The pituitary gland is a tiny structure at the base of your brain. Often called the "master gland," it regulates the function of many organs, including the adrenal and thyroid glands, the kidneys and the reproductive organs. It exerts this control by secreting hormones that circulate through your blood to reach the appropriate organs. Chasteberry is a plant that has been part of traditional medicine for thousands of years. It may be beneficial for disorders of the pituitary gland, in particular those related to the female reproductive system. Consult your doctor to discuss chasteberry before adding it to your regimen.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry is the fruit of a tree, the chaste tree, or Vitex agnus, which is native to Southern Europe and Central Asia. The ripe berry is dried and powdered for use in herbal medicine. It contains several compounds that are biologically active, including steroids similar to progesterone, androstenedione, which is a weak type of androgen, and testosterone. Because these molecules are so similar to natural hormones, they act on the pituitary gland to modify its output of factors that control several organs, including those of the female reproductive system.
Menstrual Benefits
Chasteberry extracts are believed to suppress the output of Follicle Stimulating Hormone, or FSH, by the pituitary while increasing its production of Luteinizing Hormone, or LH. This may normalize the function of the pituitary gland, helping stabilize the menstrual cycle and reduce premenstrual problems. For example, in a study published in "The British Medical Journal" in 2001, women who took chasteberry experience reduced symptoms of premenstrual syndrome compared to other subjects who took a placebo. Chasteberry may also reduce menstrual breast pain and help control uterine bleeding.
Other Benefits
Chasteberry may also help with infertility problems by stabilizing the function of the pituitary gland, minimizing fluctuations in the menstrual cycle. It may also benefit women undergoing menopause. During menopause, the pituitary gland increases its secretion of FSH, which may trigger menstrual irregularity and initiate menopause. Since chasteberry suppresses output of FSH by the pituitary, it may help reduce some of the symptoms of menopause and make its onset more gradual. Chasteberry may also help relieve hirsutism, excess hair growth caused in women by overproduction of male hormone, and it may improve endometriosis, an overgrowth of the lining of the uterus that can interfere with fertility.
Recommendations and Precautions
Chasteberry is available as a standardized extract in capsules. Consume chasteberry in the morning, at a recommended dose of 20 to 40 mg daily. Although generally considered safe, chasteberry may cause mild gastric upset. Do not take chasteberry if you are pregnant or taking birth control pills, or if you have a hormone-sensitive condition. It may also interact with some prescription drugs, such as anti-psychotics or Parkinson's medications. Discuss use of chasteberry in detail with your doctor to determine if it is appropriate for you.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Chasteberry
- "British Medical Journal;" Treatment for the Premenstrual Syndrome with Agnus Castus Fruit Extract......; R. Schellenberg; 2001
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Chasteberry
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hirsutism
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Endometriosis
- SupplementNews.org: Chasteberry Introduction
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