Hi Wibs,
Agnus Castus is taken by a lot of women with irregular Menstrual Cycles.
Here is some information:
Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex)
Chasteberry has the effect of stimulating and normalizing pituitary gland functions, especially its progesterone function. The greatest use of Vitex Agnus Castus - or Chasteberry - lies in normalizing the activity of female sex hormones and it is thus indicated for dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual stress and other disorders related to hormone function. It is especially beneficial during menopausal changes. In a similar way it may be used to aid the body to regain a natural balance after the use of the birth control pill. Because it can increase progesterone and extend the luteal phase, some women begin taking it when they ovulate, though regular daily use is indicated in the promotion of fertility.
Vitex agnus castus (chasteberry, vitex) is a traditional herb that has been used for centuries for hormonal imbalances in women. More recently, numerous clinical research studies have provided compelling evidence for vitex as a treatment for infertility, female hormonal imbalance, dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual stress, ovulatory irregularity, annovulation, amenorrhea, and other disorders related to female hormone function..
In research studies, vitex may relieve symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances and vitex may be helpful for women who do not have regular or normal menstrual cycles. Because vitex impacts key hormones that regulate and balance the menstrual cycle, vitex can help balance the levels and ratios of hormones required for normal menstrual function, ovulation, and fertility. As vitex is safe, it may be used by women seeking to become pregnant to increase chances of conception. More specifically, it can be used by women with irregular ovulatory function and by women with shorter luteal phases. Vitex may also be used after discontinuing use of birth control pills to restore normal ovulation.
As vitex has the effect of stimulating and normalizing pituitary gland functions, especially its progesterone function, vitex may be particularly useful in cases of low levels of progesterone (corpus luteum insufficiency) during the luteal phase (the period between ovulation and the end of the menstrual cycle). As the studies below indicate, vitex may be very effective in promoting normal hormal function, regular and fequent ovulation, and support fertility and conception.
Cautions
Some herbalists suggest that a woman taking chasteberry to promote fertility should stop taking the herb during her menstrual period to generate as normal a hormonal pattern as possible. Others contend that there's no problem in taking chasteberry continuously for infertility or any other condition.
Because of its effect on hormones and the uterus, never take chasteberry during pregnancy. And if you're taking chasteberry for infertility, stop immediately after your first missed period.
Hope that helps.
Me 37 DH 34
TTC since March 05
PCOS on Met soon to be a Clomid Gal from Jan 2008.
