vitex and side effects?

Hi there!
I have been taking vitex for 5 days now to try get my period back after going off the BCP 3 months ago. We would like to start TTC but am waiting on a period to arrive so thought we would give vitex a go.
However last night I woke up to a severe stabbing pain in my lower abdomen (where period pain is) this went on for a little while and then totally disappeared! I have been fine all day today, but last night the pain was really intense. Is this normal?

I get that occasionally but didn't notice it more or less when I was on vitex compared to not. I probably get it on one night during the month about one month out of every 3 or 4?

Random...

I was on vitex for about 3 or 4 months and during that time my boobs went from a small B to a full C. (Unfortunately) they went back to normal a wee while after I stopped it.

 

edited because I wrote cups instead of boobs!  and on that note- bedtime!

Edited by RachFizz

I only took vitex for a couple of weeks, but for the full first week i was really nauseous. seemed to get better after the first week though

I've been on Vitex for over a year now, and have never noticed any pains like that, which I'd associated with starting Vitex.


I get stabbing or dull ache pains in my abdomen when I ovulate, is it possible you're building up to ovulation?

Hi SunshineWife - I've only heard of people using vitex to shorten their cycles, but it does this through regulating them so I guess if you have a short cycle it could do the opposite. I'm sure your naturopath would know best.

I stopped taking vitex though because you are not meant to take it if you are pregnant, so to be safe i was taking it till ovulation and then stopping till i knew i wasn't, but for vitex to work you are meant to take it continuously so i didn't think there was much point. And my doc told me not to (but she didn't really know anything about it so i don't put that much weight in what she said).

Maybe ask him about your concerns and see what he says?

Sunshine Wife, Vitex will work to help lengthen your cycle (in most women). That's why I started on it a year ago, as my luteal phase was 5-7 days, I OV'd about CD20-22 and had short cycles.

Vitex takes 3+ months to become fully effective, as with all herbs, they're not instantaneous on the results, though you may notice some changes in the first cycle. I noticed my PMS symptoms reduced the first cycle on Vitex.

You shouldn't stop taking it after OV, because of the reason given above, that it takes a while to build up in your system to become fully effective, so if you only take it from AF to OV, you're not giving your body the chance for it to work.

It's not advised to take during pregnancy, but you take it until you get a BFP, as if you stop it beforehand, and your body is relying on it to help sustain the luteal phase, it may result in a m/c. I haven't conceived while on it yet, but if I do, I'll wean myself off it over a week just so it's not a sudden change.

My first cycle on Vitex, I think it delayed my OV, though Fertility Friend claimed I had a 13 day LP, which is incredibly unlikely as I haven't had one since. So expect some unusual changes the first cycle. Once you've been on it for 2 cycles your body should get used to it.

Edited by ooligator

I am quite experienced with vitex as I have taken it for about 4 years before stopping (decided to TTA).

The thing about vitex is that if you take too much for your body it will do the reverse of the intention. It can make cycles shorter, stop ovulation, etc. Also, it shouldn't be taken anywhere near fertility drugs as it can cause hyperstimulation and you need to be really careful about the OTC drugs you take as well.

Lots of NSAIDs can stop, prolong or shorten cycles and ovulation. Taking it with Vitex might cause some wackiness in the cycle.

If you're taking vitex capsules, throw them out. They are often grown and imported from Eastern Europe, so they're often not very fresh. I often see Health 2000 and the like selling very close to their use by date.

With something like herbs, fresh is best. You can get vitex berries from organic shops and you can also get the vitex tincture in NZ.

The tincture is horrid but mixed with juice it's not too bad. You start with just a few drops to a few mls and work up. It is about helping to stabilize hormones, vs the rapid introduction of hormones (like fertility drugs).

If you want help or advice, PM me.