kristensmom,
I have been on Vitex for about 1 year now and have had great results. I would not be worried if I were you (my bloodwork before Vitex was FSH was 2.7 and my LH was 12.5 - as to what cd I was on I couldn't tell you as it had been months since I had seen af). My naturopath said not to worry that vitex will balance out any imbalances- it will adapt how you need it to. Now, I now get af on a regular basis and even ovulate.
I would like to recommend a couple of websites for you. Here are the links and I've selected text I found helpful:
http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/vitex.html Taking Vitex
When using chaste tree berry, don’t expect immediate results. It may not have much effect until it is taken for at least 3-6 months.
It’s not the same as taking progesterone. You don’t give it, stop it, and then expect a withdrawal bleed a few days later as you would if you were taking progesterone or synthetic progestins.
Vitex Risks & Side Effects
Vitex agnus castus is exceptionally safe. In one study, chaste tree berry was given up to 9 years with very few side effects.
It's advisable to not take vitex if you are pregnant.
Drug Interactions
Interactions with hormone replacement therapy (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment.
conjugated estrogens, estradiol, estrone, esterified estrogens, estropipate, ethinyl estradiol, progesterone, medroxyprogesterone, hydroxyprogesterone, norethindrone.
Interactions with oral contraceptives (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment:
norethindrone, ethynodiol diacetate, norgestrel, norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone, desogestrel, levonorgestrel .
Interactions with dopamine agonists (potential/theoretical). An in-vitro study reported that chasteberry constituents had dopaminergic activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment:
selegeline, amantadine, carbidopa, levadopa, pramipexole, ropinirole, bromocriptine, pergolide. If you are taking any of these medication, it's a good idea to consult with your physician before taking vitex.
http://www.mum.org/pcos.htm Agnus Castus (also referred to as vitex or chasteberry): This seems to be the herb most commonly used by women with PCOS. Vitex has a direct effect on the pituitary gland; the gland involved in regulating hormone production. It seems to increase the level of LH, although the studies that have shown this have been conducted in women
without PCOS.
Therefore, this does not mean it increases LH levels in women with PCOS. The fact that it works so well in women with PCOS lends great support to David Hoffman's (11) assertion that vitex is an adaptive herb that does whatever the body needs it to do. It seems to restore progesterone to a normal level , which is helpful for those with low progesterone levels. Low progesterone levels can cause miscarriage so vitex can help to prevent this. It is also used for irregular menstruation, amenorrhea and PMS.