Primary uses of vitex agnus-castus: Alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Vitex agnus-castus has outperformed placebo in numerous trials, and has been shown to be effective at reducing hot flashes, bloating, irritability, sleep disturbances, depressions, various mood disorders and even cramping associated with premenstrual syndrome. Vitex agnus-castus has also been shown in some cases to increase fertility levels, the popularity of Vitex agnus-castus as a fertility aid is growing within Europe and the United States.

Vitex has been shown to be particularly effective for disorders connected with hormonal imbalance, including LPD (luteal phase defect) or corpus luteum insufficiency. Many menstrual issues or infertility obstacles are associated with low or irregular production of progesterone during the luteal phase, which may contribute to LPD and possibly to a more complicated fertility condition, PCOS.

Symptoms of LPD are associated with cycle irregularity and a short luteal phase, precipitated by lower-than-normal progesterone levels during the second half of your cycle. With regard to PCOS, hormonal imbalances and low progesterone may also contribute to the formation of ovarian cysts that lead to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Women with PCOS also tend to exhibit higher-than-normal levels of prolactin, which may inhibit fertility. As vitex agnus castus has been shown to support progesterone production and suppress prolactin, vitex may be suggested as a herbal remedy for menstrual cycle imbalances, luteal phase defect, and possibly PCOS (as normalized progesterone levels and cycle regularity may suppress the development of ovarian cysts associated with estrogen dominance).