Vitex (chaste berry) and hairloss

strongernow · 12-26-2005, 09:22 PM

I have been reading up on Vitex for a while and the benefits of it helping regulate estrogen and hormone levels..I just purchased 2 bottles of it but am now concerned because I saw something stating it may give you hairloss, possibly because of the progestin effects. I have had terrible hairloss for the past 2 months and my hair is getting pretty thin, I don't want to take anything that will make it worse (or I will most definitely be bald). Has anyone taken this and seen an increas in hairloss? I figured because it would do the opposite and help since it is used in aiding regulation of hormones..?

gerberas · 12-27-2005, 01:42 AM

hi
there is a nature shop i had been to recently which had natural extracts that women can use called Cycle 1 and Cycle 2
Cycle 1 (also the estrogrogenic cycle) refers to the first half of the cycle upto ovulation (1-14days) which was composed of Dong quai and Black Cohosh
Cycle 2 (14-28days) was composed of Vitex and Wild Yam.

I was taking Vitex everyday until i saw this and now i am planning to take it from the CD 14 til i get AF.
So my guess is that its best not to take Vitex everyday and increase progesterone levels way beyond what is needed.

I may not be correct also, it will be great to see more thoughts on that one.
thanks

to all my cysters

strongernow · 12-27-2005, 05:41 AM

oh thanks for the info, I dont have my cycle at all unless I take Provera..which I will no longer because of it making my hairloss worse.. so I wouldnt know when to take vitex and when to stop it. I am just concerned about it making my hair fall out more since it acts like a progestin

BuBu · 12-27-2005, 08:09 AM

strongernow,

Here are a few links that I found that tells you about potential side effects and possible drug interactions of Vitex:
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Her...|Vitex,00.html

http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/vitex.html#sec4

I see that hairloss is listed as a potential side effect. That being said, I have never experienced any side effects on Vitex and it has given me my life back (I now have AF each month and ovulate on my own

). It has done wonders for me!!

My Naturopath has me on Vitex. She has told me that since Vitex is a gentle, slow working herb, to take it everyday as she feels that it is important to send my body a clear messages about having monthly cycle (before AF was very irregular- more so being off the pill). This means that I don't stop after ovulation, I take it straight through my cycle. She also said not to worry if I were to get pregnant (were aren't actively trying - but not preventing either). Vitex is not an abortagenic or going to cause harm if it is taken for a few days before pregnacy is detected. Alternatively, you would want to stop as soon as pregnancy is detected.

I started on Vitex (standardized in February of this year and it took about 3 months for my period to return, but I noticed changes in my mood swings (or lack there of) about 2 weeks after starting. I feel normal again and no side effects! In the New Year, she may adjust the dosage, but she feels strongly that I keep up my current dosage so that my body has 6-7 consistant menstral cycles so it can find it's balance.

I hope this helps you in your decision.
Marsha

I just found this: http://www.womenlivingnaturally.com/product.php?id=174
This product contains Vitex and it is used to treat hormonal hairloss. So go figure??!!

BuBu · 12-27-2005, 08:41 AM

gerberas,

I just noticed your tagline. Are you taking both bcp and vitex?? If so, the 1st article I linked for Nikki states,

"Chemicals in chaste tree berries act like female hormones in the body. When they are taken at the same time as oral contraceptives or female hormone replacement therapy (HRT), chaste tree berries may interfere with the way the body uses the hormones. As a result, HRT or oral contraceptives may not be as effective, some women may experience increased side effects, and the risk of an unintended pregnancy may be slightly higher. "

Just thought you might want a heads-up.

gerberas · 12-27-2005, 04:32 PM

hi bubu
thanks for all that wonderful information.
I am so sorry, actually my tag line is a a little old, i need to change it.
Actually i took BCP for a month (Nov) to get AF and i stopped after that.
This cycle i m just on Met,Vitex and Evening Prim Rose Oil.
Waiting to see if i ovulate and get AF.But as i said earlier i was taking Vitex throughout my cycle before and this cycle i am going to start on CD 14.
Hoping to see if it works.

my cysters are the best

Have a great New YR