Vitex

[Futuremama2010]

Is anyone on Vitex? And if so, was it recommended to you by your dr.?  Does anyone know the effects of vitex on IVF?  I am concerned wether it will affect embryo quality if taken before an IVF due to its interaction with the injectables? I was on Chinese herbal treatment once during one of my IVF cycles and it affected the quality of the embryos. I am just trying to be a little more cautious.

Thanks in advance!

[Futuremama2010]

Hey!  I continued with DHEA until ER......and I really think my good results in terms of fertilization and egg quality is becos of DHEA.

Yes, Vitex is considered herbal and I have decided not to go on it.

SSBD!

[Marietta2000]

Actually Sofia, I've just read up a bit on herbs and vitex, and it really seems that anything herbal SHOULD NOT be taken while undergoing IVF, or starting BCPs for IVF. See below:-

Herbs:
Herbal treatment is aimed at restoring hormone imbalances, and encouraging ovulation if it is not occurring. It will also give you the best possible chance of maintaining a pregnancy, should you conceive.

Agnus Castus (Vitex or Chaste tree berry)

This is the herb of choice for helping to restore hormone imbalance and increasing fertility. In one study 48 women diagnosed with infertility took agnus castus daily for three months, 7 of them became pregnant during that time and 25 of them regained normal progesterone levels.

Agnus castus is particularly helpful for those women who have a luteal phase defect (shortened second half to the cycle) or those with high prolactin levels, because it stimulates the proper functioning of the pituitary gland which controls the hormones.

Agnus castus works to restore hormonal balance and can be used where there are hormone deficits as well as excesses it:

    * Regulates periods
    * Restarts periods which have stopped
    * Helps with heavy bleeding
    * Increases the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen by balancing excess oestrogen.

Note:
Don't take any herbs while you are using drug treatments or going through assisted conception (such as IVF), unless prescribed by a qualified practitioner.
Caution
You should not take any herbs if you are taking, The Pill, Fertillity drugs, HRT or any other hormonal treatment or other medication unless they are recommended by a registered, experienced practitioner.

I think everything else I am taking isn't considered herbal, only Vitex, but I shall look them all up on the internet just to make sure.  

SSBD to everyone!!!!  

[Marietta2000]

I did read that vitex should be stopped before doing IVF, so maybe I'll wean myself off them over the next month.  The way I see it really is that my two IVF cycles pretty much produced identical quality embryos, even though I was on two different protocols.  So the chances are the same embryos will be produced again this time, so that's why I've decided to do things differently this time, and see what the outcome is.  If the outcome is worse, I'll no doubt do one more IVF, and then go back to IUI.  I know IUI is a lot less successful, but it is how I conceived my other children.

Tell me, did you continue taking the DHEA while you were stimulating for IVF?  

[Futuremama2010]

I have decided not to take vitex afterall...I spoke to my dr. about it and at first he said, if its herbal its fine but when I read about how it affects hormone levels, it did concern me as I don't think I will be doing hormone tests during my cycle....

And so I am only on DHEA....

SSBD to all of you lovely ladies!

[Marietta2000]

I'm taking vitex, two capsules twice daily.  I'm just a bit concerned about continuing to use them once I start on the stims.  And then if I stop, maybe that could have a bad effect on my system also.  I'm going to read the links here, but just wonder, did you use vitex on any of your other cycles?  My RE hasn't recommended I take anything, so I'm really doing all of these supplements, plus DHEA, without him knowing.    I hope February goes your way!!!!

PS. Thanks Linda for the links.  I'll go and read them:0)  

SSBD everyone!!

[Futuremama2010]

Thanks so much for this Linda!!!

[Sherri90049]

You're awesome, Linda! Thanks so much for taking the time to post! Great info! :)

[blindbat101]

I am in the process of compiling articles about various supplements and here are some of them that I found on Vitex.  I'm trying to stay away from anything anecdotal and am looking for those that are scientific or scholarly in nature, written by researchers, naturopaths, and those who practice TCM.  I'm finding it challenging to wade through the tomes of "this is what I do..." and get to the actual information!  This might not address IVF specifically, but it's what I have on hand at the moment that goes beyond personal accounts and heresay.  Hope it helps!

Science-Based Fertility Support of Chasteberry
http://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new09709.html

Vitex… Fertility Super Herb?
http://natural-fertility-info.com/vitex

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/chasteberry/

How can Vitex (Chaste berry) help me get pregnant?
http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/vitex.html

Linda