Vitex/Chaste Tree make you veiny?

kiwicyster · 05-02-2009, 02:43 AM

Hi ladies,
I've posted this on another thread as well.
Has anyone who's used vitex (or not used I suppose) found they got really veiny in the BBs, arms etc?
Its not a totally uncommon pre-AF sight for me, but AFs been and gone and I'm getting veinyer (along with the milky CM and tickly nips).
I'm scratching my head coz these are progesterone symptoms STILL!
Any experiences? Ideas?
M

freyabecca · 05-02-2009, 11:33 PM

I do not know about Vitex. But I see that you take Dim. I was thinking of purchasing this. How do you feel it works for you and How long have you been taking? Any info you can share will be much appreciated.

kiwicyster · 05-03-2009, 07:21 AM

Hey Freya (or is it Becca teehee

)
I've been taking DIM for a long time - 5 years I'd say. I went off it for a few months last year then started it again. I take 100mg a day. I didn't find any added benefit taking more (tried up to 200mg 2x day).
I took it when I had no AF and used NPC CD7-28 but never bled. This coupled with low carbing I lost tonnes of weight (went of BCP and SSRI) and my estrogen level got very low. Probably from diet and excessive exercise more than from the DIM.
Early last year I took vitex and AF arrived for first time on her own. Gained 10kg and started getting endo symps so went back on the DIM and NPC and they went away. I stopped DIM while trying vitex coz I wasn't sure if it'd interfere...
It helps to take your DIM dose (it is fat soluble so take with your oil) before exercising as it frees up testosterone for a little while and that helps with fatburning. I would not say it raises androgens in general though, but don't quote me.
This is a very good site about DIM, free from sales pitches:

http://www.dimfaq.com/index.htm

Now I still take it, still have AF but frequently (21 dayer). I'm not sure I'm Oing so have been trying a break from DIM CD7-O.
I think, hypothetically it is possible that after a few months on it, it metabolises your estrogen levels down that perhaps you can't achieve O. This is just my reasoning, I have searched the web far and wide and cannot find a thing relating to DIM, O and LH surge. I might just be blabbing!
If your estrogen it high and you are overweight, I think it'd take some time to get to this point. Maybe go by your breast size and CM. Shrinking BBs and bum is a sign of declining estrogen. As is the absence of ewcm.
I use a New Zealand brand called Clinicians, it has Vit E in it as well and is the cheapest available here.
It is said to help hormonal acne caused by estrogen (not gonna help androgen acne).
Do not take it during pregnancy as it may affect the fetus's sexual development.
Sorry so long but wanted to give you the majority of my experience!
HTH