Menopause is the point in a woman's life when, due either to age or surgery, she stops menstruating. If this is a result of age, menopause typically occurs gradually, beginning sometime between the ages of 45 to 55, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Hormonal fluctuations during this time can cause discomfort, with symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and changes in mood. Chaste tree berry, or chasteberry as it is more commonly known, is a natural substance extracted from the fruit of the tree of the same name. This extract is often used by naturopathic practitioners to treat hormonally driven gynecologic conditions including the symptoms of menopause. Check with your doctor before using any natural supplement.
Substances in Chaste Tree
According to Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center, chaste tree contains several different phytochemicals that act as hormones, including progesterone, testosterone and androstenedione. Chaste tree also contains naturally occurring steroid precursors and it acts as an estrogenlike compound in your body. In addition to the above named substances, chaste tree is also rich in flavonoids, which can act as antioxidants in your body, decreasing the cellular damage caused by the byproducts of metabolism.
Efficacy of Chaste Tree
A 2003 article published in "Phytomedicine" found that chaste tree extract appears to help relieve some symptoms of hormonal fluctuations, particularly tenderness of the breast. Chaste tree also appears to have an effect on levels of dopamine in the body, a neurotransmitter responsible for improving mood. Additionally, American Family Physician reports that chaste tree may help relieve symptoms that are characteristic of PMS, including mood changes and headaches. These symptoms are also typically experienced as a result of hormonal fluctuations in menopausal women, although research has not definitively supported chaste tree for the treatment of this condition.
Side Effects of Chaste Tree
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center explains that adverse side effects typically reported by people using chaste tree include gastrointestinal problems, headache, menstrual changes and acne. Additionally, you may experience an allergic reaction to chaste tree, which may appear as a rash and itching of the skin. American Family Physician adds that people taking chaste tree may also experience symptoms related to increased dopamine production such as stomach upset, fatigue, dizziness and dry mouth. Side effects are usually mild, however. If you are considering the use of this supplement, check with your doctor first.
Contraindications of Chaste Tree
Because chaste tree may act like estrogen in your body, you should avoid it if you have any hormonally driven diseases such as breast cancer. Chaste tree is also contraindicated in those who are taking prescription medications for Parkinson's disease, because it may impair the dopaminergic effects of the medication. Finally, because chaste tree may affect the mammary glands, avoid taking it if you currently are or are trying to become pregnant.
References
- American Family Physician: Chasteberry
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menopause - All Information
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Chasteberry
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoids
- "Phytomedicine"; Chaste Tree (Vitex Agnus-Castus) - Pharmacology and Clinical Indications; W. Wuttke et al.; May 2003
