Vitex and Infertility
Vitex Agnus Castus and Infertility
Vitex agnus castus (chasteberry, vitex) is a traditional herb that has been used historically for hormonal imbalances in women. More recently, numerous clinical research studies have provided evidence for vitex as a important herbal treatment for infertility, female hormonal imbalance, ovulatory irregularity, anovulation, amenorrhea, and other disorders related to hormone function in women.
In research studies, Vitex has displayed facility in relieving symptoms or addressing deficiencies caused by hormonal imbalances and vitex may be helpful for women who do not have regular or normal menstrual cycles. It may be very supportive as well for women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). In clinical trials, chasteberry (vitex standardized extract) has been demonstrated to enhance fertility, “and women with fertility disorders benefited from vitex agnus castus, with more pregnancies then in placebo groups”. Because vitex impacts key hormones that regulate and balance the menstrual cycle, vitex can help balance the levels and ratios of hormones required for normal menstrual function, ovulation, and fertility. As Vitex is safe, it may be used by women seeking to become pregnant to increase chances of conception. More specifically, it can be used by women with irregular ovulatory function and by women with shorter luteal phases. Vitex may also be used after discontinuing use of birth control pills to restore normal ovulation.
vitex has the effect of stimulating and normalizing pituitary gland functions, especially its progesterone function, vitex may be particularly useful in cases of low levels of progesterone during the luteal phase (the period between ovulation and the end of the menstrual cycle). As the studies below indicate, vitex may be very effective in promoting normal hormonal function, regular and frequent ovulation, and support fertility and conception.
The key to conceiving a baby is ensuring that ovulation takes place and you have a regular menstrual cycle. In this context, vitex or chaste berry has been shown to stabilize hormonal imbalances. Vitex may also be helpful for women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) who do not have a normal menstrual cycles or who ovulate irregularly, or experience amenorrhea or anovulation. However, PCOS is a complicated issue with unknown causes.
A large percentage ovulatory and menstrual problems are caused directly or indirectly by low levels progesterone following ovulation (the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle). Low levels of progesterone may cause LPD (luteal phase defect) or corpus luteum insufficiency. In the context of hormonal imbalances, Vitex may prove helpful with these infertility issues. According to studies and clinical research, vitex has proven effective. Benefits will increase over time – with maximum benefits after 3 months.
How Vitex and Fertility Supplements Work
In numerous clinical studies, vitex (chasteberry), a key ingredient in has displayed enormous facility in relieving symptoms or addressing deficiencies associated with hormonal (estrogen/progesterone) imbalances. Vitex may be helpful for women who do not have regular or normal menstrual cycles and may be very supportive as well for women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). In clinical trials, vitex has been demonstrated to enhance fertility – and women with fertility disorders benefited from vitex agnus castus, with more pregnancies then in various placebo groups.
Because vitex affects key hormones that regulate and balance the menstrual cycle, vitex can help balance the levels and ratios of hormones required for normal menstrual function, ovulation, and fertility. As vitex is safe, it may be used by women seeking to become pregnant to increase chances of conception. More specifically, it can be used by women with ovulatory dysfunction and by women with shorter luteal phases. Vitex may also be used after discontinuing use of birth control pills to restore normal ovulation.
Complete preconceptional vitamin support has also been shown to help enhance fertility as well. Vitamins C and E are important cleansing antioxidants that play a vital role in repairing damage caused by the environment, aging, and in preventing cellular damage due to oxidizing free radicals. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant central to overall reproductive health and wellness. In a preliminary human trial, infertile couples given vitamin E showed a significant increase in fertility. Other studies indicate that preconceptional vitamin supplementation can increase fertility. Folic acid supplementation is also essential to help prevent birth defects.
Vitex – in concert with other the herbal-nutritional ingredients may promote the restoration and balance of hormones that play a central role in menstrual health and regular ovulation, supporting a woman’s reproductive organs and the development of reproductive tissues.
