Vitex (Chasteberry) for Progesterone Support
Vitex raises luteal progesterone indirectly rather than supplying or mimicking it.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 20-40 mg/day of standardised extract; progesterone effects are confined to luteal phase defect
- Expected timeframe
- 3 cycles
Protocol
- form
- Standardised Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract taken continuously
- duration
- 3 cycles minimum; the luteal phase trials ran 3 months
- co factor
- Take once daily in the morning, every day. Evidence is mixed. Vitex does not contain progesterone or a progestogen - it acts indirectly, agonising pituitary dopamine D2 receptors to lower prolactin, which in women whose luteal phase is suppressed by mildly elevated prolactin allows normal luteal progesterone production to resume. Milewicz and colleagues showed 20 mg/day for three cycles lengthened the luteal phase and raised mid-luteal progesterone in women with latent hyperprolactinaemia. In women with normal prolactin and normal luteal function there is no reason to expect any progesterone change, and trials in unselected women are inconsistent.
- titration
- Up to 40 mg/day of extract after 6-8 weeks if mid-luteal progesterone remains low
- starting dose
- 20 mg/day of standardised vitex extract in the morning on an empty stomach
Evidence
What the studies say
The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Verkaik S, Kamperman AM, van Westrhenen R +1 more
Trials with low risk of bias yielded substantially smaller effect sizes than weaker studies of Vitex agnus castus.
Vitex agnus-castus in latent hyperprolactinaemia and luteal phase defect: a randomized placebo-controlled study
Milewicz A, Gejdel E, Sworen H +3 more
Vitex reduced prolactin release and raised mid-luteal progesterone levels versus placebo
Vitex agnus-castus for premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Verkaik S, Kamperman AM, van Westrhenen R +1 more
Vitex extract produced a large reduction in premenstrual symptom scores versus placebo
Safety
Caveats
Vitex contains no hormone and cannot raise progesterone in a woman whose luteal function is already normal - the effect depends entirely on removing prolactin-mediated suppression, so it applies to a specific subgroup. Marked hyperprolactinaemia is a different matter and can indicate a pituitary prolactinoma requiring imaging and prescribed dopamine agonist treatment; it should not be self-managed. Anyone using vitex for luteal support while trying to conceive should stop as soon as pregnancy is confirmed - it is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and its effects in early pregnancy are unstudied. Prescribed progesterone support in early pregnancy, where indicated, is a medical decision and not something a herbal product substitutes for. Avoid vitex with hormone-sensitive cancers including breast cancer. Dopaminergic interactions apply with bromocriptine, cabergoline, antipsychotics and metoclopramide, and vitex may reduce hormonal contraceptive reliability. Side effects include headache, nausea, acne and menstrual changes.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.