Need some help understanding VItex

Slugfest · 04-14-2005, 05:58 PM

I've seen Vitex mentioned on here in regards to helping minimize cysts, but Im not sure how it works, or how much I should take. Im also on bcp, so how does it work in regards to them? Also, I have some questions about npc, how does that work? can I take the vitex and npc together with the bcp? I want to help my body get balanced, but I need to make sure Im not gonna get pregnant in the mean time, so going off bcp isnt an option really. Thanks in advance your help.

Pale Pink Aura · 04-14-2005, 07:36 PM

My understanding is that you can't take bcp, and NPC or vitex at the same time - you would have to use a barrier contraceptive if you wanted to try and balance your hormones naturally. There is a great book by Dr John Lee which decribes the use of NPC (and vitex together, though he doesn't go into vitex too much) called what your doctor may not tell you about premenopause. It's a really good book to read (check your library for a copy - mine has it). With vitex take it at the doseage on the bottle (different formulations have markedly varying strengths) daily. With NPC take it from day 14 - 28. There are other ways of varying taking them both, but that's a great place to start (and they really both need at least 3 months to work). Theoretically you can use NPC to stop ovulation by taking it for 21 days instead of just 14, but many people (including myself) ovulate anyway, so it's not that reliable for a contraceptive.

mgreen72 · 04-26-2005, 11:58 PM

So what if you don't ovulate by Cd 14, you can't take the NPC until after you ovulate right? And don't you have to wait for 3-4 days after ovulation so it doesn't interfere with implantation. I hear so many different things don't know what to believe.

Pale Pink Aura · 04-27-2005, 01:48 AM

My doctor has me start it 2 days after ovulation and finish with my period. It doesn't stop your period from coming. Implantation often doesn't happen until 7 days after you O so it's not going to effect it - it's just the same chemical that your ovary produces naturally anyway...