Alternative Infertility Treatments: Vitex

With the known risks and side effects of fertility medications, many couples seek alternative infertility treatments. Studies show that as many as one in every five couples in the United States and one in six couples in Canada cannot conceive. Vitex is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative fertility treatment, as Vitex does not contain hormones.

What Is Vitex?

Vitex is a plant found in central Asia and in the Mediterranean regions, often known as “Chasteberry” or “Monk’s Pepper”. This flowering shrub with silver leaves and clusters of purple flowers grows to a height of 1 to 5 meters. The leaves and berries are known to be beneficial for both the female and male reproductive systems, with the berries having the best effect.

How Does Vitex Work?

Vitex acts on the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, helping the body to maintain a natural cycle rhythm. With this process, LH luteinizing hormone is produced and slightly suppresses the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Vitex regulates the balance of estrogen and progesterone.

This beneficial herb helps to lower prolactin levels. Clinical studies indicate that a higher dose of Vitex causes a slight decrease with prolactin levels, and a lower dose causes a slight increase. A lower amount of prolactin will affect the FSH, also affecting the estrogen in women. In addition, this will affect the testosterone in men. This herb is not a hormone itself, but helps to balance hormone levels by stimulating the release of the luteinizing hormone (luteal phase) from the pituitary gland, and increases progesterone.

Fertility Problems that Vitex Treats

  • Menorrhagia: Menorrhagia is abnormal and prolonged periods for which Vitex can help treat.
  • Endometriosis: Vitex may help with endometriosis, the growth of uterine tissue which grows in other locations outside of the uterus.
  • Hormone Imbalance: Vitex can assist to balance estrogen and progesterone levels.
  • Dysmenorrhea: This herb can normally help with dysmenorrheal, which is painful menstrual cycles.
  • Ovarian Cysts: Ovarian cysts (collections of clear fluid with a thin wall within the ovaries) may be treated by Vitex.
  • Unusual Menstrual Bleeding: Vitex treats unusual menstrual bleeding.
  • Fibroids: Fibroids are common benign (non-malignant) tumors for which Vitex may treat.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder for which numerous cysts collect within the ovaries. Vitex may help with PCOS. 

Vitex Side Effects and Risks

Vitex is not fast-acting and could take several months, with as many as over 12 months to take effect. Common side effects include skin rashes, nausea, hair loss, headache, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, itching and spotting in between menstrual cycles. Vitex is, however, normally considered a safe and effective remedy. It is always important to discuss the matter with the physician, when introducing any new herbal supplement.

Who Should Not Take Vitex

Patients should speak to their physician before taking Vitex. Individuals who have a medical condition, such as cancer, or who have endometriosis or uterine fibroids should not take Vitez. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who are on hormonal therapy should not take Vitex. Because Vitex affects dopamine levels, individuals that have diseases for which dopamine may be affected, such as Parkinson’s disease, should not take Vitex as one of the alternative infertility treatments. 

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