Chasteberry is not likely to increase testosterone levels. It does contain progestins, which are steroidal hormones, but these compounds should not alter the level of testosterone in your body, based on available scientific evidence. In fact, the herb is more apt to act as a female hormone, such as estrogen or progesterone, than a male one. Talk to your doctor before using this or any other herbal supplement to treat a medical condition.
Male Hormones
While chasteberry may contain the steroidal precursor to testosterone, this herb does not appear to increase the level of this particular hormone in the body. Neither the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center nor the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) lists chasteberry as a purported use for increasing testosterone. Any claims to the contrary are unsubstantiated.
Female Hormones
Since this herb is thought to have estrogenic, not androgenic, activities, chasteberry is almost always used by women. A study published in the October 2003 "Planta Medica" found that compounds in chasteberry bind to estrogen receptors, which are molecules found on the surface of cells. Normally these receptors are stimulated by estrogen, but it appears that the flavones in chasteberry cause a similar chemical signal. For this reason chasteberry is used to alleviate symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, such as breast pain and menstrual cramps, as well as to relieve signs of menopause. There is no scientific evidence that chasteberry has any effect on androgens, or male sex hormones.
Side Effects
Like many herbal supplements, chasteberry has the potential of causing side effects. Most side effects are gastrointestinal in nature, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. You may also experience headaches, dizziness, itching, rash and eczema. Some women have even been known to suffer hair loss and menstrual irregularities from its use. Due to the potential change in hormone levels, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid its use. Always talk to a doctor before taking chasteberry to treat any medical condition.
Warning
NCCAM warns against using chasteberry with dopamine-related medications. It appears that chasteberry can affect the dopamine system of the brain. When used in combination with haloperidol and prochlorperazine, chasteberry could change the efficacy of the medication, leading to undesirable side effects.
