Can You Take Vitex While Breastfeeding?
Vitex fruits, also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus fruits, Chasteberry, and Monk’s Pepper, are produced by the Chaste Tree. Its fruits and other parts of the plant are used in herbal medicine. It is used as a natural remedy to treat conditions related to the menstrual cycle in women such as breast pain, premenstrual syndrome, and more severe premenstrual syndrome symptoms. If you are planning to take vitex while breastfeeding, you are probably wondering is it considered safe to take while nursing. Below we will talk about vitex health benefits, what it is used for, and its potential safety while breastfeeding.
What Is Vitex Used For?
Vitex is a traditional herb for women’s health that helps maintain hormone balance and healthy progesterone levels in women. According to an article that was published on the National Library of Medicine (NIH), there were several studies that investigated the therapeutic effect of vitex on premenstrual syndrome and other conditions related to women’s health. It’s a popular herbal treatment in American and European practice and it is also permitted for use in listed medicines in Australia.
It’s most commonly used to treat a few health conditions in women listed bellow:
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Menstrual disorders
- Symptoms of menopause
- Acne
- Infertility issues
- Prevention of miscarriage
- And other conditions related to woman’s health
It is important to note that although there were many studies about vitex, not all its benefits are backed by science. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before you take it.
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What Does Vitex Do to Hormones?
A study found that taking vitex helps reduce PMS symptoms by rebalancing hormones in women, including prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone hormones.
How Does Vitex Help with Premenstrual Syndrome?
Taking vitex may help to decrease some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in women. According to researches, it helped reduce the symptoms listed here:
- Breast pain and tenderness
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Depressed mood
- Anger
- Constipation
- Headache
What Does Vitex Do for Fertility?
Low progesterone levels in women can cause infertility problems, miscarriages, or irregular periods and spotting. Using vitex may help increase progesterone levels and balance a woman’s monthly cycle. If you have hormone, period, or fertility problems, you should talk to your doctor or health care provider before using vitex.
Is It Safe to Use Vitex While Breastfeeding?
Vitex is typically considered safe for most healthy adults. That being said, vitex is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding mainly because there are not enough researches about its effects on babies. The main concern of taking vitex while pregnant or breastfeeding is that it can interfere with hormones. An old study suggests that vitex may boost milk supply in breastfeeding women, but its overall evidence is controversial and weak.
Therefore, if you are considering taking vitex while breastfeeding, it is important to consult your doctor before you take it.
Vitex Side Effects
Vitex is generally considered safe for most people when used in moderation for up to 3 months. Uncommon side effects may include:
- Acne
- Sleeping problems
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Rash
Is Vitex Good for You?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is better to avoid taking vitex during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You can consult your doctor and consider taking vitex after you stop breastfeeding your baby.
Best Vitex Supplements on The Market
Gaia Herbs – Vitex Berry for Women
Gaia Herbs Vitex Berry is one of the most popular vitex supplements on the market. It is helps to maintain a healthy hormone balance in women.
Gaia Herbs – Fertility Support Women
Gaia Herbs Fertility Support helps to maintain a healthy cycle during preconception in women.
Nature’s Way Vitex Fruit
It has been traditionally used to balance a woman’s monthly cycle and it is a naturally gluten-free and vegetarian supplement.
Bottom Line,
Vitex is typically considered safe for most people, yet it is not recommended to take vitex while breastfeeding or pregnant. If you are considering taking vitex to help balance your hormones or help to reduce PMS symptoms, make sure to talk to your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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