quastions about.    GL!!

LisaBea

Bump burp.  Stupid phone.  

kstark631

Hmm I just read some sketchy things on it too, thanks. It looks like Vitex or chaste berry is a safer choice, although I'll still call the doc.

megemoney

kstark631:

Hmm I just read some sketchy things on it too, thanks. It looks like Vitex or chaste berry is a safer choice, although I'll still call the doc.

Very good idea!!  Lots of luck!

LivingItUpInUP

I agree - go with Vitex, that's what I used to help regulate me.  I read that you shouldn't take black cohosh when ttc, so I never tried it.  Good luck and hope you o soon!

rrcraz7

It can take some time for your body to regulate coming off of BCP. This is your first cycle off. I would see what happens before messing with herbs to even further confuse your body. If you hit 60 days without a period call your doctor.

Personally I would not take Black cohosh. There is no real evidence that it would do anything at all to help you. It has also been linked to liver damage. Multiple studies show that it has absolutly ZERO effect of the hormones FSH or LH. There is controversy if it has estrogen like properties but studies lean towards not.

I'm curious to know where you read it would help do anything for ovulation. It's most popular use is for hotflashes during menopause.

rrcraz7

kstark631:

Hmm I just read some sketchy things on it too, thanks. It looks like Vitex or chaste berry is a safer choice, although I'll still call the doc.

Vitex actually messes with your hypothalamus & pituitary glands production of of progesterone & prolactin. It can mess up your system as well. You just got off of hormonal birth control, it's going to take some time for your body to figure things out. Give your body a cycle or two to regulate before taking things to further confuse it's natural process.

kstark631

Now I'm reading that all of those supplements (black cohosh/vitex/blue cohosh, etc) raise estrogen and decrease progesterone, which is NOT something a woman coming off of BCP needs. It's funny how they advertise.