How to Stop Taking Vitex

Vitex is an herbal supplement that has been used for at least 2,500 years to treat feminine hormonal problems. It affects the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, increasing progesterone levels and lowering prolactin, which can correct problems with premenstrual syndrome, failure to ovulate and luteal phase defect. While many women use vitex to effectively treat fertility problems, people don't typically remain on herbal supplements forever. If you have taken vitex successfully -- or unsuccessfully -- to treat a condition, you may eventually decide you don't need it any more.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize a circumstance where you should quit taking vitex. Discontinue vitex if you start taking one of the medications the herb interferes with, such as birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy and drugs that activate dopamine. Vitex is a gentle herb, but it may occasionally cause side effects -- including nausea, diarrhea, acne, itching and rashes -- and should be discontinued if these problems become troublesome. Because vitex influences pregnancy hormones, it should not be taken during pregnancy and should be used with caution while breastfeeding to prevent the possibility of it negatively impacting your developing baby or milk supply. You may also want to quit using the herb if you feel it isn't helping with your symptoms or if you don't think you need it anymore.

• 2

  Stop taking vitex periodically. Natural fertility specialist Hethir Rodriguez suggests that vitex users stop taking the herb while menstruating, since vitex raises progesterone levels and progesterone naturally drops during your period. Herbal expert Christopher Hobbs recommends taking vitex for 10 days and then stopping for a day or two to give your body a rest. Also, if you are trying to become pregnant and want to ensure you don't take any vitex while pregnant, you may quit taking the herb after ovulation and resume using it when your period starts.

• 3

  Discontinue vitex permanently. If you want to stop taking vitex, simply quit taking the herb when you are done unless the instructions that come with your vitex product, your pharmacist or your naturopathic physician recommends a different method of stopping.