PCOS and Vitex--any success stories

[Jamers89]

Hi everyone! DH and I are currently almost 2 years into our journey to have our first little one. Last August I was diagnosed with PCOS. My doctor prescribed Metformin, and at my highest dosage I was taking 1500 mg. I went from no cycle for over a year to having at least 1 every 3 months. I had HORRIFIC side effects from the Metformin, and it was making me feel worse, not better. My doc suggested I use Vitex to regulate my cycle. I started taking Vitex in late September, and i am currently on CD 3 with my first period since June!!!! I was told that if it did work, it wouldn't be until December or January.

Have any of you ladies experienced success using Vitex with conceiving? Are there any other herbal supplements that either I or DH can take to help the Vitex? I'm super excited, as I feel so much better and actually have hope that I might get my sweet baby!

 

[Ltweety]

Glad to hear it's working for you so far. I use Vitex (or a version of it--because it's just chasteberry tree) and I've fallen pregnant on it twice. I don't, however, have PCOS. A couple of gals in the TTC after a loss have used it with PCOS and have had success.

 

[HolisticDoc]

Hi Jamers89!

I also have PCOS. I used maca and vitex for several months and saw improvements with my cycles (less spotting, longer luteal phase), yet I wasn't consistently ovulating. I believe I was taking 2000mg of each.

Between Feb and May I started 1000 mg of metformin daily. From May till current, my dosage was bumped up to 2000 mg daily. I felt the most improvement with that dosage. Fortunately I did not have bad side effects. So basically I got pregnant with metformin, and I was taking that for a shorter period of time than I was with the Vitex/maca.

You're definitely on the right track with vitex and metformin together! I hope you get your soon!

 

[K.N]

I too was on metformin for pcos initially - i found it too somewhat help my cycle; although the side effects pretty much ruled any chancen of conception out. It was definitely not a fun medication to be on! I tried the vitex for a decent few months and didnt mind it; i didnt conceive on it however it did help regulate me also; without the horrible side effects hahaa. They say it takes a few months for it to start taking effect though so definitely allow at least 3 where it may or may not help i didnt take anything alongside it either - aside from folic acid and a multivitamin!
All the best for your bfp!!

 

[2ducks]

Hello! I don't have PCOS but I am taking Vitex to regulate my cycles. I went off BC 6 months ago and just had my first cycle. I started taking Vitex 3 months ago, one important thing to remember is that it can take Vitex up to 6 months to work. Look into Maca, dong quai and black cohosh as well. I am taking a mixture of these supplements to help my cycles start as well as accupuncture. I am not taking these herbs under medical supervision, so of course I would suggest speaking to a natropath doctor or herbalist especially if you are taking other meds. Good luck!

 

[Xokittycatxo]

I don't have PCOS but I have been using vitex for years and it works wonderfully to regulate my cycles. Maca and red raspberry leaf also help and I just recently started taking inositol because I heard it helps women with PCOS ovulate. I don't think I O every cycle and when I do it's late so I'm hoping to movie it up. So far I think it's working because I def O last cycle. Maybe something to look into? GL!!!

 

[Ruby14]

Hello! I have very long cycles also between 85 and 195 days at the longest though I do not have PCOS, at least not the last time that I was tested. I started using Vitex on cd 5 and I think I am about to O at cd 56-58! so I have been taking it just under 2 months I have been using OPKs and got a positive last night so I am hoping for a temp rise in the next few days. I dont know if it works for everyone but it definitely seems to have helped me! Good luck I hope it works for you too!