[EllaC]

Okay, so after looking into multiple clinical trials and many health articles (Thanks, Lotus), I found the following:

1. Low doses (~20mg dried, ~200mg fresh) of vitex extract is recommended for symptoms of PMS. (Clinical trial, at least three separate trials yielded similar results.)
2. Low doses (~20mg dried, ~200mg fresh) of vitex extract has been shown to increase prolactin levels, whereas higher doses (900mg fresh) decrease prolactin levels. (Source)
3. Vitex is used to treat both PMS and PCOS, but at very different doses. 20mg dried/200mg fresh for PMS, at least 1000mg fresh for PCOS.

Pretty sure I don't have PCOS. I'm going to get a hormone test soon to have this all figured out. For PMS, I only need the low dose. I need to take it for at least 3 months to determine its effectiveness. Taken in the morning on an empty stomach is recommended.

It seems that Vitex used alone typically does not have any impact on breast growth, but there have been multiple cases of both increased and decreased breast size with this supplement (I found these results on multiple forums, not just this one). It seems to have a negative effect on women under the age of 26. Because it has been shown to decrease breast tumors and uterine fibroids, I wonder if the decrease in breast size was related to a decrease in unhealthy tissue?

Il tell you what, whenever I looked at supplementing with vitex it was always certainly well over 200mg, from memory the average suggested serving was always 400mg. So if higher doses decreases prolactin then that might explain the breast reduction esp if prolactins higher in younger women. But the idea of shrinking tumours and fibroids seems a great idea!! You know the only vitex I could find as there wasn't any in low doses in my country was a liquid extract off iherb. That way you can measure out your own dose.

I was reading up a lot on maca last night and its adaptogenic properties, I'm most interested in that for hormone balancing
. I realise that vitex is adaptogenic as well but its scary that there is conflicting information out there with regard to dosing.

Also multiple women have gained increases in breast size after taking maca suggested by their health advisors for other reasons so it was a surprise to them.

Ive yet to read up more before taking it as anything other than just in a smoothie.