Anyone had success on Vitex alone that didn't have high prolactin?

Statlady · 03-19-2004, 02:47 PM

I'm trying to convince DH that I should try Vitex. He is a medical student and is somewhat wary of "natural remedies" (which I totolly undertand). Anyway, he did some research and it seems that all the articles he found indicated that Vitex was useful for lowering prolactin levels. Since I don't have problems with my prolactin, he thinks that it won't work for me. If anyone knows anything about this, please share!

Thanks!!

AmandaMarie · 03-19-2004, 06:00 PM

here's a little info on vitex
http://www.drugstore.com/templates/h...4=41773#Dosage

ophelia · 03-21-2004, 07:15 PM

Hey Statlady,
I have done a decent amount of research on vitex, so here is my 2 cents. Yes, many web sites and books advise against using vitex (raises LH etc.), but many advocate it specifically for PCOS. Many of the alternative sites and books I've read have described Vitex as an adaptogen, and if you look at some of the testimonials on these boards, vitex has apparently lowered LH levels in some women.
Collette Harris' (wrote well-known book on PCOS) own successful regimen for PCOS included vitex (she didn't have high prolactin).
You can find her regimen in the research articles forum.

I have decided to try vitex... (I do not have high prolactin and my LH levels are high). I have only been on this regimen for 3 weeks now so I really have nothing substantial to report. However, the saw palmetto is definately having an immediately beneficial effect on my acne and hirtuism.

For all alt. remedies you will find conflicting information... I just decided to go for it as I am never returning to conventional remedies again for my PCOS symptoms (bad experience with a triphasic BCP).

I'll keep you posted on my experience with Vitex if you're interested. Have you come to a decision on whether you are going to use it? ttyl, Ophelia

Statlady · 03-22-2004, 12:24 PM

Thanks for your helpful reply, Ophelia.

I have decided to try the Vitex. My LH is perfectly fine as of my last set of blood tests. Really, the only thing that shows up as abnormal is my testosterone. It's pretty high. I made a deal with DH that if I try Vitex for 2 months and don't notice any change then I'll think about Clomid again. I got "Cycle Balance" at GNC which is simply 40mg tablets of Vitex. The research we've been able to find online has shown 20-40mg daily as an effective dose (effective for *what* I'm not positive). The directions on the box say to take one a day. I've read on here that a lot of women take way more than that (1000mg/day?). What dose are you taking? Do you (or anyone else) know if 40mg is enough?

I realize that Vitex usually takes a long time to work, but DH isn't willing to wait very long to try something more active (i.e. Clomid). I really hope it works because something about Clomid really freaks me out. At this time I'm sort of ambivalent about getting pregnant. I want to have kids in an abstract sense, but the reality of it is a little hard for me to think about. If nothing else, these 2 months will give me time to get myself sorted out. I'm reading a book called Do I Want to Be a Mom? by Diana L. Dell, M.D., and Suzan Erem. I'm hoping it will help. Anyway . . . . now I'm going off on a tangent. I'm happy to hear what anybody else has to add.

ophelia · 03-22-2004, 02:33 PM

Hey Statlady,
I'm taking the Nature's Way capsules and I'm taking the dosage recommended on the bottle. It suggest 1 capsules 2 to 3 times a day for the first 8-12 weeks(to build it up in your system), afterwhich you take 1 capsule. The capsules are 400mg, and currently I am taking 1200mg. I don't know if it was the best thing to take the recommended dosage on the bottle... the naturopath at the health food store thought so. HTH Ophelia

Statlady · 03-22-2004, 03:33 PM

Wow, that's crazy! What an enormous range of doses! That's the most frustrating thing about natural remedies. Grrrr . . . . I really want to make sure I take enough, since I'm only going to do this for a couple of months. But how much is "enough?" Ack! Maybe somebody else knows something about proper dosage. Please, if anyone knows anything, tell us what you think.

maxinem · 03-24-2004, 04:32 AM

To get maximum benefit (or in some cases any) you would really need to take Vitex for AT LEAST 3-6 months. I have been on it for 7 months now and I am now ovulating on Day 21 (35 day cycle) as compared to 10 week cycles with no ovulation after taking several courses of Clomid to supposedly regulate my cycle.

Clomid did not induce me to ovulate at ALL even though I have conceived twice on my own previously to taking it albeit on very very long cycles. I did not have high Prolactin levels although I did have high LH. A blood test taken 10 days after commencing Vitex showed my first normal hormone result since being diagnosed with PCOS, and after continuing with the Vitex my cycles have been progressively shorter and more regular. My acne has also cleared up (acne only occured after coming off the pill after 10 years my PCOS being hidden by the contraceptive all the time I assume so I had no other symptoms)

I only turned to natural remedies after IVF being my only alternative to conceive again after the failure of Clomid and although I am not yet pregnant I can only say it has had positive results in every other way. I have not had a particulary helpful response from medical professionals in my search for a solution but I truly believe that I am more on the right track than any of them have been.

Best of luck!

sapphiremommy · 03-24-2004, 02:40 PM

I strongly believe in Vitex or Chasteberry!
I took clomid for 2 cycles and I ovulated but no BFP. I decided to stop taking clomid and to start vitex instead... well well well 2 months later: BFP!!!
My beautiful son is now 6 months!!

I was only taking vitex so I know for sure that it's what has truly worked for me. Needless to say I LOVE VITEX!

Good luck everyone!

Statlady · 03-24-2004, 03:16 PM

Wow! Congrats, saphiremommy!! That's very encouraging. Can you tell me what dose of Vitex you were taking?

Simpson · 03-24-2004, 04:31 PM

I have had great success with Vitex and Natural Progesterone Cream (Twins and regular menstrual cycles to prove it!). I take 400mg Vitex daily except on days that I am menstruating. Hope this helps!

Simpson · 03-24-2004, 04:36 PM

Sorry - it's me again. Just thought I should add that I had three failed cycles on Clomid - not to mention the fact that it made me feel like S$*t! I have also been on Metformin for about 3 years. If you are not in a hurry to get pregnant, you should give the Vitex more time. My understanding is that it is subtle and the longer you take the better results. I also highly recommend the book by Dr. Lee "What your Dr. may not tell you abour premenopause". Don't let the title mislead you. I was 27 when I read it and followed his advice. He covers numerous Endocrine/Hormonal disorders that affect women. After three failed Clomid cycles I willing to try the natural remedy and I had much better results!

ava2002 · 03-25-2004, 12:06 AM

I have to chime in here and say that I have been taking vitex for 7 months a 1000mcg a day. I have had a few cycles. However, I feel that I'm just now beginning to see the result. Facial hair is beginning to thin out and I just feel great for one. I would say--not trying to be judgemental--it sounds like you are questionable about TTC. It wouldn't hurt to give the vitex a lengthy trial of at least 6 months. Also, follow your heart. You KNOW what your body needs and doesn't need. Good luck!!

Statlady · 03-25-2004, 02:04 PM

Ava,

No worries. You don't sound judgemental.

You're right; I am questionable about the whole TTC thing. That's why I read the book I mentioned above. It has helped me to identify specific concerns/worries/fears I have about starting a family. The whole situation is driving me absoluetly nuts! I guess the way I see it, my primary goal is to get my cycles back. My secondary goal is to get pregnant. I don't feel like Clomid will be addressing my primary goal. DH doesn't seem to see it that way. The main reason we decided on the 2-month thing is that if I get pregnant between May-July I will have the baby near the end of DH's 4th year of med school--a pretty laid back time for him. If I get pregnant after that, we'll either be in the process of moving or he will be in his first year of residency--probably the busiest time of his life. So, it makes logical sense to give Clomid a go in May, June, and July (if necessary) and then take a break if it doesn't work. I'm just not sure I'm ready for that yet . . . .

P.S. You say that you're taking 1000mcg? Do you mean micrograms or milligrams?

ava2002 · 03-25-2004, 02:54 PM

Stat,

I'm sorry. I was wrong. It's 500 mg. I just looked at the bottle to make sure. I can completely understand about the whole TTC thing. My dh and I are both about to graduate with BS. We were both in school when we decided to TTC. I was the same way that you are. I can remember after my 1st appt with RE I was really unsure about the TTC thing. Primarily bacause I viewed it as how are we going to do this and how are we going to do that. And, I'll no longer be able to just do whatever I want. It will no longer be just about me. I will have this little person that I will be totally responsible for for at least 20 yrs. I went thru all of that. Well, let me tell you, it was worth every little bit of worry and concern. You can never ever understand the JOY and different kind of love that a child can bring into your life. It is the most stressful thing that you have ever done sometimes. However, it's like an oxymoron. At the same time, it's the most wonderful thing that could ever happen to you. Just to let you know. I got preg on 150mg of clomid--3 rounds. So, I can't be all against clomid either. I will say that the next one I will give vitex a try before I do clomid. Clomid made me very hormonal. Just hang in there. It will all work out probably when your dh in is his 1st yr of residency.....lol

Ava