Indications supported by clinical trials [1]:
- PMS, especially premenstrual mastalgia and fluid retention
- amenorrhea, especially related to hyperprolactinemia
- oligomenorrhoea (lengthened cycle)
- polymenorrhoea (shortened cycle)
- fibrocystic breasts
- progesterone deficiency
- luteal phase dysfunction
- infertility due to decreased progesterone levels or hyperprolactinaemia
- recurrent miscarriage, especially when the miscarriage starts with spotting and is due to progesterone deficiency. 10% of miscarriages are from low progesterone.
- insufficient breast milk
- fibroids
- endometriosis
- follicular ovarian cysts
- irregular menstruation
- menopausal symptoms
- fibrocystic breast
Vitex has been used by midwives to prevent miscarriage due to low progesterone. Ideally, women start on it three months before trying to conceive and use it well into the first trimester to maintain stable progesterone levels. The most recent edition of the Botanical Safety Handbook provides no contraindications to using during pregnancy. [2] As always, consult with your midwife before taking any herbs during pregnancy.
In the Middle Ages, Vitex was thought to suppress libido. “The truth is, vitex neither suppresses nor increases libido. It is a normalizing herb for the reproductive system. In the words of David Hoffman, ‘Vitex will always enable what is appropriate to occur”- from Herbal Healing for Women
Contraindications:
- I do not recommend vitex for young women who have not established a regular cycle yet.
- Vitex is not to be taken with fertility-enhancing drugs, oral contraceptives, progesterone-containing drugs or creams, dopaminergic or antidopaminergic medications, or hormone replacements. *
- “In a very small subset of women with depression, vitex may aggravate symptoms. If this happens, simply discontinue use.”-Dr. Aviva Romm, MD [3]. Seriously, this is no joke. I’ve seen depression get much worse with some women. It even happened to me once.
- If you have PCOS, Vitex may not be right for you, as it may increase LH. If you have PCOS, seek the help of a trained herbalist, ND, or Women’s Hormonal Health Specialist.
“Typical dosing is 20-40 mg/day, though up to 240 mg of products containing the herb has been shown to be safe and effective. Tincture or liquid extract is taken in doses of 20-40 drops up to 3 times/day, though some herbalists recommend as much as one measured teaspoon (= 5 mL) per day, either in one dose in the morning or divided into 2 or 3 doses throughout the day”- Dr. Aviva Romm, MD [3]. Many ND’s or herbalists recommend taking the one dose in the morning because “that’s when the pituitary gland is most susceptible.” I don’t believe there is any proof that this method is more effective, but it does make it easier rather than dividing the dose into three times a day.
Here’s how I took it: 3 dropperfuls in a small amount of water first thing in the morning. I took it daily and then took a break during my period. You should see some effect within the first three months of use. If you’re not seeing any difference at all by three months, vitex may not be the herb for you. Typically, women take it for 3-6 months for full benefit and then discontinue use. If you experience depression or worsening of PMS symptoms, stop Vitex immediately.
Always put your alcohol tinctures in water, and not directly under or on the tongue if taking regularly.
Balancing hormones should always start with diet and lifestyle changes. Avoid synthetic products, nonorganic foods (especially from meat and dairy), and avoid BPA in plastics and cans. Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress and inflammation, consuming good-quality fats, having regular bowel movements, and supporting stable blood sugar all affect our hormones. Herbs are supportive, wonderful allies, but shouldn’t be viewed as magic bullets or quick fixes.
Consult a qualified healthcare physician if you think you may have a medical condition. Always tell your physician if you are taking herbal products. Herbs may react adversely with pharmaceutical drugs. This blog is for educational purposes only.
Source 1-Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine, 2e
Source 2- Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, 1e
Author: Barbara Horsley has more than 26 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist. She specializes in abdominal massage and Visceral Manipulation™ and is an NCBTMB-approved educator. In addition to being certified in abdominal massage, she also studied biomechanics and restorative exercise. She is also a Certified Women’s Herbal Educator and a graduate of the IWHI Perimenopause & Menopause Certificate Program.