Trying to get pregnant can be exciting and challenging. About 6 million women of child-bearing age have trouble getting pregnant or staying pregnant, according to WomensHealth.gov. There is an increased interest in alternative and complementary fertility treatments. Vitex elixir is an herbal liquid blend marketed for female hormonal and fertility support, particularly for supporting the luteal phase, which begins when you ovulate and ends at the start of your period. You should consult your doctor before taking vitex elixir.
Fertility
You are considered to have a fertility problem if you are under 35 and unable to get pregnant after 12 months of trying, or are over 35 and unable to get pregnant after six months. Fertility is a complex process. In simple terms, your ovaries release eggs that travel through tubes to your womb. A man's sperm travels to and fertilizes the egg, then the fertilized egg attaches to the inside of your uterus. A hormonal imbalance is a common cause of infertility.
Vitex Elixir
Vitex is a shrub native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia. In herbal medicine it is used for hormone-related gynecological issues, such as PMS, menstrual irregularities, fertility problems and menopausal symptoms. Vitex is shown to increase prolactin, according to the journal "American Family Physician." Prolactin is a growth hormone that plays a role in pregnancy and nursing. Vitex Elixir is an herbal blend with vitex as one of the primary herbs.
Clinical Data
Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine conducted a pilot study to evaluate the effects of an herbal fertility blend with vitex as one of the main ingredients. The study included women who tried unsuccessfully to become pregnant. The study found that three months of supplementation increased hormones that promote pregnancy. Published in the April 2004 issue of the "The Journal of Reproductive Medicine," the study also found that patients' luteal phase increased, which is an ovulation phase that plays an important role in fertility. Because the supplement included vitamins such as folate and minerals, it is impossible to know whether vitex alone caused these effects, but it is promising data.
Safety
Vitex Elixir is available over the counter in liquid form. According to the label, the suggested dose is 30 to 60 drops taken three to four times daily in a small amount of water. It is important to take Vitex Elixir for fertility support only under the supervision of your obstetrician. Although vitex is used to support getting pregnant, it has not been evaluated for use during pregnancy. According to the manufacturer's website, you should not use Vitex Elixir during pregnancy or nursing. General side effects include nausea, headache and acne. Vitex might interact with other medications. You also should tell your doctor if you have any existing medical conditions.
References
- Womenshealth.gov: Infertility Fact Sheet
- Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Chasteberry
- "The Journal of Reproductive Medicine"; A Nutritional Supplement For Improving Fertility in Women: a Pilot Study; L.M Westphal et al.; April 2004
- "American Family Physician"; Chasteberry; Beatrix Roemheld-Hamm; September 2005
- Giaherbs.com: Vitex Elixir
