Many of you have probably heard of Vitex.
In the world of infertility it is not an unknown herb.
For those of you unawares, it is an herb that helps regulate hormonal functions, specifically progesterone and estrogen.
I've been taking Vitex on and off for years now. When we began this journey and I discovered I wasn't ovulating it was one of the first homeopathic remedies I tried in an effort to try to regulate my hormones naturally. Unfortunately it takes months to build up in your system and work properly and when you get into this TTC business an unknown number of months is usually longer than you're willing to dedicate to any one treatment just to SEE if it will work.
Ultimately the Vitex did not work for me, at least not in any measurable capacity, i.e. it did not help me ovulate. So, when we made the leap to Clomid, the Vitex got left by the wayside as you're not allowed to take the two together.
Throughout the first pregnancy Vitex never entered my mind. I was pregnant what did I need any of my TTC herbs for? Western medicine had won the day!
But almost immediately after the miscarriage I did a complete 180 and started popping Vitex again in hopes of regulating my hormones and get my period sooner rather than later. I got back on the homeopathic bandwagon, herbs and acupuncture all the way.
And wouldn't you know it? Just 8 weeks later I actually ovulated.
I can't say with any certainty that the Vitex helped me ovulate because more than likely it was just the pregnancy/miscarriage...or the acupuncture...or who the hell knows?!
BUT because I was on Vitex for the last few months leading up to the 2nd pregnancy everyone, midwives, naturopaths, acupuncturists, etc. told me to keep taking it through the first trimester EVEN THOUGH it is normally not recommended during pregnancy.
In fact it says right on it DO NOT TAKE WHILE PREGNANT.
So, I took everyone's advice after doing a little bit of my own research and continued taking the Vitex through the first trimester.
And 2 days ago I finished my bottle, the first trimester is over and I'M OFF THE VITEX.
It's kind of exhilarating and liberating, one less pill to take everyday, one more milestone, all sorts of awesome.
Anyone else try Vitex? Anyone else have promising results from it?
