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-   -   A Qustion re Vitex (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=359058)

  • May 29, 2009, 02:40 AM
    toddy
    A Qustion re Vitex
    :)
    I am thinking of trying vitex as I have heard it can make irregular periods regular and also helps with ovulation.

    Would love some advise on this.
    :D
    Thanks :)
  • May 29, 2009, 03:08 AM
    DoulaLC

    It can help depending on the cause for the irregular cycles. Two frequent causes are low levels of progesterone and/or high levels of prolactin. Vitex may help with both.
    Sometimes an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone allows for egg maturation but not the release of the egg. Vitex is thought to help with balancing these hormones out, and actually swaying the balance towards the progesterone. This is why sometimes progesterone is prescribed to women when their levels are found to be low and they are having irregular cycles.

    If there is an imbalance, a woman's luteal phase, the duration after ovulation until her period, can be shortened not allowing for implantation. Vitex is thought to also help with a shortened luteal phase... which is generally thought to be anything less than 10 days.

    As with any herbal supplement, it should be discussed with the midwife or doctor as in some cases it may not be recommended. However, it is something many women will try first if their doctor suggests something like prometrium.

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