vitex- does it work???

[honeydew]

I am starting on vitex tomorrow morning to help regulate my cycle- just wanting to hear from anyone on it if it really does work. And how long until it worked for you? I am dreaming it will work next month and give me a normal 28 day cycle but am thinking I am getting a little ahead of myself.

Also I googled it and one site said that it can make you moody- please tell me this isn't true!! :laughing: Last thing I need is to be MORE moody!

I am on cd27 and haven't ovulated yet and last cycle had a short luteal phase of 8 days so I am hoping this helps me :fingerscrossed:

Any feedback would be great!

Thanks in advance :)

[Pixie]

It made my moods much worse I was angry a lot more than usual lol

But it did help regulate me a bit

[honeydew]

How many months did it take to work?? Sorry for so many Q's!

[Butterflies&Hurricanes]

I took vitex for a month or so and stopped it because I found I had major mood swings once on it.
I've also read that its not good to take if you have PCOS and also some women find vitex actually makes their cycles longer. Everyone is different I guess.

I started taking Maca Root and ever since taking it my cycles have shortened. They were 40 odd days long and now they are 29 - 30. I stopped taking it (was away for a while) but thinking of going back on it as my luteal phase is shortish. Maca Root is good because it encourages your body to produce the right hormones at the right level.

[honeydew]

The macca root sounds good :detective:

One more question about the vitex- do I continue to take it after ovulation or stop and then restart after AF comes (IF it comes!)

[Butterflies&Hurricanes]

I read you stop after ovulation as its not good to take if pregnant.... but depending on who you listen to you'll probably get different responses - as always.

[Butterflies&Hurricanes]

Here is some stuff on maca root
http://www.ahasu.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYCAT&catid=30
http://www.menstruation.com.au/menstrualproducts/macasupportsfertility.html

I would recommend going for the capsules. I took the powder and its REVOLTING! :barf:

[honeydew]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FLUFFBALL :hugs:

I can't believe how kind you have been to search for info for me, you are a real gem!

I think the macca root sounds better! Can I get that from the chemist?

[RedPanda]

I was taking Vitex, and it only took me four months to get pregnant. Good luck with it all!

[Butterflies&Hurricanes]

There is a big vitamins discount store near me and thats where I got mine. you could try the chemist otherwise try a health store if you dont have one of those vitamin places near you.
Otherwise, you can get it online.... not sure if you are keen on that idea.

Good luck hun!!
:babydust2:

[honeydew]

Thanks fluffball! I went to the chemist and they didn't have any (although I think I was asking for MACRO root now that I think back :laughing:). So I thought maybe for now I should just take the vitex but the lady (this is a different chemist to where I got the vitex from yesterday) said to me that vitex needs to be taken 9 months before you start ttc and then you stop taking it once you start ttc because otherwise you have a greater chance of miscarriage due to the high progesterone levels- IS THIS TRUE??? The lady yesterday said none of this and there are people who seem to be taking it while ttc :confused: I think my prob is LOW progesterone levels so maybe I will be ok??

I know I should just go to the GP to ask his advice but I am ashamed to admit we are having trouble conveiving and want to do everything I can to do it naturally.

Will look into the macca root some more before I start taking the vitex :detective:

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS REPLIED!!!

[BaDaBing]

Hi Hayley :wave:

I heard that it takes as little as a month for you to see a difference. When I first started taking it it was half way through a cycle so I noticed no difference but the next month was shortened by 4 days to 31 days. I think it is a gradual thing as I have been told to expect that it will shorten this cycle to even shorter.

On the Vitex bottle it says "not recommended to take when pg". I am not what I willl do when we start to ttc as I don't really want to stop taking it in case I don't fall pg and then get all out of wac again.

I'll do some reseach and let you know.

[honeydew]

Thanks badabing!! I am very confused with this all LOL it is all new to me! When ttc Mason we just went for it every day for 3 months and TA-DA we got a baby! I had no idea about ovulation, cycle length, nothing :o

[kittykatz]

Vitex comes in very differing doses, i was taking a brand called Premular which is medically proven to help with menstrual problems and hormones, however the dosage is quite low.(360mg i think)

My GP told me that it takes 3 months for full effects to occur.

I have changed to a brand which is 1000mg and you can take 1 or 2 tablets. I have only been on this brand for 2 months, and have not concieved yet, but the difference in my periods is amazing. I used to be in constant pain, depressed, fluid retention, vomiting etc, and now i have barely any symptoms. My cycle is becoming more regular too. I have heard of a lot of people who have been trying for months/years, and have concieved nearly immediately after taking Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry).

You don't take it when pregnant though.

[honeydew]

Thanks KittyKatz!! So do you stop taking it once you have ovulated and then start taking it again once AF arrives?

[kittykatz]

I take it primarily because i get such bad periods, so i take it for a full cycle. I've just been told to stop if i get a positive pregnancy test. Because it regulates your homones, which obviously effects ovulation as well as menstruation, you should take it every day, especially since it takes the full 3 months to take effect.

[honeydew]

Ok, thanks for that kitty katz!!

[adelaideannie]

I get mine from GOLDEN GLOW you can get a catalouge by calling 1300 36 36 56 and it is$12.30 plus postage good luck I have only been on it this cycle but hoping it will help!:babydust2: :babydust2: for you!