View Full Version : Vitex and Clomid
MilkOnTap
08-02-2006, 20:27
Okay- I know these are two totally different drugs/substances - whatever. So far I have the gist that...
Vitex is used to regulate and encourage menstruation; and
Clomid is used to encourage ovulation.
Is this right? Are they both over the counter?
Reason being - AF is now one and a half weeks late and I am looking at what options there are out there...
Thoughts/suggestions/advice?
~Chick79~
08-02-2006, 20:42
Hi Ally!
I can't help you out much with Vitex as I have never taken it. However I have conceived twice on clomid and from my understanding you are right, clomid is used for ovulation. But clomid is not available over the counter and can only be prescribed by a gyno.
A fertility specialist that I saw in Newcastle has a website with more information on clomid: www.infertility.net.au
The website gives information regarding the different kinds of infertilty and causes of miscarriage etc. Hope it helps...
Good luck sweetie!
MilkOnTap
08-02-2006, 20:47
Thanks for the URL Leisha - just wondering if it is difficult to get clomid? Do I need to have a history with the gyno? Does it HAVE to be a gyno or could a GP prescribe it?
Ally - Leisha is spot on - clomid is not over the counter and needs to be prescribed. It has some pretty significant side effects which you need to think about carefully before taking it.
I know that you are keen to have a baby but most doctors will make you wait at least 6 months before giving you drugs such as this - and given your age they will probably take that approach and encourage you to get fit and healthy (if you aren't already) and "let nature take it's course". This is incredibly frustrating (I was told this and still ended up having fertililty treatment so felt that I had wasted all that time when they told me not to worry) so I just want to prepare you for what the doctor might say if you go and see one and ask for the drug.
MilkOnTap
08-02-2006, 20:48
Wow! I need to read more about it! I guess I have only heard good things about it... I suppose there are ALWAYS side effects...
What is Vitex then?
~Chick79~
08-02-2006, 20:53
Before my gyno would even consider the idea we had to have been trying for 6 mths and he also wanted to do exploratory procedure (Laparosocpy, Hysterosocpy and dye inserted into my tubes - apologies for spelling, brain can't think!!!).
As draught said there are some side effects (lucky me didn't have any but that is not always the case!), so it isn't something that I would go into lightly.
Also keep in mind with Grant being away for the next 6 months clomid might not even be an option until he gets back - clomid runs on a schedule!!!! :p
MilkOnTap
08-02-2006, 20:59
Also keep in mind with Grant being away for the next 6 months clomid might not even be an option until he gets back - clomid runs on a schedule!!!! :p
Gotcha - much heavier stuff than I envisioned! I am trying to find a 'miracle herb' that will get AF off her big fat lazy backside and pay me a visit - that way I can get O underway and POSSIBLY catch the egg before Grant goes!
~Chick79~
08-02-2006, 21:36
unfortunately clomid won't bring on AF any sooner sweetie! :)
LittleBoysRock
08-02-2006, 22:20
Hi Ally,
I know of something that worked for me trying to concieve after being told I was never going to have children. I know others that have used it to fall pregnant too and it has a high success rate. It is not cheap but not too pricey either.
PM me for more details, I will do my best to help if your interested.
Goodluck concieving. :)
I'd been having long cycles and took raspberry leaf last cycle and it was 26 days :D Worked for me!
I fell pregnant with my boy while taking clomid but it didn't work on it's own. I needed to take metformin as well - a diabeties medication to regulate my insulin levels which were playing havoc with my hormones. was on clomid for 5 months first month on both and it did the trick. both were prescribed by specalists. they also advise to take the metformin if there is any risk of miscaraige has some effect on helping to keep pregnancy viable.
You will need to see a dr of some discription for both.
good luck
I had metformin and clomid together as well, worked first time when i had them both in a cycle.
Clomid, as said by Stu's chick, doesnt bring on ovulation, it just increases the output of follicles. Another drug starting with P..i'm so sorry but I can't remember the name, is used to bring on menstration to help you get regulated to start clomid. Clomid is available after thorough investigations with a fertility specialist as you need to be under close watch as Clomid can still cause hyper stimulation of the ovaries and as some IVF people will say , is not nice.
Good Luck
Cheers Jen
Ally,
Vitex acts in a similar way to clomid, in that it acts on your pituitary gland to regulate your bodies production of oestrogen and progesterone, hence regulating cycles and making sure you ovulate on time etc. The major difference is that Vitex is a herb so you can get it in a health food store, and I'm sure it is not as strong as clomid! (though a few of us have conceived in the first month of taking it.. those of us without other fertility issues that is).
Because of the stabilising effect it has, it can also help with mood swings, skin breakouts and all those other things that are generally 'hormonal' issues, ie brought about by hormonal imbalances.
Hope that helps. :)
C.
MilkOnTap
09-02-2006, 08:11
Cosmic - genius! That is EXACTLY what I need! Something to help regulate my cycle... and if it can eleviate my moods then that has to be a bonus too.
Cheers for that!
Am guessing that any old health food shop should have it?
MilkOnTap
11-02-2006, 13:48
Okay - so I got the Vitex and have been taking it for 3 days now. Still no AF, though I guess it is too soon to expect results...
How long did you guys use it before it began to regulate your cycles?
H&B'sMum
11-02-2006, 14:03
I took about a month of taking Vitex Ally, so be paitent Sweetie :);)
dylansmummy
11-02-2006, 14:03
Good Luck with the vitex Ally :)
lizzymcfizzy
15-02-2006, 08:37
Another drug starting with P..i'm so sorry but I can't remember the name, is used to bring on menstration to help you get regulated to start clomid.
Cheers Jen
That one is Primulot I think.
I also take metformin for insulin resistance and have just started my first round of clomid today :) I'm trying to be patient but I'm excited.
Alley I really recommend you consult a gyno or at least a GP while you take these self prescribed meds, its a very big thing you are playing with here. Please do what you feel you are comfortable with but consider talking to a professional about it.
hugs
Liz
MilkOnTap
15-02-2006, 08:44
I started Vitex last Wednesday. A week ago today. And I am loving it already. It helped bring on my AF (which began Monday) and I didn't have any pain at all! Since having both of my ectopics my periods are REALLY painful (cramps, headaches, backpain etc) but nothing - nada - no pain. I couldn't believe it.
Even if I wasn't TTC then I think I would take Vitex anyway - just to help regulate AF and eleviate the pain.
Awesome stuff!
~J'dore~
15-02-2006, 11:08
Here here, I second that, I've been taking vitex only one month and AF was a dream!!! (sounds funny saying that:rolleyes: )
No cramps or headaches, i'm so happy with it. And it helped regulate my ovulation this month, which has been a bit irregular since having implanon removed at the beginning of November.
I'm a happy customer:D
oh yes, it's good stuff that Vitex. :D The lady in the health food store who sold it to me said it had changed her life, literally! I only took it for a month before conceiving, but that month I ovulated on Day 14 for the first time ever. :)
I am tossing up whether or not to take it. I have a pretty regular 30 day cycle but am BF my son. So, I fel insecure about the cycles even though they seem fine. I want so much to get preg. but have heard some mixed stuff about Vitex. Do you think it is better to go without if all seems regular, or should I give it a go to boost my chances?:confused:
Nut, maybe you should have a chat to the person in the health food store or speak to a naturopath about it? Just to clarify, my cycle was very regular! I took it to increase my fertility and apparently it worked (or maybe it was just a fluke ;)). Lots of others with regular cycles also conceived using it. It just makes everything work better iykwim.
maybe1more
15-02-2006, 12:22
Nut- i have a pretty much full bottle of vitex if you want it, i only took it for 4 day before i found out i was pg, id be more that happy to give it to you, pm me if you want it:)
MilkOnTap
15-02-2006, 12:38
Nut - I have found it fantastic so far! It also helps to ease PMS (and trust me - I needed that!) Since having both the ectopics my hormones have been all over the shop and I finally feel as though I have plateaud (sp?)
Just confirm that its okay to take while BF... I am sure it would be okay - since it is a herbal remedy, but it never hurts to double check. Best to be safe than sorry!
I've actually read that one of its benefits is to help with breastfeeding but I agree - check that out before taking it!
Thanks all! I'll look into it. Thanks for the offer of the vitex, Jenny, but do keep it for later on, or for a close friend. I'll have to do some reading....:)
~J'dore~
01-03-2006, 12:23
Vitex is great, I wish I knew about it sooner:smiliedance: :smiliedance: :smiliedance:
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