Fertility and Vitex

Increase fertility naturally with vitex. Vitex is also called chaste tree berry, vitex agnus-castus or monk's pepper.

A fruity herb plant that grows in the Mediterranean countries and in central Asia is a natural aid for women who need infertility treatments. Treatments for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual difficulties, acne, fibrocystic breast disease and heavy menstrual bleeding are all helped with fertility and Vitex.

Vitex works with the reproductive hormones to lengthen the luteal phase for those who suffer with a luteal phase defect and helps to lower prolactin levels. It does not contain hormones, but rather encourages the hormones to balance.

Vitex prompts the pituitary gland and the production of lutenizing hormone (LH). This in turns helps with the production of progesterone which helps to regulate the entire reproductive cycle. It encourages prolactin levels to decrease. Prolactin is the hormone that breastfeeding moms produce to help halt ovulation – and thus acts as a natural birth control. Because it helps to decrease the prolactin levels, it may enable a woman to ovulate can give help getting pregnant.

It is a matter of opinion about how and when to take vitex. With that said I suggest that you seek the advice of your healthcare provider – and that of the label for definite instructions.

Some suggest that vitex be taken from menstruation to ovulation, stopping once ovulation is confirmed. Others say it's safe to take all cycle and stopping only if pregnancy is confirmed.

Vitex may take several months to build up in your system and for you to see any results. In some cases it can take upwards to 18 months to correct an infertility issue with Vitex. If pregnancy does not occur within that time frame it is advisable to make an appointment to discuss other options with your doctor.

Be warned, you must not take vitex while taking the fertility drug Clomid, or any drug similar to Clomid. Vitex and Clomid (and others) counteract each other.

I tried vitex myself for around 3 months and didn’t see a difference. I might have if I had continued, but some women it won't affect either way. Yet others have taken vitex and got results and a pregnancy rather quickly.

If you're looking to increase fertility naturally, then give vitex a try. Chances are you aren't on prescription medications and it should be safe to try. Always clear it with your healthcare provider first though. Vitex is excellent with alleviating pesky PMS, so this benefit alone might be worth a try.