Vitex: Does it Help Premenstrual Syndrome?
Vitex: Does it Help Premenstrual Syndrome?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that occur in the days or weeks leading up to a woman's period. Symptoms can include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, and bloating.
Vitex, also known as chasteberry, is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat PMS. The berries of the vitex tree contain compounds that have been shown to have hormone-balancing effects. Vitex is thought to work by increasing levels of progesterone, a hormone that helps to regulate the menstrual cycle.
There is some scientific evidence to support the use of vitex for PMS. A 2012 review of studies found that vitex was effective in reducing PMS symptoms in about 50% of women. However, the studies included in the review were small and of low quality.
More research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of vitex for PMS. However, vitex is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated. It is typically taken in capsule or tea form.
If you are considering taking vitex for PMS, talk to your doctor first. Vitex may interact with some medications, such as birth control pills and blood thinners.
Vitex Dosing
The typical dose of vitex for PMS is 250-500 mg per day. It can be taken once or twice a day, with or without food.
Vitex may take several weeks to start working. If you do not notice any improvement in your symptoms after 3 months, you may want to stop taking it.
Vitex Side Effects
Vitex is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated. However, some side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and headaches, have been reported.
Vitex may interact with some medications, such as birth control pills and blood thinners. If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor before starting vitex.
Conclusion
Vitex is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat PMS. There is some scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of vitex for PMS, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy. Vitex is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated, but it may interact with some medications. Talk to your doctor before starting vitex if you are taking any medications.