What is chasteberry used for?
In the past, chasteberry extracts were used to treat a variety of gynecological disorders and skin conditions. Today, chasteberry is promoted as a dietary supplement for symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle, infertility, and other conditions.
What does chasteberry do to hormones?
Chasteberry stimulates the pituitary to produce luteinizing hormone which in turn signals the ovaries to produce more progesterone.
Does chasteberry increase estrogen?
Because chasteberry can alter progesterone and possibly estrogen levels in your body, women with hormone-related conditions such as breast cancer should not use chasteberry.
Does chasteberry have side effects?
Chasteberry usually is well tolerated, with only minor adverse effects reported; in many studies these effects are similar to placebo. Side effects generally are dopaminergic in nature and may include mild gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness, headache, tiredness, and dry mouth.
Can chasteberry stop your period?
The herb works best for women whose progesterone levels are mildly or moderately low. High prolactin levels can also cause amenorrhea (absent menstrual cycles). In such cases chasteberry may be useful in reestablishing a normal monthly cycle.
How long should you take chasteberry?
Don’t take for too long
For regulating cycles, vitex is most effective during the first three to six months of use. After that, its effects can attenuate. That’s why I usually recommend a six-month course, followed by a break to see if cycles are maintained.
Will chasteberry cause weight gain?
Vitex agnus-castus fruit is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth appropriately. Uncommon side effects include upset stomach, nausea, itching, rash, headaches, acne, trouble sleeping, and weight gain.
Can chasteberry make your boobs bigger?
The herb chasteberry, added to breast enhancement products, might increase progesterone levels in some women. However, there is no evidence that it increases breast size.
Does chasteberry cause hair loss?
Side Effects
You should only take chasteberry under the supervision of your health care provider. Although rare, chasteberry does produce side effects in some taking it, including dizziness, acne-like rash, stomach upset, diarrhea, weight gain, insomnia, hair loss, headache and heavy menstrual periods.
Can chasteberry cause weight gain?
Although rare, chasteberry does produce side effects in some taking it, including dizziness, acne-like rash, stomach upset, diarrhea, weight gain, insomnia, hair loss, headache and heavy menstrual periods. It can cause an allergic reaction.
What time of day should I take chaste berry?
The German Commission E monograph recommends a daily intake—30–40 mg of the dried herb—in capsules or in liquid preparations. Vitex is typically taken once in the morning with liquid for several months consecutively.
How long can you take chasteberry?
Don’t take chasteberry indefinitely (for more than four to six months for PMS or for longer than a year for infertility); you need to give your ovaries a rest and avoid overstimulating them. Don’t take chasteberry if you breast-feed. Stop taking chasteberry if a rash appears.
How long does chasteberry take to work?
How long does chaste berry take to work? According to anecdotal reports and product manufacturers, it can take around two weeks to notice a difference, and up to three months to achieve a full effect. From two weeks and up to three months, for hormonally related problems.
Can chasteberry cause hair loss?
How quickly does chasteberry work?
When should you stop taking chasteberry?
And if you’re taking chasteberry for infertility, stop immediately after your first missed period. Don’t take chasteberry indefinitely (for more than four to six months for PMS or for longer than a year for infertility); you need to give your ovaries a rest and avoid overstimulating them.