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View Full Version : I have a question about Vitex, please!


franneh
May 7, 2010, 07:50 AM
I've read multiple sites about Vitex, and I've purchased some and I'm ready to begin taking it, in hopes of conceiving.

However, there isn't much information about how much Vitex to take. Each site says the amount varies from woman to woman. But how do you figure it out? I've seen a couple of sites that say 175mg.

The bottle I bought is capsules that are 400mg EACH. And the label says "take up to six capsules daily."

Now, a range of 400-2400mg is pretty vague, don't you think?

I just want to have periods, so I can ovulate, and get pregnant! I'm on Metformin, and I still have only had one period this year.

Any advice on how much Vitex to take would be very much appreciated!

JudyKayTee
May 7, 2010, 08:28 AM
This is a very comprehensive site: Vitex - What You Need to Know About Vitex (http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/Vitex.htm)

DoulaLC
May 7, 2010, 09:06 AM
The average is about 1000mg a day... broken up in two dosages. Keep in mind it can take a few months before there may be any change.
How long have you been on the Metformin?

franneh
May 7, 2010, 09:46 AM
I've been on metformin since September 09. :)

Yeah I heard it takes a few months to really start working, which is why I'm so eager to get started! :) :)

Thanks so much for the link, I will check it out right now!

franneh
May 7, 2010, 09:53 AM
I'm concerned about the possible side effect of hair loss. Is this something most women have on vitex, or is it rare? I swear I think my hair has already gotten thinner since starting metformin, so this is a big concern for me.

JudyKayTee
May 7, 2010, 10:32 AM
I read that over 10% of women report hair loss to some degree. It also appears that it is not reversible.

DoulaLC
May 7, 2010, 02:17 PM
I'm concerned about the possible side effect of hair loss. Is this something most women have on vitex, or is it rare? I swear I think my hair has already gotten thinner since starting metformin, so this is a big concern for me.

Were you prescribed the Metformin for PCOS? That itself can cause hair loss as well as the Metformin.
The Vitex may cause hair loss, but it also may help prevent further hair loss if it does help with regulating your hormone levels. As with any herbal supplement or medication, there will be some people who do experience side effects while trying to "cure" the reason for their use in the first place.
If you haven't already, it would be a good idea to speak to your doctor about also having your thyroid checked and to let them know you are considering using Vitex along with the Metformin.

franneh
May 7, 2010, 02:30 PM
Yeah I take metformin for PCOS and to regulate blood glucose levels- trying to not become diabetic like the rest of my family, although I'm very close. And I am also already taking levothyroxine for my thyroid. =)

I am not on speaking terms with my (ex) gynecologist. She pissed me off for the last time last month, and I'm currently looking for a new one, so it may be a month or so until I get an appointment.

JustMarried2011
Dec 19, 2011, 06:01 PM
I have basically the same thing Franneh, I was goven Levothyroxine for hypothyroid. I was given Metformin to reduce the blood glucose(multiple family members have diabetes including my father) I was tested and given ultrasound for pcos and was told I did not have that. But me and my husband are Trying to conceive and it is not working... I am so sadden to say it has been almost 2 years since we began trying and still nothing has happened. I heard about vitex and I haven't tried it yet but when you get a clear answer PLEASE email me and let me know!! Thanks so much!