Vitex (Chasteberry) for Reproductive Health
Vitex may help conception in women with luteal phase defects or mild hyperprolactinaemia.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 20-40 mg/day of standardised Vitex agnus-castus extract each morning, taken continuously for at least 3 months
- Expected timeframe
- 3-6 months
Protocol
- form
- Standardised Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract; products vary widely in standardisation, so follow the specific product labelling
- duration
- 3 months minimum before judging; some fertility studies ran 3-6 cycles
- co factor
- Take once daily in the morning, continuously rather than cyclically. Evidence is mixed. Vitex acts on pituitary dopamine D2 receptors, reducing prolactin secretion, which in women with mildly elevated prolactin or luteal phase defect can restore luteal progesterone and lengthen an inadequate luteal phase - a coherent and specific mechanism. Trials are small: Gerhard and colleagues found improved pregnancy rates in women with luteal phase defect, and multi-ingredient fertility products containing vitex have reported benefit, but the vitex-specific evidence remains limited and applies mainly to luteal phase and hyperprolactinaemic subgroups.
- titration
- Up to 40 mg/day of extract if no response after 6-8 weeks
- starting dose
- 20 mg/day of standardised vitex extract, taken in the morning on an empty stomach
Evidence
What the studies say
No studies are yet linked to both Vitex (Chasteberry) and Reproductive Health.
Safety
Caveats
Fertility problems need proper assessment rather than empirical supplementation: a couple not conceiving after 12 months, or 6 months if the woman is over 35, should be investigated, and tubal disease, endometriosis, PCOS, thyroid disease, significant hyperprolactinaemia and male factor infertility all need identifying - vitex will not address any of them. Notably, marked hyperprolactinaemia can indicate a pituitary prolactinoma requiring imaging and dopamine agonist treatment, so it should not be self-treated. Safety of vitex: stop it as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, since it is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding and its hormonal effects in early pregnancy are unstudied. Avoid it with hormone-sensitive cancers including breast cancer. Because it is dopaminergic, it may interact with dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine and cabergoline, and with antipsychotics and metoclopramide, which are dopamine antagonists. It may reduce the reliability of hormonal contraception. Side effects include headache, nausea, acne and menstrual changes. Folic acid 400 mcg/day before conception is the evidence-based fertility supplement.
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.