AF and Herbal schedule question...

Gigi Lewis · 03-05-2003, 03:41 PM

I FINALLY got my AF last week after 6 months of NOT having one!!

I have been on Dong Quai and Vitex since January 2003 and on NPC for 2 years. In January 2003 I changed my schedule with NPC from 3 weeks on and 1 week off to 14 days on 14 days off.

I had 3 AF's last year and all were at the first week of the month.

Well last Tuesday (2/25/03) I started AF and it was my 10th day ON NPC, so when AF started I stopped NPC and Dong Ouai/Vitex. So Sunday (3/2/03) was my day I was suppose to stop NPC for 14 days but since I had AF last week and had stopped NPC last week I started NPC on Sunday. Then today (Wednesday 3/5/03)I started back on Dong Quai and Vitex (I was in Florida for vacation last week and just got back yesterday!).

So my question is am I right to start back on NPC for the next 14 days and then be off for 14 days??? I am so confused because like I said I am used to getting AF the first week of the month when I get it and Febuary is only my 2nd month doing the NPC 14 days on 14 days off!

I just want to make sure I'm doing things right so that HOPEFULLY I can get regular every month!!!

Any comments, answers or clues are greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

scbegonias · 03-07-2003, 05:09 PM

Gigi, I read your post a few days ago...and was a bit confused...and now I see it's still not answered, so I figured I'd take a stab and give it a bump in the meantime.

So am I correct in thinking that you want to establish regular cycles with the use of vitex, dong quai, and npc? Maybe you should try just the vitex and dong quai alone for a cycle to see if you get af (and ovulate) since your af seems to be visiting you more regularly now. NPC can inhibit ovulation, and it might be interesting to see if the other two along get things going.

Also, are you charting? Even if you're not ttc, you should try (only a recommendation), since its a cheap way to confirm ovulation. Check out www.fertilityfriend.com for free online charting and more info on how to do it.

Good luck!

Gigi Lewis · 03-07-2003, 05:37 PM

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR RESPONDING!!!! I appreciate it greatly!

Yes, I am definately trying to regulate AF. Last week was my first AF in 6 months and I want to make sure I get another one this and the rest of the months from here on in.

I'm sorry my post is so cunfusing but I'm confused so it's hard to sort out!

I've been doing NPC 14 days on 14 days off and last week I started AF on the 10 day ON...so then I stopped the NPC and didn't stay ON till day 14 like usual. I also stopped Dong Quai and Vitex during AF last week (as you can see I didn't know what to do).

So last Sunday (3/2/03) I was suppose to STOP NPC for my 14 days OFF then on Sunday (3/16/03) starts my NPC 14 days ON again, which if it happens like it did last week I would get AF on the 25th again which would be my 10th day ON NPC.

Because I was so confused I started NPC Sunday (3/2/03) but then last night realized I should be OFF for 14 days right now so I stopped NPC last night (3/6/03) thinking I'll go back on Sunday 3/16/03 following the same pattern as the past 2 months.

I also started Dong Quai & Vitex last Sunday (3/2/03).

I didn't know that Dong Quai & Vitex alone could do the job without NPC. I will definately think about trying them alone without the NPC for next month. But right now I'm just so excited that I got my AF I want to MAKE SURE I get it again this month! I've NEVER had AF 2 months in a row!!!

I am not TTC right now but I'm looking to do so soon. I have been charting my temps for the past 3 months on paper - so thank you for the computer version I will definately get set up on there!

Hopefully this post is not so confusing. And thank you again for the tips I truely appreciate it!!

Vitex
Dong Quai
NPC
Flax Seed
Vitimen E
Aloe
Calcium
Milk Thissle

scbegonias · 03-07-2003, 08:11 PM

Gigi, your plan for one more cycle of npc sounds good. However, since I've never done the NPC thing (I've only take provera), I'm not too certain whether you should stick to your 14/14. My gut instinct tells me that you should start NPC 14 days after af. I'm betting that if you do that, you'll probably get af sooner than 14 days...and that might be a great indicator that its time to check your cycle out without npc.

As for Vitex and Dong Quai, some people take it their entire cycle, some do not take it during af, and some do not take it after O (mostly these are folks who are ttc). Why did you choose not to take it during af?

It's also important to remember that some people respond to herbs quickly, and some take up to six months (for the levels to build up in their system). So, even if you stop npc after your next cycle, your cycle length may be longer than 28 days.

Right now since we're not actively ttc, I take Vitex my entire cycle. Once we start ttc in a few months, I will take it pre-O only.

I was already Oing before I took Vitex, but within two cycles it had reduced my cycle length from 45 days to around 30 (with O going from CD 32 to CD 15). The Vitex also lengthened my luteal phase...which is another good thing when ttc.

Have fun with the online charting...I actually find it fun! When are you thinking of starting to ttc?

Gigi Lewis · 03-10-2003, 12:46 PM

Thank you for responding! It's so nice to have cysters to help lessen the confusion!

Yes, I am OFF NPC right now and will be going back on exactly 14 days after AF, which is Sunday 3/16/03! So I think I'm on the right track with that it just took me a few days to sort it out in my head! LOL Yeah I did start on the 10th day of being ON NPC last month so we'll see what happens this month! I'll be excited if I even start this month because this would be the FIRST time EVER that I had AF 2 months in a row!!!!!!

I stopped Dong Quai, Vitex and NPC at the first sight of AF because I was unsure of what to do exactly due to it being my first AF on herbals and first AF in 6 months!!! But now that I'm understanding more and following a routine I know what to do this month when AF comes! Thanks to my cysters help!

Once I figure out IF I'm Oing or WHEN I'm Oing I'll know more of when to take Vitex also. I've been charting my temps for 3 months but they are up/down every day so it's hard to tell! I'm hoping that tracking online will help! Thanks!

We are looking to start TTC towards the end of this year. I first want to get AF EVERY month and then track O then we can TTC! I'm definately not getting any younger...I'll be 33 yrs old next month!! Plus next year at this time we are planning to sell house and move into a larger home so that would work out well if I do get pregnant!

Thanks for your help I appreciate it! Good luck to you in TTC...I look forward to hearing when you get pregnant!