Ask Me Help Desk - Vitex... how many mg a day?

Hello! So since January I have had one period. :( I seem to not be ovulating. In order to have that one period I had to use Progesterone pills for ten days. Thought it would have regulated me but it did not. So I'm looking into taking vitex. I bought a bottle and the capsules are only 40mg. Says on the back to take once a day. But I am hearing you are suppose to take like 1000mg a day. What should I take? I have been taking 2 capsules a day. So 80mg. Seems like it may not be enough. This is my 5th day in using it, and am wondering if it would be bad to take more than 80mg. I don't see anyone saying they took under 1000mg and it working. I know it can take up to a couple months for it to work. But what if I'm taking too little? My husband and I are trying to conceive. And have been trying for well over a yr. somebody please reply!!

I"ve never heard of this for starting a period.

Also, there are warnings associated with this medication if you have certain health conditions.

As far as ttc is concerned....Vitex is THOUGHT to increase lutenizing hormone, it is not known for sure if it does or not.

It is also contraindicated during pregnancy. Since you wouldn't know exactly when you got pregnant, you could risk taking this "drug" during critical developmental stages of pregnancy in which Vitex could endanger the well being of the fetus.

Have you been to the doctor for a full panely work up? An OB particularly?

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhiannahunt

Hello! So since January i have had one period. :( I seem to not be ovulating. In order to have that one period i had to use Progesterone pills for ten days. thought it would have regulated me but it did not. So im looking into taking vitex. I bought a bottle and the capsules are only 40mg. Says on the back to take once a day. But i am hearing you are suppose to take like 1000mg a day. What should i take? I have been taking 2 capsules a day. so 80mg. Seems like it may not be enough. this is my 5th day in using it, and am wondering if it would be bad to take more than 80mg. I dont see anyone saying they took under 1000mg and it working. I know it can take up to a couple months for it to work. but what if im taking too little? My husband and i are ttc. and have been trying for well over a yr. somebody please reply!!!

Have you had testing done to detemine whether you are ovulating at all? There are a number of possible reasons if you weren't that can be checked... high prolactin levels for example. That would be the first step if you haven't had "fertility" testing done. You may want to see a reproductive endocrinologist in conjunction with a medical herbalist.

Many women will use Vitex before going to something like Clomid instead and have very good results with it. The main purpose, when used while trying to conceive, is to regulate hormones. The recommended dose will vary due to the reason for its use and you would want to be sure it is what you actually need as there may be no point in its use for you and there may be better options available depending on the cause for the lack of fertility. Discuss it with your doctor or midwife.

If it is decided that this would be a good option for you, be sure the product you use is standardized and avoid any fertility blends that do not give amounts of each ingredient. The use of Vitex is very popular on a number of pregnancy boards I visit and after calling on one blended product, the company was not able to provide me with the amounts. So you really don't know if you are getting something that will serve the purpose you need.

Well I have seen a general doctor. I thought he was a gynecologist, but found out later he wasn't. I live in a small town and the closest Gynecologist is 2 hours and 30 minutes away. I have not done any testing. I have been temping for awhile now and my temps are usually around 97.14-97.22 then this morning when I temped I got 96.32. So it shot way down. Im hoping this could be ovulation!! Yesterday I felt horrible. Had some odd cramping in my lower back and noticed when I pushed a little on my lower left side(where my ovary would be) It was super tender. SO I will keep temping and in the morning if it the temp shoots up, I will keep a close eye on it. I always do. I took a pg test before starting to take the herbal supplements. And of course it said no. I most likely can't see a doctor until early or late October due to being super busy. Should I maybe ask for progesterone first and then start back up on vitex?

Has your temp gone back up? Have you been able to determine a regular pattern to your temps? It can take a few months sometimes.

When you do see your doctor, I would discuss both options. They should be able to do a pre-conception evaluation, including some blood work. At some point, a check on your hormone levels would be wise. That can help them to determine what course of treatment might be best for you. They may be fine with you trying the vitex for several months to see if your periods will regulate.

In the meantime, if you haven't already, it would be wise to start on a prenatal vitamin... or a multivitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid... (400 is the minimum, so if it has more, that is fine). Make any lifestyle changes you know would be helpful... eating healthy foods, avoid smoking or being around someone who smokes if that is something you need to consider, get some regular exercise, and try to get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Being in the best possible shape yourself before you become pregnant can help increase the odds of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoulaLC

Has your temp gone back up? Have you been able to determine a regular pattern to your temps? It can take a few months sometimes.

When you do see your doctor, I would discuss both options. They should be able to do a pre-conception evaluation, including some blood work. At some point, a check on your hormone levels would be wise. That can help them to determine what course of treatment might be best for you. They may be fine with you trying the vitex for several months to see if your periods will regulate.

In the meantime, if you haven't already, it would be wise to start on a prenatal vitamin...or a multivitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid...(400 is the minimum, so if it has more, that is fine). Make any lifestyle changes you know would be helpful....eating healthy foods, avoid smoking or being around someone who smokes if that is something you need to consider, get some regular exercise, and try to get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Being in the best possible shape yourself before you become pregnant can help increase the odds of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Thank you Doula. :) I wasn't able to temp this morning. But I will tomorrow. I know skipping days isn't wise. But if its considerably higher than usual I will assume I ovulated and will keep doing the right things. I do not smoke, and I always get like 8-10hrs of sleep. I am going to look at walmart for a prenantel vitamin. Currently I am taking the Princess gummy vitamins, my daughter and I take them together. :) and am taking that vitex. Im going to see if I am pregnant or on a period in 2 weeks, if neither I will make a appt. But if I get a period I think I will continue to take the vitex and try for a baby this way. Until I can get to a dr. :) oh wish me luck I do need it.

As for my temps. I have been taking them ever since mid June... I was taking them Orally, and noticed they were everywhere. The highest it ever got was like 96.65 I read if you sleep with your mouth open that can cause your temps to be inaccurate and low. I always sleep with my mouth open. So I decided to take them vaginally and noticed a HUGE difference. My temps have been 97.21- 97.65. But have had a lot of temps at 97.21. So for it going all the way down to 96.32 is awesome. So we will see I guess. I take my temps around 9:00am. I set my alarm. And immediately take my temp with little movement. And I make sure I get 5 hours of sleep before temping.