15-01-2016, 21:39
About Vitex
January 3 2007 at 12:53 PM Liz (Login Liz1967)
I read this:
Agnus Castus has been used since ancient times to reduce female sexual desire. It's also used for regulating hormones and relieving menstrual difficulties, and is considered the best herb for ailments such as fibroid cysts of the uterus and endometriosis
Is this true? Anyone taking Vitex can say something about this?
Jess
(Login IttyBittyTitty)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 3 2007, 2:54 PM
Hey Liz!
I've only been on Vitex for about 3 weeks but so far do decrease in desire. No particular increase either, but I don't know if I've been on it long enough to really tell. It may take a couple months?? There's lots of girls here who have been on it for a while and I don't think they've reported anything like that. It makes me wonder if the whole "chaste" thing is an old wives tale that stuck.
. . . .)\_ _/( . .IttyB
--=(__/^\__)==-
Liz
(Login Liz1967)
Re: About Vitex
January 3 2007, 3:51 PM
Hey Jess,
how are you on Vitex? Is it working? I'm on WU and thinking about adding Vitex but when I read about the sexual stuff I felt afraid...
Epiphany
(Login Epiphany.)
EVE MEMBERS
Re: About Vitex
January 3 2007, 6:17 PM
According to the Vortex Health site (www.vortexhealth.com), the belief in Ancient times that chasteberry reduced sexual desire was not limited to it's effect on women, as apparently monks took it for the same reason.
Jess
(Login IttyBittyTitty)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 3 2007, 6:49 PM
It's only been a couple weeks so as far as its NBE benefits I don't know yet. They say Vitex takes a couple cycles to kick in. But so far I haven't had any negative issues from any of the things I'm taking. I would not worry about the sexual issues. Even if it does affect it for some people, there's nothing saying it would do that for you. And if it does you could always go off it and try something else. A lot of the NBE herbs tend to increase desire anyway I think so that would balance it out probably. :-)
Moonkissed
(Login Moonkissed)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 4 2007, 12:44 AM
I have been taking chasteberries for three months, and have noticed no decrease in sexual desire. No increase, either. From what I read, chasteberries mainly work in reducing desire in men, because it lowers testosterone.
violet
(Login _violet_)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 4 2007, 1:55 AM
It has only been a few weeks (maybe around 1 month) sice I started taking the vitex, but I haven't noticed any decrease in my libido.
sad
(no login)
re.about vitex
January 4 2007, 2:59 AM
i must say it did lower my libido and caused my natural inclination towards depression to increase significantly. i stopped taking it and now feel much better. however, as others have stated-herbs affect people differently.
Liz
(Login Liz1967)
Re: About Vitex
January 4 2007, 10:02 AM
Thanks a lot Sad for your information because I was on depressive pills until November and now I decided not to try Vitex. It is not without reason it is called the pill of chast people. we must be very alert to this tipe of simtoms. Big Booobs on unhappy people it is not god.
faerycat
(Login faerycat)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 4 2007, 1:01 PM
Pot 3 of vitex and my libido is through the roof!!!
Kind of awful really as I'm married to a guy who hates women and sex and who won't even sleep in the same part of the house as me, let alone share my bed.
Will just have to keep taking cold showers.........lol!! OR find a new and real man........hahah!!!
x
Henri
(Login henriettahippo)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 4 2007, 2:00 PM
I haven't been on Vitex very long just a few weeks, and currently my libido is going alot stronger then normal, don't know if it will change as I am on it longer or not, but its kinda nice as I really never had a sex drive to begin with.
A note on the depression though, and again not sure if its related or just still adjusting. I haven't had to take any of my meds since about the fifth day on vitex. This is the most normal I have felt in a long time. I am really hoping it stays like this ~ even dh commented on it, so I don't think its just me seeing things.
AshLEY Copping
(no login)
Re: About Vitex
January 4 2007, 5:22 PM
Hi I've been taking vitex for about 1 1/2 months now and I have noticed my skin is better and I'm feeling better in myself. I've had no decrease in my libido ( thankfully) he he. Havent noticed any boob growth either tho mmmmm maybe its too early to be having an effect.
xx
Snowflake
(Login GoldSnowflake)
EVE MEMBERS
Has anyone,,,
January 5 2007, 11:58 AM
noticed any weight gain since starting Vitex??? Any loss of hair??? Any break through bleeding??
faerycat
(Login faerycat)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 5 2007, 12:04 PM
No.....not at all.
Everything has been positive. Better skin, PAINLESS PERIODS WOO HOO, more energy, no more sugar cravings pre-periods, no more mood swings, no hair loss.........and best of all.........BIGGER BOOBIES!! :-)
It doesn't get better than this.....lol!
x
Snowflake
(Login GoldSnowflake)
EVE MEMBERS
Hey thanks!!!
January 5 2007, 12:33 PM
Thanks FareyCat!!! Glad your having such good luck with this. I have purchased 1 bottle and am still looking for more. Want to have a few bottles ahead when I start,, but having trouble finding it. May have to figure out some way to buy on line.
Deb
(Login ddover)
Re: About Vitex
January 6 2007, 11:29 AM
I was able to find Vitex at GNC last night, so you may want to try there. It wasn't expensive at all. I paid $8 for a bottle with 100. I started it last night and can't wait to see if it works!
Anonymous
(Login chiquita83)
Re: About Vitex
January 6 2007, 7:28 PM
for anyone interested i bought my vitex extract at The Vitamin Shoppe. It is by Solaray, 60 capsules for $11.69 which should last a month. so for those that are here in the US, dont know if thats the best price but its the best ive found in my area. They have a website: thevitaminshoppe.com if anyone wants to check it out. Theres a store near me so I dont order online but I have found this store to be much cheaper than all the rest of the stores that sell vitamins/supplements..etc. that also goes for the rest of the herbs and the protein i bought.
Henri
(Login henriettahippo)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 6 2007, 7:34 PM
When I went to the Vitamin shoppe, they only had in stock their brand of Vitex, and I got 90 capsules for the same price. Don't know how they compare, but decided to go with it for now since I personally, am not willing to run all over creation for something :-)
LovelyAmanda
(Login LovelyAmanda)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 6 2007, 8:26 PM
I buy my Vitex from VitaCost.com and I live in the United States. The brand I use is called Nature's Way and it is only $3-4 for 100 capsules containing 400mg. With shippling costs it comes to around $6-8 but it is the cheapest price I have found thus far. I also order some other products from this site and I'm pleased with them. I hope this helps.
Good luck everyone,
Amanda
HS29
(Login HS29)
Re: About Vitex
January 7 2007, 11:56 PM
I've been taking 2 pills 2x per day for a month and a half now.
My libido had decreased, but I think it's evened out by now.
My PMS is almost non-existent now. I tend to rage rather bad.
I have been successively late on my period the last 2 times. (I was quite scheduled before I started taking this, and knew when it was coming-could feel it, but now I have no idea) Last month I was late 2 days, this month 3 days. Don't know what kind of pattern is starting here, but not super thrilled w/ that.
ALSO, this month I am bleeding like a stuck pig. My cramps aren't bad at all, which normally I can barely function, but I am bleeding pretty awful. I usually tend to bleed on the heavy side, but I won't go into all the gory details of the horrors I am having today. Ugh! Sorry if that was TMI.
As for the booby business, I haven't lost any size from running every day (since Thanksgiving) and I work out about 3x per week fairly heavy weights. I might say it appears I might be gaining a little, but I don't know if it's due to my period, so I will wait before I say anything in that regard.
Anyone here think I should decrease my intake on the Vitex??!!!Am I getting too much progesterone??
HTH!
~Heather
diana
(Login Diana1978)
SENIOR MEMBER
hi heather
January 8 2007, 1:18 AM
2 pills 2 times a day is what my bottle says is recommended of 400mg each. thats what i was taking before and i didnt notice heavier bleeding. i now take 3 2x a day. could it be something else u r taking? good luck.
Liz
(Login Liz1967)
Re: About Vitex
January 8 2007, 12:49 PM
So, HS29, your libido decrease a lot or just a bit?
Until now with my researche I realize that Vitex is great for depression but puts your libido around zero. Bur faerycat says it is the oposite, so I'm confused...
faerycat
(Login faerycat)
SENIOR MEMBER
To Liz-
January 8 2007, 6:12 PM
Hi Liz,
Read this -
http://www.herborganic.com/herbguide/vitex.htm
It goes on to say -
Actions: Female hormonal normaliser, aphrodisiac (for women, anaphrodisiac for men), increases lactation, regulates periods.
So..........it is an aphrodisiac for women but has the opposite effect for men, as in it is an anaphrodisiac for men.
Most writings pertaining to vitex as being a libido decreaser are based on what the ancients thought and if it did decrease the male libido, then what they say, to an extent is true, ie, it can do, but only for males. Lol.......the ancients believed that the world was flat, but this turned out not to be so.
x
faerycat
(Login faerycat)
SENIOR MEMBER
To Liz again....
January 8 2007, 6:16 PM
Ok, here is something else to read -
http://www.plantanswers.com/press_release.htm
It goes on to say -
In Europe, the Catholic Church developed a variation on this theme by placing Vitex blossoms at the clothing of novice monks to supposedly suppress their libido. The common name Monks Pepper refers to the medieval belief that utilizing potions made from the berries helped monks maintain their vows of chastity. There is nothing in contemporary scientific literature to suggest that it actually does suppress the libido.
REPEAT - There is nothing in contemporary scientific literature to suggest that it actually does suppress the libido.
x
HS29
(Login HS29)
Diana & Liz
January 8 2007, 6:36 PM
I believe it is the Vitex causing my bleeding issues. I'm not taking anything else new or unusual.
I will continue to monitor- if it doesn't straighten out in the next few months- I'm going to have to come off of this stuff.
As for the libido business. I think everyone is different. Everything reacts differently in people. I don't think my libido was super high to begin w/. It increased when I was taking Bountiful Breast. I quit taking that awhile back and my libido was back in the gutter. Maybe the vitex is actually bringing it back up some. I don't know. Don't really care about that either way. I was just hoping to grow a little something w/o spending a ton of money. And even if I don't grow anymore, I at least hope to KEEP what I got. It ain't much, but at least it's something!
melinda
(Login melinda123)
Vitex and BCP?
January 10 2007, 4:41 PM
Do you think it's a bad idea to try Vitex if I am on BCP? Is it going to affect its effectiveness? Faerycat, do you have any idea? You seem to know a lot about Vitex.
Corrie
(Login Corrie73)
Re: About Vitex
January 10 2007, 7:38 PM
I have seen vitex listed in libido formulas for women. Perhaps it actually helps in that respect! I know that my libido has actually improved a lot since taking it, BUT I am also taking damiana, which is known to increase libido, and I think that damiana is mostly responsible for this. Actually, my PMS has come back a little bit since starting the damiana, so I am now wondering if it isn't counteracting the vitex to some extent (damiana is supposed to supress progesterone, while vitex promotes it). However, damiana has done such wonders for my libido, that I won't give it up! So, I am trying to find a good balance between the two herbs so that I have a healthy libido AND no PMS!
Good luck growing to everyone!
Cath
(no login)
No Melinda it's not going to cause hassles..read on...
January 10 2007, 9:14 PM
Agnus castus/Vitex DOESN'T cause problems with BCP!
I've posted this several times now, and people still seem not to be taking it in. Here it is again, but if in doubt after this again, just do what I did - and ASK your doctor!
After I originlly read this online, I checked with my GP, who is very open to her patients taking herbs, and great to deal with. She told me Agnus Castus will NOT react with, or negate the effects of my bcp, or vice-versa (this has been checked twice now, as I was on Yasmin, and am now on Cilest) so I happily take it and have done since 15th September.
Once again, for those about to say it was only tested with Marvelon, no, it was not. The original test was with Marvelon, then all top 100 bcp pills were tested.
Copied directly: from http://www.pms.org.uk/About+PMS/News/Once+A+Month/2006+bulletins/April+2006
Does Agnus Castus interact with contraception pill
Agnus CastusNAPS Expert Panel recently received an enquiry regarding the use of Agnus Castus and risks of any interaction if used at the same time as Marvelon, oral contraceptive pill.
Following research by NAPS research GP Dr Carrie Sadler and Lichtwer, the company which supplies Agnus Castus, there seems to be no evidence to suggest that Agnus Castus interferes in any way with the actions of other medicines.
Agnus castus is a herbal medicine which can be used for menstrual problems. It contains no oestrogen-like compounds, but seems to work by affecting the release of specific hormones from the pituitary gland in the brain.
Lichtwer looked specifically for information about any possible interaction between Agnus Castus and the hormones used in oral contraceptives but found no information in any of the standard reference books to indicate any interaction with the contraceptive pill. These books included Herbal Medicines by Barnes, Anderson and Phillipson, Martindale: The complete drug reference from the Pharmaceutical Press, ESCOP Monographs by the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy, as well as a literature search using PubMed, a data-base service operated by the US National Library of Medicine and the US National Institutes of Health. In 47 publications relating to Agnus Castus, the company found "no information that any interaction has ever been reported after using Agnus Castus. It thus seems highly unlikely that there will be any interaction between Agnus Castus and the oral contraceptive pill," Lichtwer commented. Dr Carrie Sadler agrees. "There is no evidence that Agnus Castus affects the contraceptive efficacy of the pill."
Lichtwer did question whether it was necessary to take Agnus Castus if already on the pill as both products address similar menstrual problems.
So, it does NOT appear to negate the effects at all.
I am back on Yasmin again now, as I fnd it suits me beter, and I take the same as Faerycat exactly, in the way of Vitex, and it's the one she gets from H & B too..
My boobs are growing all the time, and my libido has skyrocketed. I stopped Natureday liquid totally, and now only take Vitex and Neetle Root, and now have the best results I have had. I'm 39 and have the best boobs I have ever had in my whole life.
Linz
(no login)
Nettle - Cath?
January 11 2007, 12:16 AM
Hi
... I just wondered Cath - have you been on that combination (nettle/vitex) long? I'm taking vitex only (for a month now). Have you had a measureable increase or just fullness?
I've had more fullness and improved pms so far.
I'm finding nettle root a hard one to get info on - re: effect on hormones - I take it it's an anti-androgen - so lowers testosterone? Is that correct - any experts fancy chipping in here?!
Lillian
(no login)
Cath
January 11 2007, 2:59 AM
That is fantastic Cath! Do you have a personal programs page at all? How long have you been taking the Vitex? Thankx.
faerycat
(Login faerycat)
SENIOR MEMBER
To Cath
January 11 2007, 9:29 AM
Yay! am soooo please for you that it's working :-)
I bet you are feeling so much better all round too. Vitex is truly a wonderful herb huh.
x
LIZ
(Login Liz1967)
TO CATH
January 11 2007, 10:24 AM
Cath, please talk to me girl because I'm also 39 years old. I have one son and no boobs. I'm takins WU and SP since last summer and nothing happened. Please send me your advice.
When do yous started to grow? What did you take to begin growing? How muche did you grow?
violet
(Login _violet_)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 11 2007, 2:13 PM
Cath, don't take me wrong, there are enough articles and bibliography and study references over the net. To me the article you pasted is just another opinion added to the pile. There isn't enough research around herbs in general and this herb. But to be quite honest I'm not impressed by one particular study ran by the company which is a large distributor of the herb, sorry. So if anyone asks, I'll give my honest advice, just like you're giving yours.
I can't even conceive why should someone would want to take vitex while taking the pill, frankly. Maybe wouldn't affect BCP's job, but hardly could do it's own job. You don't have a regular cycle while taking the pill, you don't even ovulate. So I'm clueless why should someone want to take vitex whilst on the pill, especially yasmin which has a progestin that is known as the most similar to the progesterone produced in our bodies and therefore the most effective to reduce all the symptoms, secondary effects and discomfort caused by other bc pills, like anxiety, bloating, weight gain, etc.
Anonymous
(Login chiquita83)
vitex does interact with my BCP...
January 11 2007, 9:15 PM
i do know that vitex DOES interact with my BCP( I use the Orth-Evra transdermal patch)...I found in this article its drug interactions and found that one of the ingredients in my BCP is listed on there so I will NOT be taking vitex...instead i will substitute it for maca root. Here is the article where I found this out...I'll include the link at the bottom in case u want to check it out yourself.you might want to check if your BCP has any of these ingredients...hope this helps
____________________________________________________________________________________________
***Vitex Risks & Side Effects***
Vitex agnus castus is exceptionally safe. In one study, chaste tree berry was given up to 9 years with very few side effects.
It's advisable to not take vitex if you are pregnant.
--Drug Interactions
Interactions with hormone replacement therapy (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment. conjugated estrogens, estradiol, estrone, esterified estrogens, estropipate, ethinyl estradiol, progesterone, medroxyprogesterone, hydroxyprogesterone, norethindrone.
Interactions with oral contraceptives (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: norethindrone, ethynodiol diacetate, norgestrel, norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone, desogestrel, levonorgestrel .
Interactions with dopamine agonists (potential/theoretical). An in-vitro study reported that chasteberry constituents had dopaminergic activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: selegeline, amantadine, carbidopa, levadopa, pramipexole, ropinirole, bromocriptine, pergolide. If you are taking any of these medication, it's a good idea to consult with your physician before taking vitex.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Here is the link as well:http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/vitex.html#sec5
glad i found it otherwise there could have been a big surprise...one im definitely not ready for....as for my research maca root is in the cear and good to go so im happy about thatgood luck and best wishes to all!!
January 3 2007 at 12:53 PM Liz (Login Liz1967)
I read this:
Agnus Castus has been used since ancient times to reduce female sexual desire. It's also used for regulating hormones and relieving menstrual difficulties, and is considered the best herb for ailments such as fibroid cysts of the uterus and endometriosis
Is this true? Anyone taking Vitex can say something about this?
Jess
(Login IttyBittyTitty)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 3 2007, 2:54 PM
Hey Liz!
I've only been on Vitex for about 3 weeks but so far do decrease in desire. No particular increase either, but I don't know if I've been on it long enough to really tell. It may take a couple months?? There's lots of girls here who have been on it for a while and I don't think they've reported anything like that. It makes me wonder if the whole "chaste" thing is an old wives tale that stuck.
. . . .)\_ _/( . .IttyB
--=(__/^\__)==-
Liz
(Login Liz1967)
Re: About Vitex
January 3 2007, 3:51 PM
Hey Jess,
how are you on Vitex? Is it working? I'm on WU and thinking about adding Vitex but when I read about the sexual stuff I felt afraid...
Epiphany
(Login Epiphany.)
EVE MEMBERS
Re: About Vitex
January 3 2007, 6:17 PM
According to the Vortex Health site (www.vortexhealth.com), the belief in Ancient times that chasteberry reduced sexual desire was not limited to it's effect on women, as apparently monks took it for the same reason.
Jess
(Login IttyBittyTitty)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 3 2007, 6:49 PM
It's only been a couple weeks so as far as its NBE benefits I don't know yet. They say Vitex takes a couple cycles to kick in. But so far I haven't had any negative issues from any of the things I'm taking. I would not worry about the sexual issues. Even if it does affect it for some people, there's nothing saying it would do that for you. And if it does you could always go off it and try something else. A lot of the NBE herbs tend to increase desire anyway I think so that would balance it out probably. :-)
Moonkissed
(Login Moonkissed)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 4 2007, 12:44 AM
I have been taking chasteberries for three months, and have noticed no decrease in sexual desire. No increase, either. From what I read, chasteberries mainly work in reducing desire in men, because it lowers testosterone.
violet
(Login _violet_)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 4 2007, 1:55 AM
It has only been a few weeks (maybe around 1 month) sice I started taking the vitex, but I haven't noticed any decrease in my libido.
sad
(no login)
re.about vitex
January 4 2007, 2:59 AM
i must say it did lower my libido and caused my natural inclination towards depression to increase significantly. i stopped taking it and now feel much better. however, as others have stated-herbs affect people differently.
Liz
(Login Liz1967)
Re: About Vitex
January 4 2007, 10:02 AM
Thanks a lot Sad for your information because I was on depressive pills until November and now I decided not to try Vitex. It is not without reason it is called the pill of chast people. we must be very alert to this tipe of simtoms. Big Booobs on unhappy people it is not god.
faerycat
(Login faerycat)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 4 2007, 1:01 PM
Pot 3 of vitex and my libido is through the roof!!!
Kind of awful really as I'm married to a guy who hates women and sex and who won't even sleep in the same part of the house as me, let alone share my bed.
Will just have to keep taking cold showers.........lol!! OR find a new and real man........hahah!!!
x
Henri
(Login henriettahippo)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 4 2007, 2:00 PM
I haven't been on Vitex very long just a few weeks, and currently my libido is going alot stronger then normal, don't know if it will change as I am on it longer or not, but its kinda nice as I really never had a sex drive to begin with.
A note on the depression though, and again not sure if its related or just still adjusting. I haven't had to take any of my meds since about the fifth day on vitex. This is the most normal I have felt in a long time. I am really hoping it stays like this ~ even dh commented on it, so I don't think its just me seeing things.
AshLEY Copping
(no login)
Re: About Vitex
January 4 2007, 5:22 PM
Hi I've been taking vitex for about 1 1/2 months now and I have noticed my skin is better and I'm feeling better in myself. I've had no decrease in my libido ( thankfully) he he. Havent noticed any boob growth either tho mmmmm maybe its too early to be having an effect.
xx
Snowflake
(Login GoldSnowflake)
EVE MEMBERS
Has anyone,,,
January 5 2007, 11:58 AM
noticed any weight gain since starting Vitex??? Any loss of hair??? Any break through bleeding??
faerycat
(Login faerycat)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 5 2007, 12:04 PM
No.....not at all.
Everything has been positive. Better skin, PAINLESS PERIODS WOO HOO, more energy, no more sugar cravings pre-periods, no more mood swings, no hair loss.........and best of all.........BIGGER BOOBIES!! :-)
It doesn't get better than this.....lol!
x
Snowflake
(Login GoldSnowflake)
EVE MEMBERS
Hey thanks!!!
January 5 2007, 12:33 PM
Thanks FareyCat!!! Glad your having such good luck with this. I have purchased 1 bottle and am still looking for more. Want to have a few bottles ahead when I start,, but having trouble finding it. May have to figure out some way to buy on line.
Deb
(Login ddover)
Re: About Vitex
January 6 2007, 11:29 AM
I was able to find Vitex at GNC last night, so you may want to try there. It wasn't expensive at all. I paid $8 for a bottle with 100. I started it last night and can't wait to see if it works!
Anonymous
(Login chiquita83)
Re: About Vitex
January 6 2007, 7:28 PM
for anyone interested i bought my vitex extract at The Vitamin Shoppe. It is by Solaray, 60 capsules for $11.69 which should last a month. so for those that are here in the US, dont know if thats the best price but its the best ive found in my area. They have a website: thevitaminshoppe.com if anyone wants to check it out. Theres a store near me so I dont order online but I have found this store to be much cheaper than all the rest of the stores that sell vitamins/supplements..etc. that also goes for the rest of the herbs and the protein i bought.
Henri
(Login henriettahippo)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 6 2007, 7:34 PM
When I went to the Vitamin shoppe, they only had in stock their brand of Vitex, and I got 90 capsules for the same price. Don't know how they compare, but decided to go with it for now since I personally, am not willing to run all over creation for something :-)
LovelyAmanda
(Login LovelyAmanda)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 6 2007, 8:26 PM
I buy my Vitex from VitaCost.com and I live in the United States. The brand I use is called Nature's Way and it is only $3-4 for 100 capsules containing 400mg. With shippling costs it comes to around $6-8 but it is the cheapest price I have found thus far. I also order some other products from this site and I'm pleased with them. I hope this helps.
Good luck everyone,
Amanda
HS29
(Login HS29)
Re: About Vitex
January 7 2007, 11:56 PM
I've been taking 2 pills 2x per day for a month and a half now.
My libido had decreased, but I think it's evened out by now.
My PMS is almost non-existent now. I tend to rage rather bad.
I have been successively late on my period the last 2 times. (I was quite scheduled before I started taking this, and knew when it was coming-could feel it, but now I have no idea) Last month I was late 2 days, this month 3 days. Don't know what kind of pattern is starting here, but not super thrilled w/ that.
ALSO, this month I am bleeding like a stuck pig. My cramps aren't bad at all, which normally I can barely function, but I am bleeding pretty awful. I usually tend to bleed on the heavy side, but I won't go into all the gory details of the horrors I am having today. Ugh! Sorry if that was TMI.
As for the booby business, I haven't lost any size from running every day (since Thanksgiving) and I work out about 3x per week fairly heavy weights. I might say it appears I might be gaining a little, but I don't know if it's due to my period, so I will wait before I say anything in that regard.
Anyone here think I should decrease my intake on the Vitex??!!!Am I getting too much progesterone??
HTH!
~Heather
diana
(Login Diana1978)
SENIOR MEMBER
hi heather
January 8 2007, 1:18 AM
2 pills 2 times a day is what my bottle says is recommended of 400mg each. thats what i was taking before and i didnt notice heavier bleeding. i now take 3 2x a day. could it be something else u r taking? good luck.
Liz
(Login Liz1967)
Re: About Vitex
January 8 2007, 12:49 PM
So, HS29, your libido decrease a lot or just a bit?
Until now with my researche I realize that Vitex is great for depression but puts your libido around zero. Bur faerycat says it is the oposite, so I'm confused...
faerycat
(Login faerycat)
SENIOR MEMBER
To Liz-
January 8 2007, 6:12 PM
Hi Liz,
Read this -
http://www.herborganic.com/herbguide/vitex.htm
It goes on to say -
Actions: Female hormonal normaliser, aphrodisiac (for women, anaphrodisiac for men), increases lactation, regulates periods.
So..........it is an aphrodisiac for women but has the opposite effect for men, as in it is an anaphrodisiac for men.
Most writings pertaining to vitex as being a libido decreaser are based on what the ancients thought and if it did decrease the male libido, then what they say, to an extent is true, ie, it can do, but only for males. Lol.......the ancients believed that the world was flat, but this turned out not to be so.
x
faerycat
(Login faerycat)
SENIOR MEMBER
To Liz again....
January 8 2007, 6:16 PM
Ok, here is something else to read -
http://www.plantanswers.com/press_release.htm
It goes on to say -
In Europe, the Catholic Church developed a variation on this theme by placing Vitex blossoms at the clothing of novice monks to supposedly suppress their libido. The common name Monks Pepper refers to the medieval belief that utilizing potions made from the berries helped monks maintain their vows of chastity. There is nothing in contemporary scientific literature to suggest that it actually does suppress the libido.
REPEAT - There is nothing in contemporary scientific literature to suggest that it actually does suppress the libido.
x
HS29
(Login HS29)
Diana & Liz
January 8 2007, 6:36 PM
I believe it is the Vitex causing my bleeding issues. I'm not taking anything else new or unusual.
I will continue to monitor- if it doesn't straighten out in the next few months- I'm going to have to come off of this stuff.
As for the libido business. I think everyone is different. Everything reacts differently in people. I don't think my libido was super high to begin w/. It increased when I was taking Bountiful Breast. I quit taking that awhile back and my libido was back in the gutter. Maybe the vitex is actually bringing it back up some. I don't know. Don't really care about that either way. I was just hoping to grow a little something w/o spending a ton of money. And even if I don't grow anymore, I at least hope to KEEP what I got. It ain't much, but at least it's something!
melinda
(Login melinda123)
Vitex and BCP?
January 10 2007, 4:41 PM
Do you think it's a bad idea to try Vitex if I am on BCP? Is it going to affect its effectiveness? Faerycat, do you have any idea? You seem to know a lot about Vitex.
Corrie
(Login Corrie73)
Re: About Vitex
January 10 2007, 7:38 PM
I have seen vitex listed in libido formulas for women. Perhaps it actually helps in that respect! I know that my libido has actually improved a lot since taking it, BUT I am also taking damiana, which is known to increase libido, and I think that damiana is mostly responsible for this. Actually, my PMS has come back a little bit since starting the damiana, so I am now wondering if it isn't counteracting the vitex to some extent (damiana is supposed to supress progesterone, while vitex promotes it). However, damiana has done such wonders for my libido, that I won't give it up! So, I am trying to find a good balance between the two herbs so that I have a healthy libido AND no PMS!
Good luck growing to everyone!
Cath
(no login)
No Melinda it's not going to cause hassles..read on...
January 10 2007, 9:14 PM
Agnus castus/Vitex DOESN'T cause problems with BCP!
I've posted this several times now, and people still seem not to be taking it in. Here it is again, but if in doubt after this again, just do what I did - and ASK your doctor!
After I originlly read this online, I checked with my GP, who is very open to her patients taking herbs, and great to deal with. She told me Agnus Castus will NOT react with, or negate the effects of my bcp, or vice-versa (this has been checked twice now, as I was on Yasmin, and am now on Cilest) so I happily take it and have done since 15th September.
Once again, for those about to say it was only tested with Marvelon, no, it was not. The original test was with Marvelon, then all top 100 bcp pills were tested.
Copied directly: from http://www.pms.org.uk/About+PMS/News/Once+A+Month/2006+bulletins/April+2006
Does Agnus Castus interact with contraception pill
Agnus CastusNAPS Expert Panel recently received an enquiry regarding the use of Agnus Castus and risks of any interaction if used at the same time as Marvelon, oral contraceptive pill.
Following research by NAPS research GP Dr Carrie Sadler and Lichtwer, the company which supplies Agnus Castus, there seems to be no evidence to suggest that Agnus Castus interferes in any way with the actions of other medicines.
Agnus castus is a herbal medicine which can be used for menstrual problems. It contains no oestrogen-like compounds, but seems to work by affecting the release of specific hormones from the pituitary gland in the brain.
Lichtwer looked specifically for information about any possible interaction between Agnus Castus and the hormones used in oral contraceptives but found no information in any of the standard reference books to indicate any interaction with the contraceptive pill. These books included Herbal Medicines by Barnes, Anderson and Phillipson, Martindale: The complete drug reference from the Pharmaceutical Press, ESCOP Monographs by the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy, as well as a literature search using PubMed, a data-base service operated by the US National Library of Medicine and the US National Institutes of Health. In 47 publications relating to Agnus Castus, the company found "no information that any interaction has ever been reported after using Agnus Castus. It thus seems highly unlikely that there will be any interaction between Agnus Castus and the oral contraceptive pill," Lichtwer commented. Dr Carrie Sadler agrees. "There is no evidence that Agnus Castus affects the contraceptive efficacy of the pill."
Lichtwer did question whether it was necessary to take Agnus Castus if already on the pill as both products address similar menstrual problems.
So, it does NOT appear to negate the effects at all.
I am back on Yasmin again now, as I fnd it suits me beter, and I take the same as Faerycat exactly, in the way of Vitex, and it's the one she gets from H & B too..
My boobs are growing all the time, and my libido has skyrocketed. I stopped Natureday liquid totally, and now only take Vitex and Neetle Root, and now have the best results I have had. I'm 39 and have the best boobs I have ever had in my whole life.
Linz
(no login)
Nettle - Cath?
January 11 2007, 12:16 AM
Hi
... I just wondered Cath - have you been on that combination (nettle/vitex) long? I'm taking vitex only (for a month now). Have you had a measureable increase or just fullness?
I've had more fullness and improved pms so far.
I'm finding nettle root a hard one to get info on - re: effect on hormones - I take it it's an anti-androgen - so lowers testosterone? Is that correct - any experts fancy chipping in here?!
Lillian
(no login)
Cath
January 11 2007, 2:59 AM
That is fantastic Cath! Do you have a personal programs page at all? How long have you been taking the Vitex? Thankx.
faerycat
(Login faerycat)
SENIOR MEMBER
To Cath
January 11 2007, 9:29 AM
Yay! am soooo please for you that it's working :-)
I bet you are feeling so much better all round too. Vitex is truly a wonderful herb huh.
x
LIZ
(Login Liz1967)
TO CATH
January 11 2007, 10:24 AM
Cath, please talk to me girl because I'm also 39 years old. I have one son and no boobs. I'm takins WU and SP since last summer and nothing happened. Please send me your advice.
When do yous started to grow? What did you take to begin growing? How muche did you grow?
violet
(Login _violet_)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: About Vitex
January 11 2007, 2:13 PM
Cath, don't take me wrong, there are enough articles and bibliography and study references over the net. To me the article you pasted is just another opinion added to the pile. There isn't enough research around herbs in general and this herb. But to be quite honest I'm not impressed by one particular study ran by the company which is a large distributor of the herb, sorry. So if anyone asks, I'll give my honest advice, just like you're giving yours.
I can't even conceive why should someone would want to take vitex while taking the pill, frankly. Maybe wouldn't affect BCP's job, but hardly could do it's own job. You don't have a regular cycle while taking the pill, you don't even ovulate. So I'm clueless why should someone want to take vitex whilst on the pill, especially yasmin which has a progestin that is known as the most similar to the progesterone produced in our bodies and therefore the most effective to reduce all the symptoms, secondary effects and discomfort caused by other bc pills, like anxiety, bloating, weight gain, etc.
Anonymous
(Login chiquita83)
vitex does interact with my BCP...
January 11 2007, 9:15 PM
i do know that vitex DOES interact with my BCP( I use the Orth-Evra transdermal patch)...I found in this article its drug interactions and found that one of the ingredients in my BCP is listed on there so I will NOT be taking vitex...instead i will substitute it for maca root. Here is the article where I found this out...I'll include the link at the bottom in case u want to check it out yourself.you might want to check if your BCP has any of these ingredients...hope this helps
____________________________________________________________________________________________
***Vitex Risks & Side Effects***
Vitex agnus castus is exceptionally safe. In one study, chaste tree berry was given up to 9 years with very few side effects.
It's advisable to not take vitex if you are pregnant.
--Drug Interactions
Interactions with hormone replacement therapy (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment. conjugated estrogens, estradiol, estrone, esterified estrogens, estropipate, ethinyl estradiol, progesterone, medroxyprogesterone, hydroxyprogesterone, norethindrone.
Interactions with oral contraceptives (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: norethindrone, ethynodiol diacetate, norgestrel, norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone, desogestrel, levonorgestrel .
Interactions with dopamine agonists (potential/theoretical). An in-vitro study reported that chasteberry constituents had dopaminergic activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: selegeline, amantadine, carbidopa, levadopa, pramipexole, ropinirole, bromocriptine, pergolide. If you are taking any of these medication, it's a good idea to consult with your physician before taking vitex.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Here is the link as well:http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/vitex.html#sec5
glad i found it otherwise there could have been a big surprise...one im definitely not ready for....as for my research maca root is in the cear and good to go so im happy about that
good luck and best wishes to all!!