Review of Vitex = a Beneficial Herbal Supplement for Women

Vitex, also known as chasteberry, vitex agnus-castus or Monks Pepper, is one of the best herbs for balancing female hormones. It regulates menstrual cycles as well as relieves symptoms such as headaches, mood swings, PMS, cramping, acne, breast tenderness, water retention, depression and constipation. It can help to relieve many female hormonal issues, is easy to find and affordable.

The chaste tree is native to woodlands and dry areas of southern Europe and western Asia. It has been used for centuries to treat hormonal imbalances in women. It is one of the oldest phytomedicines. It is a slow acting herb so taking it regularly for extended periods of time makes it work best. Many women see little change in the first three months and much greater change after the initial three months. By six months, almost all women see positive changes in their hormone balance. This supplement had been used to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and to help pass the placenta many years ago as well. Vitex has many different uses and helps almost all women with cycle regulation.

Vitex works on the pituitary gland, which is responsible for signaling the body to make the correct amounts of each hormone. It helps to bring balance to these hormones. It stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more progesterone and less prolactin. Vitex does not contain hormones, it only stimulates the pituitary gland so there are no side effects.

Many women with menstrual irregularity do not produce enough progesterone during the second phase of their cycles. The second phase is the luteal phase. Estrogen is the dominant hormone during the first phase of the menstrual cycle and in some irregularities, it continues to dominate the second phase as well, leading to menstrual abnormalities. Most of the women that experience this type of problem have higher than normal levels of prolactin. This can be a major cause of infertility.