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| How does vitex help? Vitex does not act as a phytoestrogen (plant estrogen), a term commonly associated with balancing the female reproductive system. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are responsible for triggering the female hormonal cycle. By increasing levels of lutenizing hormone and mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone, Vitex is able to shift the ratio of estrogen to progesterone slightly in favor of progesterone. The good acceptability of the preparation is also shown by the long duration of the treatment, with a mean of 5 months, and up to 9 years in some cases...The tolerance is exceptional: only 2.3% of patients experienced unwanted effects with the treatment..." [1]. Again, their doctors rated vitex tincture as very good, good, or satisfactory in 93% of the cases. [2]. Women with PMS may want to use vitex either alone or preferably as part of a comprehensive herbal formula. Other uses Low levels of progesterone are believed to contribute significantly to menopausal symptoms. I have given it to both young men and women with equal effectiveness. |
| Menopausal Issues Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods) Progesterone Low or Estrogen Dominance |