does agnus castus help balance hormones

Agnus castus is often used by herbalists to treat fertility problems. Again, it’s the herb’s hormone-balancing effects that are thought to help. As agnus castus can normalise progesterone levels, it can be helpful for women whose luteal phase – the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation – is too short to maintain a pregnancy.

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What are the benefits of Agnus Castus for fertility?

Agnus castus is often used by herbalists to treat fertility problems. Again, it’s the herb’s hormone-balancing effects that are thought to help. As agnus castus can normalise progesterone levels, it can be helpful for women whose luteal phase – the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation – is too short to maintain a pregnancy.

Does agnus castus help with PMS?

Well, it will balance the hormone levels as it helps to increase progesterone, thus thwarting the oestrogen dominance that’s contributing to the monthly PMS miseries experienced by so many of us ladies. Fantastic, I hear you say, so a few drops of Agnus castus each month and PMS will be banished – it’s good, but it’s not that good.

Is agnus castus the answer to all women’s problems?

Agnus castus is often hailed the ‘female’ or ‘women’s’ herb and many women assume it is the go-to option for all female issues. Although it can often relieve symptoms of PMS, this remedy is thought to help by addressing a specific hormone imbalance, so contrary to belief, it may not be answer to all ladies’ problems. Let me explain.

Can you take agnus castus if you are on HRT?

If you're taking any other hormone medications, such as the contraceptive pill or hormone-replacement therapy (HRT), do not take agnus castus without proper medical advice from your GP or a healthcare professional. 23 When should you take vitex agnus castus supplements?

What does agnus castus do to hormones?

Vitex agnus castus, also known as chaste tree, has traditionally been used as a treatment for hormonal imbalances in women. Through its action on the pituitary gland, chaste tree increases progesterone production via an increase in luteinizing hormone.

Does agnus castus affect estrogen?

Agnus Castus will ease the symptoms of PMS In the first half of the cycle, the level of oestrogen increases, while in the second half of the cycle, the level of progesterone increases. If the production of progesterone is insufficient, a hormonal imbalance and therefore unpleasant ailments may occur.

What does agnus castus help with?

People use vitex agnus-castus for conditions related to the menstrual cycle such as breast pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is also used for bone fractures, infertility, menopause symptoms, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Is Vitex good for hormone balance?

Vitex has been shown to help balance of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle and may alleviate PMS symptoms. has been shown to help re-establish normal balance of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle.

What are the symptoms of low estrogen?

Signs of low estrogen include:Dry skin.Tender breasts.Weak or brittle bones.Trouble concentrating.Moodiness and irritability.Vaginal dryness or atrophy.Hot flashes and night sweats.Irregular periods or no periods (amenorrhea).More items...•

Can agnus castus help regulate periods?

Agnus-castus may improve cycle regularity in some people. In studies comparing agnus-castus extract to a placebo, agnus-castus led to improved cycle regularity in people with irregular periods or hyperprolactinemia (5). In these subgroups, the length of the luteal phase was increased by agnus-castus (5).

Does agnus castus help anxiety?

Conclusion: The results showed that both drugs reduced anxiety levels. This effect in vitex agnus castus is more than other groups. Since vitex agnus castus is used to treat some of the women's diseases, we can also use this herbal drug as an anti-anxiety drug and reduce chemically anti-anxiety drugs.

How long does Vitex agnus-castus take to work?

Vitex is a relatively slow-acting herb. Therefore you need to commit to taking it for up to 6 months to see any change in your cycles or improvement of symptoms.

Do you take agnus castus during period?

Agnus castus is most helpful when period pain is due to high levels of oestrogen and low levels of progesterone.

When should you not take vitex?

Caution: Agnus castus should not be taken during pregnancy. For premenstrual syndrome , frequent or heavy periods, vitex can be used continuously for four to six months. Infertile women with amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) can remain on vitex for 12 to 18 months, unless pregnancy occurs during treatment.

Can I take vitex everyday?

Answer: There are two schools of thought on how to take Vitex. Most herbalists say that you can take it every day for up to 18 months, unless you get pregnant. Some other sources say to take it for two weeks before ovulation than stop, just in case you are pregnant.

How much agnus castus should I take?

As treatment effects may not be apparent immediately, the product may need to be taken for up to three months continuously. Maximum daily dose: 2 capsules. If symptoms persist, worsen, or do not improve after 3 months use, a doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner should be consulted.

Who should not take agnus castus?

The use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age is not recommended (see section 4.4 'Special warnings and precautions for use'). Hypersensitivity to Agnus castus or hypromellose. Patients with a pituitary disorder. Pregnancy or lactation.

Can I take agnus castus with HRT?

To learn more and for support during menopause, visit our page on agnus castus. Do not consume if taking dopamine-related medications or Parkinson's disease medications, the pill, fertility drugs, HRT or undergoing any other hormonal treatment.

Why does agnus castus cause weight gain?

agnus-castus fruit is weight gain in consumers by stimulating the production of progesterone and reducing the level of prolactin (Ahangarpour, Najimi, & Farbood, 2016; Verkaik, Kamperman, van Westrhenen, & Schulte, 2017).

Can I take agnus castus long term?

Agnus castus can be taken long term, however, once improvements are felt then there may no longer be the need to continue – you can always start to take it again should the improvements no longer be felt.

How much do you know about Agnus castus?

Agnus castus – the Chaste Tree – exactly how does that help with PMS and its associated symptoms? To answer this, we need to look a little at what this ‘women’s herb’ actually does, and how the menstrual cycle works.

What hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle?

Your menstrual cycle. There are two main hormones which control the cycle, oestrogen and progesterone. During the first half of your cycle, your oestrogen levels rise, you ovulate and its levels start to fall. Progesterone levels start to rise during the second part of your cycle and this is when your PMS symptoms can start to make their effects ...

Can you use agnus castus with Mirena?

Remember that Agnus castus cannot be used alongside any other hormone -balancing products, such as the Pill or the Mirena coil, for example. The reason for the contraindications is that contraceptives work by deliberately creating in imbalance in your hormones.

Can you take Agnus castus long term?

Agnus castus can be taken long term, however, once improvements are felt then there may no longer be the need to continue – you can always start to take it again should the improvements no longer be felt.

Does agnus castus help with PMS?

Fantastic, I hear you say, so a few drops of Agnus castus each month and PMS will be banished – it’s good, but it’s not that good.

What is the herb Vitex?

Additionally, in the mid-1900s, Vitex was often given to women for “sexual irritability,” nervousness and melancholia. Perhaps for these reasons the herb was regarded as a symbol of chastity and has been known by names such as monk’s pepper, Abraham’s balm and chasteberry. Through the years it was often used to support lactation and stimulate or increase menstruation. Today Vitex helps regulate menstrual periods, reduces symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and helps to manage symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome [1].

Does Vitex help with prolactin?

Vitex contains dopaminergic constituents that bind with dopamine D2 receptors in the anterior pituitary, leading to inhibition of prolactin. Two studies examined the effect of Vitex on hyperprolactinemia. In one study, 20 mg capsule of Vitex dried fruit extract was compared with placebo in 52 women with high prolactin. Therapies were administered every evening for 3 months. In contrast to placebo, the Vitex extract significantly reduced prolactin concentrations, lengthened the luteal phase by 5 days, normalized mid-luteal progesterone levels and increased estradiol. The other study consisted of one group of 40 women with mild elevations of prolactin and another group of 40 women with cyclic mastalgia. Both groups received 40 mg Vitex dried fruit extract daily compared to bromocriptine (5 mg), a medication used to treat high prolactin. After 3 months, significant drops in prolactin levels were observed in both groups. In addition, mastalgia was significantly decreased with both therapies, with no significant difference in effects between the 2 treatment groups. However, patients treated with bromocriptine experienced nausea and vomiting, whereas there were no adverse effects with the Vitex. Surprisingly, 2 women in the Vitex group became pregnant, which suggests the herb had additional impact on ovulation and the corpus luteum that the bromocriptine did not have [2, 3].

What does agnus castus do to hormones?

It’s not yet fully understood how agnus castus works, but it’s thought it has an impact on hormone-producing areas of the brain, such as the pituitary gland, which then leads to a reduction in prolactin, a hormone that may be involved in PMS.

What is agnus castus?

Agnus castus is a shrub that grows in Mediterranean countries and central Asia.

How long can you take agnus castus for?

You should not take it for more than three months without advice from your GP or a healthcare professional, or if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding. 21

When should you take vitex agnus castus supplements?

You can take agnus castus supplements in the morning or in the evening – it doesn’t really matter which. Just make sure you take it at roughly the same time every day for best results.

How long does agnus castus repel ticks?

One study found that an extract made from agnus castus seeds helped to repel mosquitos, ticks, flies and fleas for around 6 hours. 15

How many drops of agnus castus before period?

More recently, a 2012 study from Hamedan University of Medical Science in Iran looked at 128 women with symptoms of PMS, including breast tenderness and fullness, and gave them 40 drops of either agnus castus or a placebo for six days before their period. The women taking agnus castus reported significant improvements in breast tenderness and other symptoms. 10

Does agnus castus normalize progesterone?

As agnus castus can normalise progesterone levels, it can be helpful for women whose luteal phase – the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation – is too short to maintain a pregnancy.

What is Vitex Agnus Castus?

Vitex agnus-castus is a popular herbal supplement used to treat a variety of health problems. It’s most commonly used to treat: It’s also touted as protection against insect bites and certain types of cancer and claimed to offer a variety of other health effects. However, not all benefits are backed by science.

How does vitex work?

Researchers believe that vitex works by decreasing levels of the hormone prolactin. This helps rebalance other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone — thus reducing PMS symptoms ( 4 ).

What is the name of the fruit that is used to decrease men's libido?

Vitex agnus-castus is the most common vitex used medicinally. The Vitex agnus-castus fruit, also known as chasteberry or monk’s pepper, is about the size of a peppercorn. It’s produced by the chaste tree, which acquired its name because its fruit was likely used to decrease men’s libido during the Middle Ages ( 2. ).

Is Vitex agnus castus backed by science?

It’s also touted as protection against insect bites and certain types of cancer and claimed to offer a variety of other health effects. However, not all benefits are backed by science. Here are the science-backed benefits — as well as some myths — associated with Vitex agnus-castus.

Does vitex help with hair growth?

Baldness prevention. The hormone-balancing effects of vitex are sometimes claimed to boost hair growth in men. However, no research can be found to support this claim.

Does vitex help with inflammation?

Reduced inflammation. Test-tube and animal studies suggest that compounds in vitex may have anti-inflammatory properties. However, their effects aren’t stronger than those of aspirin ( 31, 32 ).

Can Vitex be mixed with other herbs?

Keep in mind that in many studies reporting benefits, women were provided with supplements that mixed Vitex agnus-castus with other herbs. Therefore, it’s difficult to isolate the effects of vitex alone ( 16 ).

Why does Agnus Castus affect menopause?

Menstruation matters Agnus Castus contains compounds that send the pituitary gland a signal to increase luteinizing hormone production to make progesterone production spike. This helps fertility, conceptual support, pre-menopausal, peri-menopausal and menopausal women. It is a progesterone imbalance which is responsible for the feelings of anxiety, stress and panic associated with hormonal imbalances in addition to tension headaches, palpitations and digestive problems.

Why are Agnus Castus leaves used as bedding?

During the 3 day ‘women’s only’ festival Agnus Castus leaves were used as bedding since they were thought to increase fertility and enhance the life-giving powers of the Goddess. I personally associate it with the Egyptian midwife – Tauret together with clary sage.

Where does Vitex Agnus Castus come from?

Vitex Agnus Castus originates from the Mediterranean but we can grow it within the UK. We tend to use the fruit and berries in plant medicine. Agnus Castus is known for gynaecological complaints, a graceful bush/small tree looks a bit like a cross between a buddleia and a hemp plant, with its purple flower cones, and soft, five-fingered leaves. ...

How long does it take for chaste tree to work?

the standard dose is 40 drops of tincture daily for at least 12 weeks. Chaste tree is a slow acting herb, it usually takes several months to show benefit, except in cases of lactation, which often improve within a few weeks. Spagyric tincture including my TTC remedy: 45 – 60 drops per day.

What did Hippocrates say about the goddess?

Hippocrates commented, “If blood flows from the womb, let the woman drink dark wine in which the leaves of the Vitex have been steeped.”. Goddess connection: The female mysteries of Demeter and Persephone/ Kore celebrated during the festival of Thesmophoria, which honoured the cycles of renewal and fertility.

Does chasteberry help with menstrual cycle?

It has been used to successfully jump start the regular menstrual cycle and can be especially useful when coming off the birth control pill.

Does Agnus castus help with hot flushes?

Menopause – and perimenopause. The hormone balancing qualities of Agnus castus helps to counteract hot flushes and anxiety. It can be combined with other herbs such as Black cohosh, Dong Quai or any of these for maximum effect.

What are the two hormones that make up the female sex cycle?

So, the two main female sex hormones are called oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones take part in a delicate balancing act throughout the month in order to prepare the lining ...

Is agnus castus good for you?

If these symptoms sound familiar, then Agnus castus is quite likely to be the right remedy for you, so many women are on the right tracks. Agnus castus gently helps to support the hormone progesterone. I like to think of progesterone as oestrogen’s little minder. By supporting your progesterone levels you can help keep oestrogen in check and nicely in balance.

Is this herbal remedy the best option for all women?

Agnus castus is often hailed the ‘female’ or ‘women’s’ herb and many women assume it is the go-to option for all female issues. Although it can often relieve symptoms of PMS, this remedy is thought to help by addressing a specific hormone imbalance, so contrary to belief, it may not be answer to all ladies’ problems. Let me explain.

Which plant helps to remove estrogen from the body?

This can then lead to even circulating levels of estrogen. Milk Thistle. Assists the liver to remove excess estrogen and can also help reduce high cholesterol levels. Artichoke. Boosts the production of bile, which in turn, supports liver function to eliminate excess estrogens. Dandelion root and leaf.

How does chaste tree help?

Chaste tree works by increasing luteinizing hormone which helps to raise progesterone levels so that estrogen levels are not so dominant. It can help reduce issues such as painful, lumpy breasts, bloating, depression, headache, and constipation. Passionflower.

What Should Be Your Next Steps in Regards to Estrogen Dominance?

Managing your Estrogen Dominance with herbs, vegetables and seeds could be a good solution in order to only temporarily reduce the symptoms. It’s important to confirm your suspicion of experiencing Estrogen Dominance. You can get your doctor to test it for you at your next appointment (be sure to get saliva, not blood testing) or you can start by taking a Free Estrogen Quiz. I’ve designed it to help women discover Estrogen Dominance. The truth is Estrogen Dominance symptoms occur to 75% of women, but a whopping 90% of them don’t even realize they have it. So I recommend taking this Quiz to check yourself.

What is the best plant for estrogen dominance?

Good choices include: Chaste tree. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) also known as Monk’s Pepper got these names from the anti aphrodisiac qualities of the plant.

What is the best plant for perimenopausal sleep?

Passionflower. Passionflower is high in chrysin, a naturally occurring flavonoid that is found in plants like passionflower and chamomile and may help lower estradiol. It is a great plant ally for perimenopausal sleep disturbance because it helps lower estradiol and has calming, mild sedative qualities.

What is the goal of overcoming estrogen dominance?

In Overcoming Estrogen Dominance, my goal is to empower and give you the tools to take control of your hormones and health.

Does broccoli help with estrogen?

Another research study shows that foods like broccoli, kale, arugula, and ca uliflower contain glucosinolates, which also activate a phase 2 detoxification in the liver. These powerhouse veggies filter estrogen metabolites from your body. If you have thyroid issues, cooking your cruciferous vegetables helps reduce ~ 80% of their goitrogenic chemicals. I talk more about how to balance your hormones with food, in my book Overcoming Estrogen Dominance here.

How does agnus castus balance hormones?

Agnus-castus binds to dopamine receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (1). This can lead to a decrease in the release of the hormone prolactin (9–11), among other hormones. Prolactin is the primary hormone responsible for promoting lactation, or the creation of milk in pregnant and postpartum people (11).

Is agnus castus good for hormones?

Vitex agnus castus, also known as chaste tree, has traditionally been used as a treatment for hormonal imbalances in women. Through its action on the pituitary gland, chaste tree increases progesterone production via an increase in luteinizing hormone.

What are the benefits of agnus castus?

Vitex agnus-castus, or chasteberry, may boost fertility and reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause. It may also repel certain insects. Most other uses are currently unsupported by science. It may cause stomach discomfort and other mild side effects, but it’s considered safe for most people.

Can Vitex balance hormones?

Vitex has been shown to help balance of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle and may alleviate PMS symptoms. Vitex has been shown to help re-establish normal balance of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle.

Can agnus castus cause weight gain?

When taken by mouth: Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken appropriately for up to 3 months. Uncommon side effects include upset stomach, nausea, rash, headaches, acne, trouble sleeping, and weight gain.

How long can I take agnus castus for?

As treatment effects may not be apparent immediately, the product may need to be taken for up to three months continuously. Maximum daily dose: 2 capsules. If symptoms persist, worsen, or do not improve after 3 months use, a doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner should be consulted.

How do I balance my hormones?

12 Natural Ways to Balance Your Hormones Eat Enough Protein at Every Meal. Consuming an adequate amount of protein is extremely important. Engage in Regular Exercise. Avoid Sugar and Refined Carbs. Learn to Manage Stress. Consume Healthy Fats. Avoid Overeating and Undereating. Drink Green Tea. Eat Fatty Fish Often.

What Hormone Imbalances Are We Talking About?

Vitex For Menstrual Problems

• Vitex contains dopaminergic constituents that bind with dopamine D2 receptors in the anterior pituitary, leading to inhibition of prolactin. Two studies examined the effect of Vitex on hyperprolactinemia. In one study, 20 mg capsule of Vitex dried fruit extract was compared with placebo in 52 women with high prolactin. Therapies were administered e...

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Vitex For Menopausal Symptoms

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