Do you Vitex?

Kpsbabyzoe

I just noticed this on the blog...that it was suggested as a supplement to regulate cycles. I know, none of us are doctors, and I've done tons of my own research on this, plus I plan on mentioning it to my OB when I go for my next appointment. But I'm wondering if you do take it, in what form? There seems to be a lot, Vitex Berry, Vitex Extract, Vitex Agnus-Castus...And I'm wondering what are some other natural supplements you've taken that work to regulate your cycle? I know there are plenty of medications and treatments that work, but personally I'd really like to exhaust our possibilities in natural supplements before I move onto other treatments or medications. Any suggestions would help. I plan on taking all of my thoughts and questions, and research on possible supplements to my OB before we try anything. TIA.

TheFutureMrs.O

I took Vitex for the 1st time this cycle. I have LPD and also wanted to see if I could move my OV day up. Well, it def worked. I usually OV CD15 or CD16. I already OV'd this month - it was either CD12 or CD13 - I am still unsure. Anyways, I think it worked great. I can't believe it worked so fast too. 

I got the Gaia Vitex from the Vitamin Shoppe. And took 2 capsules every AM with the rest of my vitamins. 

 https://www.gaiaherbs.com/products/detail/668/Vitex-Berry

AppleJack83

I took Vitex for one cycle... and it became my shortest cycle ever, 26 days! I took it to hopefully lessen the spotting during my LP, didn't work for that, but it certainly made my cycle reasonable. I took it at a much lower dose than what's recommended, I'm in Canada and the capsules are sold in much lower quantities than in the US. Good luck

JellyTwoPointO

I've heard mixed opinions on Vitex.  I take it -- this is my second cycle, and so far, this cycle is looking fairly good length-wise.  My first full cycle post MC was only 21 days.  My second cycle (taking vitext) was 25 days with spotting pre-AF.  This is my third cycle and 2nd taking Vitex and I'm at CD24 with no sign of AF yet.  I'm going to keep taking it and see if there's continued improvement. 

kiki4

I take FertileAid, and it has Vitex in it. Prior to having DS, my cycle was 24 days long with O between days 10-12. After DS, my cycle was all over the place - as short as 12 days with no O and as long as 49 days with O around CD35. Two months shy of the 2 year mark of TTC #2, I started taking FertilAid. The 2nd month taking it, I had a 24 day cycle, O cd 10, and had some of the best EWCM I had seen in ages. It was also the cycle I got my BFP. I am giving it another try.

Deethebee

Out of curiosity, are there any side effects or contraindications for Vitex? I'm intrigued...

JellyTwoPointO

Deethebee:

Out of curiosity, are there any side effects or contraindications for Vitex? I'm intrigued...

I haven't really heard of any, Dee, but I'm sure if you google vitex and side effects, you're bound to find something...

katharine25

I believe The active ingredient in Vitex is Chaste berry, which is commonly prescribed by acupuncturist and other naturalists. I don't believe there re any side effects, but is would research CB to confirm. My acu wants to put me on CB. 

lavril

I took vitex to try to regulate my cycles that were running between 50-80 days at the time.  I took it for awhile and it didn't do a thing.

Kpsbabyzoe

Thanks ladies! All of this info was really helpful. I'm definitely going to bring this up with my OB. I really want to consider taking it. I totally would start now, but I know I should wait until I get the ok from a doctor.

Kpsbabyzoe

Deethebee:

Out of curiosity, are there any side effects or contraindications for Vitex? I'm intrigued...

I did see too that with FertilAid it says to NOT take it with Clomid or any other fertility drugs without consulting a doctor. I'm not sure why, it didn't say, but I definitely wouldn't take anything without checking with a doc first anyway.

TA110980

I took it for a while and it didn't do anything for me.  If anything, I noticed my cycles getting shorter while I O'd at about the same time, so I was concerned about my LP shortening.  Last cycle I stopped Vitex and started B6 and am much happier with how my cycles are looking.  Based on PP you can tell it works differently for everyone, so I think it's worth a try.

lavril

If you're looking for natural, I highly recommend acu and b-vitamins.  My cycles went from 70ish, to clockwork 28-29day cycles (although I was "regular" before my loss, it took 10 months to regulate again, and that was after acu).  GL!

Missuskeekers

I take vitex, it is supposed to take 6 months before you see full results but I had a 4 month cycle and I beleive vitex helped get it down to 35 day cycles.. Though I have been down to 30 days since my last mc