Vitex can help regulate other hormones so that prolactin does not interfere with menstruation and ovulation. Relatively high prolactin levels delay menstruation, especially when women diet or when they are under prolonged stress. Progesterone is essential to signalling the uterus to create changes in its lining so the fertilized egg can "nest." When progesterone levels are too low, even if the egg is released from the fallopian tubes and subsequently fertilized it may not be implanted. LH levels peak about the same time as the actual release of the egg. FSH is a signal to the uterus that ovulation is "going to happen." If FSH levels stay too high, the uterus is constantly "told" that ovulation is going to happen but hasn't happened yet. Taking vitex also slightly increases progesterone levels, and it affects the balance of FSH and LH with a fourth hormone, prolactin. Phytochemicals found in vitex act on the hypothalamus and the pituitary in the brain to change levels of two important hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). You can find vitex in its most useful form, as a tincture, and also in capsules and as whole berries. Side effects when it is taken by women are mild and rare. Vitex is the herb also known as chasteberry and by its scientific name Vitex agnus castus. Men seeking to become fathers should not use or even handle vitex, but women who have PCOS may find vitex to be exactly what they need. The herb vitex has been used for hundreds of years for two diametrically opposite but completely compatible purposes, to keep men chaste and to help women conceive.
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