Chaste Tree / Vitex use

[minipolly2b]

Hi Gabriela,

I am hoping you can give me the correct information on how to use Chaste Tree / Vitex during my cycle while TTC. I have PCOS and was taking 1000mg every morning before breakfast for about a year prior to TTC. I stopped taking it 10th March so we could TTC as I heard it was not safe during pregnancy. But I am wondering if there is a way I can still take it safely while TTC as it does a beautiful job of regulating my cycles and reducing my PMS symptoms.

I have read so much conflicting info about when in the cycle to take it - some say only before ovulation, some say only after ovulation, and some say all cycle long. What is correct? And then is it safe after ovulation if I do become pregnant? Do I wean myself off it?

Your help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Minipolly :)

[minipolly2b]

Further to this, the other thing I was wondering about is would Maca also be suitable for me? Would that help with the pcos? Would I have to stop that during pregnancy?

Thanks again!

[GabrielaRosa]

Hi Gabriela,

I am hoping you can give me the correct information on how to use Chaste Tree / Vitex during my cycle while TTC. I have PCOS and was taking 1000mg every morning before breakfast for about a year prior to TTC. I stopped taking it 10th March so we could TTC as I heard it was not safe during pregnancy. But I am wondering if there is a way I can still take it safely while TTC as it does a beautiful job of regulating my cycles and reducing my PMS symptoms.

I have read so much conflicting info about when in the cycle to take it - some say only before ovulation, some say only after ovulation, and some say all cycle long. What is correct? And then is it safe after ovulation if I do become pregnant? Do I wean myself off it?

Your help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Minipolly :)


Dear Minipolly,

Great question.

Vitex is totally fine whilst TTC. However as I always say you may need specific, professional advice from the practitioner treating you.

What I generally recommend to my patients is that if they take vitex and conceive whilst on it they should continue on it for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The reason for this is that Vitex helps to support progesterone production during the first trimester.

Finally, regarding your question about Maca, yes it can be helpful however when I treat patients with PCOS I like to customise their herbal medicines specifically to them and their needs rather than prescribe products randomly.


I hope this helps.


Let me know if you have any further questions.


With Fertile Blessings,

Gabriela Rosa | Author, Natural Fertility Specialist, Researcher, Keynote Speaker
BHSc, ND, Post Grad NFM, DBM, Dip Nut, MATMS, MNHAA
EFT | Natural Fertility | Women’s & Men's Health | Naturopathy

‘Committed to helping couples create healthy babies and empowering individuals through better health.’

Visit Gabriela’s website to subscribe to her FREE fertility e-zine ‘Natural Fertility Booster’ for proven methods to boost your natural fertility and create the healthy baby of your dreams…guaranteed!

[minipolly2b]

Thanks Gabriela,

Is good to know Vitex is ok while TTC, just wondering though do I take it the whole cycle or only part of the cycle? I have read some information that suggests not to take it during AF and some say not to take it before ovulation?

Ta

[GabrielaRosa]

Thanks Gabriela,

Is good to know Vitex is ok while TTC, just wondering though do I take it the whole cycle or only part of the cycle? I have read some information that suggests not to take it during AF and some say not to take it before ovulation?

Ta

Hi minipolly2b,

To my patients I generally recommend it throughout the entire cycle.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any further questions.


With Fertile Blessings,

Gabriela Rosa | Author, Natural Fertility Specialist, Researcher, Keynote Speaker
BHSc, ND, Post Grad NFM, DBM, Dip Nut, MATMS, MNHAA
EFT | Natural Fertility | Women’s & Men's Health | Naturopathy

‘Committed to helping couples create healthy babies and empowering individuals through better health.’

Visit Gabriela’s website to subscribe to her FREE fertility e-zine ‘Natural Fertility Booster’ for proven methods to boost your natural fertility and create the healthy baby of your dreams…guaranteed!